Queensland DV Minister Stoker's Resurfaced Comments Spark Concern 2026

Queensland's newly appointed minister for the prevention of domestic violence, Amanda Stoker, is under scrutiny after resurfaced comments from 2023 in which she argued that people should not "blindly" believe women who make allegations of violence. The remarks have raised concerns among women's safety advocates about her suitability for the role.

Stoker, a rightwing Queensland MP and former federal senator, was appointed to the portfolio on Saturday. In a 2023 article, she wrote that the push to believe complaints "rather than carefully assess[ing] relevant evidence" would harm innocent defendants. She has repeatedly supported the rights of people accused of sexual assault and implied some were subject to "false allegations".

Who is Amanda Stoker and what did she say?

Amanda Stoker is a Queensland MP who previously served as a federal senator. She was appointed as the state's minister for the prevention of domestic violence, a role that also includes responsibility for the child safety system, following the resignation of Amanda Camm.

In a 2023 article, Stoker argued against what she described as a push to believe complaints "rather than carefully assess[ing] relevant evidence". She suggested that such an approach would harm innocent defendants. The comments have resurfaced as she takes on the domestic violence portfolio.

Why are women's safety advocates concerned?

Women's safety advocates have raised concerns about Stoker's appointment in light of her resurfaced statements. They argue that her comments undermine the principle of believing victim-survivors, which is a cornerstone of domestic violence response.

Former Australian of the year Grace Tame, who in 2021 criticised Stoker's appointment to the federal outer ministry, said the appointment was "disappointing". Tame is a prominent advocate for survivors of sexual assault.

Guardian Australia has spoken to several people who work in Queensland supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence who said they had private concerns about Stoker taking over the portfolio. None would speak publicly, in an environment where support organisations say they've been warned not to criticise the government, and others have had public funding cut.

What does the portfolio involve?

The portfolio includes responsibility for the prevention of domestic violence and the child safety system. This means the minister oversees policies and programs aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children.

The role is critical in a state where domestic violence rates remain a significant concern. The minister's stance on believing allegations could influence how support services are funded and how victims are treated by the system.

What has been the reaction from the community sector?

Stoker's appointment this week was welcomed in public by some in the community sector. However, Guardian Australia reports that several people working in victim support have private concerns but are afraid to speak out. Context on how this played out before sits in Queensland DV Minister Stoker's Resurfaced Comments Spark Concern.

This fear of speaking publicly is attributed to an environment where support organisations say they've been warned not to criticise the government, and some have had public funding cut. This creates a chilling effect on advocacy and accountability. The background to this story is set out in Australia: latest articles. A related thread runs through Queensland Minister Amanda Camm Resigns Citing Health and Safety.

What are the key takeaways?

• Amanda Stoker's 2023 comments about not "blindly" believing allegations have resurfaced after her appointment as Queensland's domestic violence minister.
• Women's safety advocates, including Grace Tame, have expressed disappointment and concern about her suitability for the role.
• Some in the community sector publicly welcomed the appointment, but many privately fear speaking out due to potential repercussions.
• The portfolio includes responsibility for the child safety system, making the minister's views on allegations particularly significant.

Comparing Stoker's statements with advocacy positions

What to watch next

As Stoker begins her role, all eyes will be on how she handles policies related to domestic violence and child safety. Advocates will be watching for any changes in funding or approach that could affect victim support services. Earlier coverage in Helen Haines Attack: Parliament Pauses as PM Leads Tributes shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Labor Condemns One Nation's Violent Penny Wong Cartoons.

The tension between her past statements and the expectations of the portfolio will likely continue to be a point of contention. The government's response to concerns from the sector will also be closely monitored. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Threats Against Politicians Rise: Building Safer Politics. The same theme surfaces in ABC Internal Politics: Why Protecting Democracy Is Worth the Pain, which takes a different angle.