Queensland MP Jimmy Sullivan Found Dead at 44

Police have declared there are no suspicious circumstances, though the investigation is ongoing.

A police vehicle and tape in Cairns, Australia, on Dec. 19, 2014. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

An independent state MP has been found dead in his home in Brisbane.

Jimmy Sullivan, 44, has served as the local member for Stafford since 2020, first as a Labor MP and later as an independent.

Jimmy Sullivan, a former lawyer, was promoted to assistant minister for justice and veterans’ affairs in 2024 by former Labor Premier Steven Miles. Prior to this, he served as chief of staff to former state Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath.

In May 2025, the MP was removed from the Labor caucus at an emergency meeting amid domestic violence allegations.

He is the son of former Labor MP Terry Sullivan, who served as the member for Stafford from 2001 to 2006.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said it is not treating Jimmy Sullivan’s death as suspicious.

“Around 10:15 p.m. overnight, April 9, police were called to a sudden death at Stafford,” a QPS spokesperson told The Epoch Times.

“Officers are treating the death as non-suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

“No further information is available at this time.”

Labor MP Kim Richards paid tribute to Jimmy Sullivan in a social media post on April 10, saying her thoughts were with his family.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Sullivan MP last night,” she said.

“During my time in Parliament, Jimmy was a great colleague, a valued member of our committee team, and a real support to me.

“While he faced his own challenges, I will remember the time I worked with him with gratitude and respect.”

Jimmy Sullivan’s final post to his Facebook account, an Easter greeting, started to fill with tributes to the MP as news of his death broke.

One constituent called his death “shattering,” while another said he had always been a “community minded and friendly” MP.

The MP’s death will trigger a by-election in Stafford.

Domestic Violence Allegations

Last year, Jimmy Sullivan faced calls from the Liberal National Party (LNP) government to resign over a “domestic incident” at his home.

At the time, Jimmy Sullivan told parliament the incident did not involve violence, saying he had used what could be described as “unparliamentary” language and that police were called after he swore.

He also told parliament he had experienced PTSD following the death of his first child, triggered by the birth of his second, and that he had “put his hand up for healthcare.”

No charges were laid over the alleged incident.

Miles, who is the current Opposition leader, criticised the LNP government for politicising the matter.

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