Queensland minister Amanda Camm resigns from cabinet over health and safety

Queensland minister Amanda Camm resigned from cabinet on Friday, saying the decision was "mine alone" and citing health and safety reasons after months of pressure over the state government's handling of the child safety system and efforts to prevent domestic and family violence.

Camm told reporters she had experienced harassment, threats, bullying and vilification over the past year, and suggested some criticism of her had gone beyond "public scrutiny and accountability". She pointed to the recent alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines, saying it had "reinforced the importance of taking concerns about personal health, safety and wellbeing of people in public life very seriously".

"Public scrutiny and accountability are central to democracy and to our institutions. Harassment, threats, bullying and personal vilification are not. And for the past year this has been my experience. There is much more work to be done."

Medical leave and recovery

Camm had recently taken six weeks of medical leave, including undergoing a surgical procedure. She said she had realised her recovery would be "ongoing" and that she would not be able to continue her ministerial duties given the workload and "the ongoing stresses".

"It would be unfair to the government for me to take further leave," she said.

A replacement is expected to be announced later on Friday.

Pressure over portfolios

Before taking leave, Camm had been the government's most under-pressure minister. Her dual responsibilities – child safety and the prevention of family violence – had heaped pressure on her over her job performance.

The government came under fire over claims of children in state care sleeping on the floor of government offices, which child protection workers linked to government policies including the cancelling of contracts to some residential care providers. Camm also faced pressure over budget cuts to domestic and family violence prevention and a lack of progress on reforms demanded by the former government's women's safety and justice taskforce.

Guardian Australia reported that Camm had buried the findings of a panel of domestic and family violence victim-survivors, which was highly critical of police. Her office told one member she was no longer welcome to contact them by phone. Her relationship with Tim Mander, the sport and Olympics minister, had also placed both under scrutiny in parliament and the press.

Premier responds

Premier David Crisafulli said he wanted to "support Amanda" and that she had not been removed over her performance.

It is understood the government will not instigate a broader reshuffle but will appoint a new face to the ministry to replace Camm. Among those considered in the frame for a promotion is former senator and Morrison government figure Amanda Stoker, who was elected to the state parliament in 2024.

Source: The Guardian World.