UPDATE: Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber is facing intense scrutiny after reports emerged alleging her aggressive behavior towards staff. The minister has publicly denied these claims, labeling them as “spurious” and “clearly not true.” The controversy comes as Gerber experiences significant staff turnover, with her office recently losing its chief of staff, the third departure since December 2022.
In a heated exchange during parliamentary question time on October 24, 2023, opposition members from the Labor Party pressed Premier David Crisafulli to address the situation. Labor has accused Gerber of screaming and swearing at employees, prompting calls for immediate intervention. Crisafulli stood firm, reiterating his support for Gerber amid the backlash.
Gerber, who has largely remained silent on the matter until now, accused Labor of “flinging mud” in an effort to discredit her. “They cannot come at me on my record, so they’re making spurious personal allegations,” she stated, defending her professional track record.
The latest chief of staff to exit is Valeria Cheghov, a former adviser in previous federal administrations under Morrison and Turnbull. Her departure follows the exits of David Fraser and Matt McEachan, raising concerns over the stability within Gerber’s leadership team. In addition, Bob Gee, the director-general, has taken a secondment to serve as secretary of the government’s CFMEU Commission of Inquiry, although he has publicly denied initiating this move.
This situation is unfolding rapidly, and the implications of Gerber’s leadership style may have far-reaching effects on both her career and the operations of the Youth Justice Department. Observers are urged to watch for further developments as the political landscape continues to shift in Queensland.
The emotional toll on staff and the potential impact on youth justice policies are significant concerns as this story develops. With key players involved and ongoing allegations, this matter is far from resolved. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
