Desley Boyle, the member for Cairns, was sworn in as Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships on 26 March 2009.

With a wealth of experience spanning state and local governments, Minister Boyle has a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing councils across Queensland. Her experience as a city councillor and Deputy Mayor of Cairns City Council (1988 - 1992) helped guide her reforms of the local government sector through the Size, Shape, Sustainability program implemented in 2005. Ms Boyle remains committed to building the strongest system of local government in the country.

Desley Boyle was elected to Parliament in June 1998 – the first worman to represent Cairns.  She has long been a champion of local government and has served as Minister for Local Government and Planning (2004), Minister for Environment, Local Government, Planning and Women (2004 - 2006), Minister for Child Safety (2006 - 2007) and Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry (2007 - 2009).

Prior to entering politics, Minister Boyle worked as a clinical and organisational psychologist and holds Masters degrees in business administration and psychology. She has three children and two grandchildren.