Opinion: Real-world experience can offset cabinet duds

Queenslanders should take heart from the state cabinet reshuffle thanks to three first-timers who bring a reassuring balance of youth and experience to the mix, writes Jessica Marsalek.

Between the ill-tempered behaviour of the outgoing US President and some of the allegations bouncing around Canberra, it’s been a week where politicians seem to have gone out their way to prove why they are so poorly regarded.

But in a bright patch, Queenslanders should be buoyed to see how their new-look state government is shaping up.

Three new ministers have got the call-up – all on merit and highly regarded.

Hardworking assistant minister, lawyer and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon will walk into the history books as the state’s youngest minister at age 27, bringing a perspective too often missing from public life.

Meaghan Scanlon pictured at Parliament House. Image: Josh Woning

Alongside her are Townsville’s Scott Stewart – a former school principal – and Nudgee MP and former state and federal political staffer Leanne Linard.

While the new cabinet won’t be completely free of duds, these three are not, and will bring real-world experience into posts too often occupied by bland, party hacks.

Both Scanlon and Linard lost parents at a young age – experiences they both say altered their world outlook and no doubt shaped their passion for public service.

Leanne Linard pictured at Parliament House. Image: Josh Woning

Scanlon speaks passionately about her beloved younger brother Callum, who has Down syndrome, and knows the challenges of people living with disability through his struggles, including trying to find a job.

And in an impressive 28-year career in education, Stewart ­established a “boxing” program to try to help underachieving Indigenous students re-engage with their schooling.

Scott Stewart pictured at Parliament House. Image: Josh Woning

They’ll bring an empathy to their jobs all ministers will need as they steer the state through this recession and a global pandemic that’s biting so hard for swathes of people across Queensland.

Originally published as Opinion: Real-world experience can offset cabinet duds