Breaking: Queensland state MP Jimmy Sullivan found dead
Queensland independent MP Jimmy Sullivan has been found dead in Brisbane.Police said they were called to an address in the north Brisbane suburb of Stafford last night where a man's body was found.They said the death was not being treated as suspicious.Mr Sullivan, 44, was elected to the Queensland parliament as the member for Stafford in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.His death will trigger a by-election in the seat.Mr Sullivan was expelled from the Labor Party Caucus last year and had been sitting on the crossbench as an independent. He had faced scrutiny for personal issues and an allegation of a domestic incident raised in parliament by the government.Premier David Crisafulli said Queenslanders would be "shocked to hear" of Mr Sullivan's death."On behalf of all Queenslanders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time," he said in a statement.Mr Sullivan had represented the Stafford electorate since 2020. (AAP: Darren England)Opposition Leader Steven Miles said: "Our thoughts are with Jimmy's family, friends and community this morning as we all process this news." Former Labor MP for Redlands, Kim Richards, said she was "deeply saddened" by news of his death, and Queensland Labor said in a statement on social media that Mr Sullivan would be remembered as a "dear friend" to many."Jimmy was a dear friend of so many people across Queensland and the labour movement, and his loss will be felt deeply by many," the statement said."We honour his memory and his deep connection to his local community, where he was born, raised and honoured to serve his whole life."Addiction support offered, speaker saysState parliament speaker Pat Weir said concerns had been raised about Mr Sullivan's wellbeing before his death, and that it appeared he had been experiencing an issue with addiction."We have met a couple of times, and I talked about putting in a process of addressing his problems," he said."[I] suggested some medical advice, recommended specialists, which he made appointments with."He was in my office here last Thursday discussing those, and I was to meet with him again today actually."Speaker Pat Weir says support had been offered to Mr Sullivan ahead of his death. (ABC Rural: Brandon Long)Asked if there needed to be better support in place for MPs, Mr Weir said: "We try.""But if you have dealt with anybody who has an addiction, if they don't admit that they have an addition, it is very difficult," he added."I believe there had been attempt to assist him before, which he had not taken up."Mr Weir said he was saddened by Mr Sullivan's passing."Anyone that's in that world, it is really sad to watch their life spiral to this," he said."I really feel for his family."Sullivan sent to crossbench last yearIn late 2024, after his re-election as a Labor MP, Mr Sullivan was directed by Opposition Leader Steven Miles to take leave from parliament until "legal and medical matters" were resolved.He was then expelled from the Labor Caucus in May 2025 amid claims he failed to comply with a safe return-to-work plan.Speaking in parliament after his expulsion, Mr Sullivan broke down while defending himself from allegations of a domestic incident raised by the government in the House. He said the alleged incident was not violent and involved swearing."I used a word that we could describe in this place as unparliamentary," he said at the time."I swore, Mr Speaker, and that's the basis of what these matters are about."And those are why my legal team says they have never seen a matter dismissed so quickly."Mr Sullivan said at the time of the alleged incident, he was suffering from post-traumatic stress sparked by the birth of his second daughter, noting his first daughter had died.
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