Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber’s office turnover sees fifth key staff change amid ‘toxicity’ concerns
The minister who is directing Queensland’s efforts in the key youth justice area has now been named her fifth chief of staff and third head of department, amid ongoing concerns about the “toxicity” of her office.
According to sources with knowledge of the matter, Andy Longmire, who moved to the office of Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber in September, has now moved to his position.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said Prime Minister David Crisafulli’s longtime ally has been replaced by someone else from his office: Ian Kaye.
Kaye, the Greenslopes MP in the Newman government and a 23-year former police officer, has been with the government since its time in opposition; most recently working as a policy advisor.
Rumored to have started with Gerber last week. Gerber was contacted for comment but had previously denied the allegations, which he described as “false personal allegations.”
Commonwealth prosecutor-turned-Currumbin MP and first-time ministerial troubles have been featured repeatedly since may last year.
Labor signaled turmoil in June by introducing a parliamentary question on Gerber’s office. A visibly angry Gerber responded. He accused unnamed Labor ministers of punching staff.
After reporting the chief of staff’s latest reshuffle and details of his 11 departures in September, Opposition Leader Steven Miles described Gerber as follows: “It does not suit being a minister”.
Crisafulli was also contacted for comment. Last year, he downplayed the turnover as people who “might pursue other opportunities” and dismissed the reporting as a “gossip column.”
Crisafulli said that after winning the government, he would hold ministers accountable for the government’s priorities and values. contract letters.
Gerber’s letter It requires him to treat public officials “with the utmost courtesy and respect.”
The Minister’s responsibility for youth justice, victim support and corrections places him in one of the most important roles in reducing the number of crime victims Crisafulli puts his leadership at risk.
Former youth justice department chief executive Bob Gee took leave last year to work as a Justice Department secretary. CFMEU Commission of Inquiry – but his public request for action was denied.
After briefly serving as Victims Commissioner following the resignation of Beck O’Connor, Gee Appointed Cross-Border Commissioner last month.
His successor as chief executive, Kate Connors, has also been announced as the new permanent Victims Commissioner. Michael Drane, a former MP, currently heads the department.
A government source who spoke to this imprint on the condition of anonymity detailing internal workplace issues explained that reported concerns about Gerber yelling at colleagues remain.
They added that the level of micromanagement by Gerber and his office has led to workload problems in the civil service, which has often led to changes in public messaging.
“It’s as if separation of powers has been thrown out the window; their reach is now on another level.”
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Matt Dennien is a reporter covering state politics and public services for the Brisbane Times. He previously worked for newspapers in Tasmania and Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ. Contact him securely on Signal @mattdennien.15Connect via email.
