Our Minister
Karen Struthers was sworn in as Queensland Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women on 26 March 2009.
She was elected to the Queensland Parliament in June 1998 and has represented her current seat of Algester since February 2001. Prior to becoming a Minister, Karen was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours from the University of Queensland and a Masters of Public Sector Management with Honours form Griffith University.
Karen is on the Council of Griffith University. Prior to her election to the Queensland Parliament, Karen was Assistant Director of the Queensland Council of Social Services.
Karen is delighted to have been given her current portfolio by the Premier. She believes the combination of the Departments of Communities and Housing is the right mix, in that it will enable these two crucial Departments to work together in a real partnership.
Karen worked in social policy prior to entering politics because she wanted to make a real difference to people's lives. She is still driven by that same passion today and is looking forward to tackling the challenges ahead.
Last reviewed: 18 August 2009
