Late yesterday I advised the Premier of my decision to step down from the Ministry.
This has been a considered and deeply personal decision.
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.
It has been an enormous privilege to serve as Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.
I’m proud of the important reforms our Government has commenced to strengthen child protection, support foster and kinship carers, stabilise residential care and improve responses to domestic and family violence.
The landmark Child Safety Commission of Inquiry was the turning point for the Child Safety system. There is much more work to be done, while early positive signs show we have stabilised numbers in the Residential Care system for the first time.
I’m proud to have been part of delivering nation-leading domestic and family violence laws to protect more victims sooner and hold perpetrators to account with electronic monitoring.
Doubling the calls answered on DVConnect so victims can get the support they need, when they need it, is something I’m proud to have delivered.
After sitting with victims of domestic and family violence over many years through opposition and then in the ministry, I’m proud to have been part of delivering change that can help save lives.
I remain committed to supporting all these reforms and the Crisafulli Government.
I sincerely thank the Premier for the opportunity to serve in his Government and for his support of my decision.
I remain committed to the people of Whitsunday as their Member of Parliament, and to supporting the Premier and the Government in delivering a fresh start for Queensland.
As stated by Premier David Crisafulli:
I thank Amanda for her service to Queensland firstly as a Shadow Minister and then as a Minister.
Amanda took on an enormous task with a Child Safety system in crisis and a state in need of domestic violence reform. With her dedication, passion and commitment, she has put Queensland on the road to repair on both.
Amanda’s greatest legacy will be delivering the reform roadmap for Child Safety, through the Commission of Inquiry. Children will be adopted again in this State because of the work she has done, more children will be in family-based care because of the reforms she’s delivered.
Her work in domestic violence, delivering reforms to laws, and doubling the call rate for the domestic violence helpline will see more women and children access help in their time of need.
I speak on behalf of the Government, the LNP and all Queenslanders in wishing her the best in her recovery.
