Tragic Discovery of Queensland MP Jimmy Sullivan in Brisbane Unit
The body of Independent Queensland MP Jimmy Sullivan was discovered on Thursday night inside his Stafford apartment in Brisbane. Police officers attended the property for a welfare check and found the 44-year-old politician deceased. Authorities are now investigating whether Sullivan suffered a fatal fall at his unit, with initial reports indicating his death is not being treated as suspicious.
A Year of Devastating Personal and Professional Setbacks
Sullivan's tragic end followed a tumultuous year marked by significant personal and professional challenges. The MP had been expelled from the Queensland Labor party caucus in May 2025 amid ongoing personal issues and had recently separated from his wife, Carolyn McAnally. This separation came less than two years after the couple welcomed their second daughter.
The MP's difficulties became public in October 2024 when, just hours after being re-elected to parliament, police were called to a reported domestic violence incident at the couple's home in the leafy suburb of Kedron. The matter was later dismissed following a court appearance, and Sullivan faced no charges.
Public Breakdown and Political Fallout
In May 2025, Sullivan broke down in parliament while addressing his growing personal issues. This emotional display came as political rivals clamoured for his resignation following his move to the crossbenches as an independent. The MP had been disendorsed and expelled from the Queensland Labor caucus for failing to comply with a return-to-work plan while battling health and personal problems.
Labor leader Steven Miles stated at the time: "As far as I'm concerned, this is final. He hasn't complied with that plan and as a result, we have sought caucus support to take this action. The support for this motion was unanimous, other than the member for Stafford, and has the effect of expelling him from the caucus."
Sullivan vehemently denied these claims, calling them "completely untrue" and describing the action as "a cheap political move." He maintained that he had complied with every requirement placed on him and vowed to continue representing his Labor branch members despite being expelled from the party.
Personal Trauma and Family Struggles
The police investigation into the domestic incident was launched just two months after Sullivan and his wife had welcomed their second child. This birth came five years after their first daughter was stillborn at 35 weeks, a tragedy that continued to haunt the MP.
In his emotional parliamentary address, Sullivan opened up about his post-traumatic stress over the stillborn loss of his first daughter Francesca in 2019, which was triggered by the birth of his second daughter in August 2024. "I obviously went into PTSD with the loss of our first daughter, and our beautiful (second) daughter could have been her twin. It set me off," Sullivan confessed. "I spiralled, I recognise that, and I put my hand up for healthcare."
Professional Background and Community Impact
Sullivan followed in the footsteps of his father Terry, who also served as the member for Stafford from 2001 to 2006. Before entering politics, Sullivan worked as a lawyer and served as chief of staff to former attorney-general Yvette D'Ath. He had also worked in the office of US Democratic Senator Ron Wyden in Washington, DC.
Federal Brisbane MP and close friend Madonna Jarrett remembered Sullivan as someone with "two big loves; his family and his community." She added: "While the past couple of years were not easy for him, I will always remember Jimmy as the caring, energetic and life-filled man I met all those years ago; not to mention his characteristic smile."
Political Reactions and Legacy
The news of Sullivan's death sent shockwaves through Queensland politics. Premier Crisafulli stated: "Queenslanders will be shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan. On behalf of all Queenslanders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time."
Opposition Leader Miles offered a shorter statement: "Our thoughts are with Jimmy's family, friends and community this morning as we all process this news."
A by-election for the Stafford seat will be held at a later date. The MP's death raises difficult questions about how political parties can support members facing personal struggles while maintaining accountability within their ranks.
