Queensland Independent MP Jimmy Sullivan Found Dead in Brisbane Apartment

Stafford MP Jimmy Sullivan has died in Brisbane. Police are investigating a non-suspicious death after the Independent MP's body was found in a Stafford unit.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT

Source: news.com.au

Discovery and Preliminary Investigation

The discovery of Mr. Sullivan’s body has prompted a thorough but standard investigation by Queensland Police. While official autopsy results are pending, initial reports from the scene suggest there were no signs of foul play. Sources close to the investigation have indicated that the physical evidence within the Stafford unit is consistent with an accidental fall, though detectives are continuing to piece together his final movements. The tragedy marks a somber end for a representative who remained a fixture in his local community of Kedron and Stafford throughout his legislative career.

A Legacy Rooted in the Labor Movement

Jimmy Sullivan was widely regarded as "Labor to the core," a sentiment born from a lifelong connection to the party. He was the son of Terry Sullivan, a respected veteran of the Queensland Teachers’ Union and a former Labor MP for Nundah. Following in his father's footsteps, Jimmy was elected to the Queensland Parliament in 2020. His career saw a significant ascent in December 2023, when he was appointed Assistant Minister for Justice and Veterans’ Affairs under the Palaszczuk government, a role that reflected his dedication to public service and community advocacy.

Transformative Analysis: A Career of Resilience and Challenge

In recent years, Mr. Sullivan’s political journey became increasingly complex, marked by personal struggle and a high-profile departure from the Labor caucus. In 2025, he was expelled from the party following a reported domestic incident, though he remained in parliament as an Independent. In an emotional address to the Legislative Assembly, Sullivan bravely shared his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which he traced back to the birth of his second daughter and the tragic loss of his first child. This public admission of mental health challenges highlighted the intense personal pressures often faced by those in high-profile public office.