ALP Queensland state secretary Kate Flanders resigns after resounding federal victory

Queensland’s ALP state secretary Kate Flanders has resigned weeks after the Labor Party recaptured Brisbane at the federal election.

Queensland Labor state secretary Kate Flanders. Picture: Steve Pohlner

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Queensland’s ALP state secretary Kate Flanders has resigned weeks after the Labor Party recaptured Brisbane at the federal election.

The respected lawyer, who worked in the unions for two decades, is bringing three years in the top role to a close after more than doubling caucus representation in the state by securing seven new seats earlier this month, including that of opposition leader Peter Dutton, and a second Senate spot.

Ms Flanders said she had been grateful “for this incredible opportunity”.

“The Labor Party and the labour movement in Queensland have stood up for the things that matter to everyday Queenslanders and the passion and enthusiasm for looking after each other has shone through,” she said. “Serving as state secretary has been the greatest honour of my life and I’m so proud to have played my part in this chapter.”

Ms Flanders is stepping back to spend more time with her young family. Her final day will be June 30.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles’s former policy adviser and left-faction secretary Ben Driscoll is expected to take over as Queensland state secretary.

Ms Flanders was elevated to the top job in 2022 following Labor’s federal election defeat. Throughout her tenure as state secretary, she oversaw four state by-elections, the 2023 referendum on the voice, last year’s local government and state election and this year’s national vote.

Labor national secretary Paul Erickson said Ms Flanders had “helped deliver a remarkable turnaround in federal Labor’s fortunes in Queensland”.

“The 2022 federal election was bittersweet for many Labor supporters in Queensland,” he told The Australian. “Kate took the reins in the aftermath of that result, and this month helped deliver a remarkable turnaround in federal Labor’s fortunes in Queensland. Kate’s work ethic and dedication to building a stronger Labor Party that delivers for communities rights across the Sunshine State were the hallmark of her three years as state secretary.”

Despite Labor’s loss at the state election last October, Ms Flanders said she was proud of working with her “dear friend”, Mr Miles, on the campaign. The party managed to fend off a Greens push to capture the inner city and sandbagged crucial suburban Brisbane seats from the Liberal Nationals.

The former Queensland premier said Ms Flanders had been “excellent” in the role.

“It’s no secret Kate is a very good friend of mine,” Mr Miles said. “She is widely trusted for her hard work, dedication and commitment.”

Additional reporting: Sarah Ison