Key facts
- New Queensland DV minister Amanda Stoker has faced criticism over past comments questioning the "blindly believe" approach to allegations of violence.
- Stoker argued in a 2023 article that reforms encouraging belief in complaints without assessing evidence could harm innocent defendants.
- Research indicates that false allegations in sexual and domestic violence cases are rare, with Queensland Police Service stating the rate is "very low".
- Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan stated that leaders' words about sexual violence influence victims' decisions to report incidents.
- Stoker's office stated her comments were made in a broader context and that she cares deeply about procedural fairness.
Women's safety advocates have voiced concerns over the appointment of Amanda Stoker, a conservative Queensland MP, as the state's new minister for the prevention of domestic violence. The concerns stem from resurfaced comments Stoker made in 2023, where she argued against "blindly" believing allegations of violence and suggested such an approach could harm innocent defendants. Stoker, a former federal senator, has a history of supporting the rights of those accused of sexual assault. Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame described Stoker's appointment as "disappointing" given the ongoing rise in sexual and domestic violence in Australia. While some in the community sector welcomed the appointment, others working with victims have privately expressed reservations. Stoker's office stated that her prior comments were made in a broader context and that she is committed to procedural fairness.