Full Breakdown
Amanda Camm Resigns as Queensland Child-Safety and Domestic-Violence Minister
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Resignation and Immediate Context
Queensland’s Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Amanda Camm, announced on Friday that she is stepping down from cabinet. Camm said the decision was “mine alone” and that her ongoing recovery from major surgery and chronic health issues would prevent her from meeting the workload and stresses of the portfolios. She added that recent public attacks on federal MP Helen Haines reinforced the need to prioritize personal health and safety. A replacement is expected to be named later on the same day.
Background & Context
Camm had been under intense scrutiny since taking office in October 2024. Key issues included:
- Children in state care sleeping on mattresses and office floors after residential placements ran out.
- A $183 million IT-system rollout that left child-safety officers unable to access court orders for at-risk children.
- Budget cuts to domestic-violence prevention and a perceived slowdown in implementing the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce’s recommendations.
- Public criticism of the handling of a high-profile child-safety review involving predator Ashley Paul Griffith.
Data & Statistics
- The number of Queensland children known to child-safety services who died rose by almost 60 % in a year, according to opposition figures, while a government source cited a 59.6 % increase.
- On October 13, data showed 2,804 children remained in residential care, 15 fewer than the previous reporting period, marking the first modest decline after record levels.
- The 2026-27 state budget allocated $340.7 million to domestic and family violence prevention, a reduction flagged by advocacy groups as a shortfall of nearly $40 million.
- A Commission of Inquiry released 52 recommendations in June; the government accepted 32 outright and 16 in principle.
- The state committed $200 million in July to reforms stemming from the inquiry.
Official Statements & Responses
He praised her “dedication, passion and commitment” and indicated the cabinet would not undergo a broader reshuffle, though a new minister will be appointed.
Opposition leader Steven Miles argued that the choice of successor would “speak volumes” about the government’s priority for children in care and urged the incoming minister to publish a progress report on the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce recommendations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two distinct figures describe the increase in child-death statistics: opposition sources cite an “almost 60 %” rise, while a government-linked report specifies a 59.6 % increase. The sources do not reconcile this minor discrepancy, and no independent audit of the data has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It would be unfair to the government for me to take further leave,” — Amanda Camm
- “Having returned from six weeks of medical leave following major surgery I have come to recognise that my recovery still has some way to go and I need to prioritise my health and wellbeing,” — Amanda Camm
What’s Next
Premier Crisafulli is expected to announce a new minister within days. Media reports suggest former senator Amanda Stoker is among those being considered for the role. No further cabinet reshuffle is planned at this time.