New state MP Amanda Stoker focused on ‘real change’

A controversial former senator turned Queensland MP says there will always be those who make her out to be a troublemaker.

Amanda Stoker is the new LNP member for the bayside seat of Oodgeroo. Picture: Josh Woning

A controversial former senator turned Queensland MP says there will always be those who make her out to be a troublemaker, even though she has focused on delivering real change.

But incoming Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker also doesn’t shy away from her personal views on abortion, or that she believes the state LNP should keep an open mind on nuclear energy.

Ms Stoker’s preselection for the bayside seat was the catalyst of Labor’s abortion election tactics against the LNP, with the former Queensland senator vocal about her pro-life views.

“My personal view is pretty well known, but so too is the LNP’s approach,” she said.

“The LNP’s approach is that we’re not out to change anything.

“My personal view is that we need to do much better as a community for a vulnerable woman facing an unplanned pregnancy.

“There’s lots of ways that we can do that that are consistent with keeping the promises that were made by the LNP going into the election.”

Ms Stoker, on nuclear energy, said it was important the new LNP government kept its promises, but also that it was evidence-driven and open-minded.

“We’ve just got to keep an open mind, and at the moment, (nuclear energy is) not an option federally. That means our plan makes sense in the context we’re in,” she said.

Premier David Crisafulli has already ruled out immediately elevating Ms Stoker into a frontbench or assistant ministry role, though she has experience as a junior minister during her time in the federal Coalition government.

Ms Stoker, who secured Oodgeroo on a 56.4 per cent primary vote, said speculation about a potential promotion was irrelevant.

“What I care about most is making sure that I’m getting results for the people who live in my electorate in this Cleveland district,” she said.