Queensland election 2017: Shannon Fentiman no expert, says Hetty Johnston

CHILD protection campaigner turned state election candidate Hetty Johnston doesn’t have anything against minister Shannon Fentiman. It’s just that she’s “not an expert”.

BRAVEHEARTS founder Hetty Johnston has hit out against Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman, saying she is “just lovely” but is “no expert” in the field.

The long term child safety campaigner yesterday launched her candidacy as an independent for the seat of Macalister, south of Brisbane, saying she was hoping to enter politics, not to be a disrupter, but to educate politicians on the issue.

Ms Johnston slammed the current Parliament, saying they had let the public down with short-sighted decisions.

“It’s all about electoral cycles rather than what’s best for the state,” she said.

Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston has announced she will run for Macalister as an Independent. Picture: Peter Wallis

“The (Child Safety) Minister Shannon Fentiman is just lovely.

“But she’s not an expert in child protection.

“I don’t think anyone has done enough, I think it is because they just don’t get it.

“I don’t think it’s because they are bad people either.”

Ms Johnston, who once ran for Logan City Council, has recently worked with the Government in reviewing the blue card and foster care systems following the death of Tiahleigh Palmer last year.

Ms Johnston said the political system in Queensland had become “broken” due to a lack of connection with voters.

“I want to get in there and be part of the democracy, I want to participate in true democracy, I’m not out there to get anybody – I just want to get in there,” she said.

Originally published as Queensland election 2017: Shannon Fentiman no expert, says Hetty Johnston