Teena McQueen, a former federal vice president of the Liberal Party who defected to One Nation in May, has died after a severe illness. She was remembered by colleagues as a 'force of nature in Australian politics.'
Political Career and Defection
McQueen served as the federal Liberal Party vice president from 2017 to 2023, a role she held for six years. In May 2024, she announced her defection to One Nation, citing frustration with the Liberal Party's direction. She believed the party's decline began when Tony Abbott lost the prime ministership.
Known for her conservative commentary, McQueen was a regular on Sky News and attended events with mining magnate Gina Rinehart at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.
Tributes and Legacy
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, now Liberal Party president, paid tribute on social media, calling McQueen a 'good friend.' He noted, 'She sometimes put loyalty ahead of judgment but it was typical of Teena’s large and generous spirit that she would confide in others her plans and then take guidance on their merits. In recent weeks, her frustrations with the party became public but it was always the cause of better government for Australia that motivated her.'
NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane described McQueen as a 'force of nature in Australian politics' in a tribute posted to X.
Controversial Figure
McQueen was a divisive figure even within Liberal ranks. In 2022, then-senator Simon Birmingham called her position as vice president untenable after she praised the departure of 'lefties' from the party. Despite the controversies, many acknowledged her long service and impact on Australian conservative politics.
