Queensland MP Jimmy Sullivan found dead in his unit in Stafford, Brisbane

Queensland state MP Jimmy Sullivan has been found dead in his unit in Brisbane’s north. 

Police are investigating whether the 44-year-old suffered a fall at his Stafford unit,  with emergency services attending the property about 10.20pm on Thursday. 

The father’s death is being treated as non-suspicious.

His last social media post on Sunday, when he wished his constituents a happy Easter has since been inundated with tributes from shocked locals.

Sullivan had separated from his wife Carolyn McAnally, and was not living at his family home in Stafford when he died, the Courier Mail reported.  

He was elected as the Labor MP for Stafford, in the city’s inner-north, in 2020. 

In 2023, he was appointed Assistant Minister for Justice and Veterans’ Affairs under then‑premier Steven Miles, serving until the October 2024 state election.

Sullivan was re-elected to serve a second term as MP, surviving a 5.5 per cent swing against him as the Miles government was usurped by the David Crisafulli-led Liberal National Party. 

One day later, police were called to a ‘reported domestic violence incident’ at his home in the leafy suburb of Kedron. No charges were laid.

On his return to parliament in February 2025 after a lengthy absence, Sullivan thanked colleagues for giving him time and space to address his health issues.

‘I apologise for my absence in recent sitting weeks, but I have been working hard in the community since my election,’ he said. 

‘I thank the professionals – the doctors, nurses, allied health and support staff – at the Brisbane Private Hospital for their care and support. 

‘With their help, I am a better dad and a better husband.’

But just three months later, Sullivan was disendorsed and expelled from the Queensland Labor caucus for failing to comply with a return-to-work plan as he battled health and personal issues. 

Sullivan blasted the decision as a cheap political move and insisted that he had complied with every requirement placed on him. 

He broke down in parliament following calls by the Crisafulli government to resign, explaining that he was suffering post-traumatic stress connected to the birth of his second daughter and the loss of his first child.

His second child was born in August 2024, five years after his first daughter, Francesca, was stillborn at 35 weeks.

‘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 said.

‘I spiralled, I recognise that, and I put my hand up for healthcare.’

Sullivan has served on the crossbench as an independent ever since. 

His sudden death has shocked constituents, who took to social media to share memories of the ‘community-minded’ MP. 

‘Jimmy, I wish you knew how much so many people cared about you,’ one wrote. 

‘You were one of the nicest politicians and nicest people. We never did get to have that coffee and a good natter. RIP, you were too young. 

‘My condolences to your family. This is shattering.’

Another wrote: ‘Oh mate, I always found you so community-minded and friendly’. 

Sullivan is described on his official website as ‘a local through and through’, having grown up and attended school in the area.

‘He has deep roots in the area with his parents still living in the family home in Stafford,’ his website states. ‘Jimmy and his wife Carolyn are raising their family locally and are heavily involved in local schools.’

Premier David Crisafulli extended his sympathies to Sullivan’s family on Friday. 

‘Queenslanders will be shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan,’ a statement read. 

‘Mr Sullivan was elected to the Queensland Parliament in 2020, following in his father’s footsteps.

‘On behalf of all Queenslanders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.’

Sullivan was the son of former Labor MP Terry Sullivan, who also served the Stafford electorate from 2001 to 2006. 

A former lawyer and former Judge’s Associate in the District Court of Queensland, Sullivan previously served as chief of staff to former attorney-general Yvette D’Ath.

He also previously worked in the office of US Democratic Senator Ron Wyden in Washington DC.

A by-election for Stafford will be held at a later date. 

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