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IN BRIEF
- Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and state Opposition leader Steven Miles have expressed their condolences.
- Jimmy Sullivan was disendorsed by Queensland Labor in May 2025, forcing him to the crossbench.
Queensland’s political landscape is reeling from the unexpected demise of a respected independent MP.
Jimmy Sullivan, who served as the representative for Brisbane’s Stafford area, was discovered lifeless at his residence on Thursday evening. He was 44 years old.
Authorities were alerted around 10:15 p.m. on Thursday and upon arriving at his unit in the northern part of Brisbane, they confirmed his passing.
The circumstances surrounding his death are not being considered suspicious at this time.
Premier David Crisafulli expressed his condolences, stating, “The sudden passing of Stafford’s representative, Jimmy Sullivan, will undoubtedly shock Queenslanders.”
”On behalf of all Queenslanders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
His death will trigger a by-election for the Stafford electorate.
Sullivan was first elected to parliament as a Labor MP in 2020, following in his father’s footsteps.
His dad Terry Sullivan had been a state Labor MP from 1992 to 2006.
Queensland Labor said Sullivan’s loss would be felt by many.
All of us in the Labor family are in shock today at the sudden and tragic passing of our friend and colleague, Jimmy Sullivan.
Statement from Queensland Labor
“We honour his memory and his deep connection to his local community where he was born, raised and honoured to serve his whole life.
“Our thoughts are with Jimmy’s family, friends and all who loved him.”
State Opposition leader and former Labor premier Steven Miles issued a brief statement, saying “our thoughts are with Jimmy’s family, friends and community this morning as we all process this news”.
‘A local through and through’
Sullivan served as assistant to the minister for justice and veterans affairs in the Miles government and was previously chief of staff to former attorney-general Yvette D’Ath.
He was re-elected in the 2024 state election, surviving a 5.5 per cent swing against him as the Miles government was swept from power by Crisafulli’s Liberal National Party.
He fell out with Labor soon afterwards, with police called to an alleged domestic incident at his home the day after the election.
No charges were laid.
He was placed on leave to attend to medical and legal issues, before being disendorsed by Labor in May 2025, forcing him to the crossbench.
Speaking as an independent in parliament for the first time, Sullivan broke down, telling MPs he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder caused by the death of his first daughter.
“I spiralled, I recognise that, and I put my hand up for healthcare,” he told parliament.
Miles accused him of failing to adhere to a “safe return to work plan”.
On his parliamentary web page, Sullivan described himself as “a local through and through” who had grown up and gone to school in the electorate.
Before politics, he was a lawyer and former judge’s associate in the District Court of Queensland.
He worked across government and law reform in Canberra, Brisbane and the United States, working in the office of Democratic senator Ron Wyden.
Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner regarding Sullivan’s death.
Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
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