Stafford MP Jimmy Sullivan has been found dead in a unit in Brisbane’s north.
Police were called to the Stafford unit of Mr Sullivan, 44, on Thursday night.
Paramedics also attended the private address at around 10.20pm.
It’s understood police are investigating the circumstances of his death including whether he potentially had a fall in the unit, but are treating his death as non suspicious.
After 9am on Friday, a temporary closure notice was placed on the door of Mr Sullivan’s electorate office on Babarra St Stafford, advising that the office was closed until further notice.
“Following the passing of Jimmy Sullivan, the Stafford office is taking some time to manage internal matters,” the notice reads.
“Email responses and processing will be paused until further notice.
“We are truly sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and kindness.”
Premier David Crisafulli released a statement 9am Friday morning extending his condolences to Mr Sullivan’s family.
“Queenslanders will be shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan,” the 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.”
The Queensland branch of the Labor Party said Mr Sullivan was a friend to many across the labour movement.
“All of us in the Labor family are in shock today at the sudden and tragic passing of our friend and colleague, Jimmy Sullivan,” the statement read.
“Jimmy was a dear friend of so many people … and his loss will be felt deeply by many.
“We honour his memory and his deep connection to his local community where he was born, raised and honoured to serve his whole life.
“Our thoughts are with Jimmy’s family, friends and all who loved him.”
Opposition Leader Steven Miles also released a statement on Friday.
“Our thoughts are with Jimmy’s family, friends and community this morning as we all process this news,” he said.
Former Labor premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was saddened to hear of Mr Sullivan’s death.
“I remember how hard he worked in Opposition coordinating our town hall meetings and travel plans across Queensland, and later as Chief of Staff to Yvette D’Ath on social reforms, before he entered Parliament.
“My condolences to his family.”
Algester MP Leeanne Enoch also paid tribute to Mr Sullivan.
“Saddened and shocked by news of the sudden death of my colleague Jimmy Sullivan MP,” she shared online.
“The loss of a loved one leaves an indelible mark on a family. It is heartbreaking and the grief remains for what feels like forever.
“The loss of a colleague leaves a different kind of mark on a workplace, one that stays in the story of that place.
“My deepest condolences go to Jimmy’s family at this terribly sad time.”
Mr Sullivan had separated from his wife Carolyn and was not living at his Stafford family home when he died.
It is understood police were asked to conduct a welfare check on him Thursday night.
A Stafford resident said he saw a significant police presence near a unit complex in the street on Thursday night.
“There was at least 12 cars and two ambos turned up,” he said.
“They weren’t here long though, the ambos were gone real quick.
“I had a feeling that someone had died.”
The neighbour said he often saw Mr Sullivan making phone calls from his car.
“He used to park outside his place in his car all the time, and he was always on the phone,” the neighbour said.
Former Labor MP for the seat of Redlands Kim Richards shared her condolences online.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Sullivan MP last night,” she wrote on Facebook.
“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.”
Greenslopes MP Joe Kelly also paid tribute Mr Sullivan, describing his former Labor colleague as a friend.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend Jimmy Sullivan,” Mr Kelly posted online.
“My thoughts are with his family.”
Mr Sullivan was a member of the Labor Party for 28 years.
He was part of the right faction as a member of the Australian Workers Union.
In his inaugural speech, he revealed the sad passing of his daughter who was born still at 35 weeks in April 2019.
Since his 2020 election, Mr Sullivan had been open about his personal struggles connected to his daughter’s death.
His Labor colleagues also raised concerns about his relationship with alcohol.
On the eve of the 2024 October state election police were called to Mr Sullivan’s Stafford home over a reported domestic violence incident.
No charges were laid.
He did not return to parliament until February.
Mr Sullivan told parliament the October incident followed the birth of his second daughter, which brought on post-traumatic stress connected to the tragic loss of his first child.
He said that the October incident at his Stafford home involved him swearing and that “there was no violence”.
He was later disendorsed by the Labor Party, becoming an independent MP. The Crisafulli government continued to call for his sacking.
In May last year, the LNP launched an official motion calling on Mr Sullivan to quit parliament.
“We believe on this side of the House, the Member for Stafford does not deserve to serve in this place,” Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said.
All but a handful of Labor MPs exited the chamber as the government called for his resignation.
A by-election will need to be held in the electorate of Stafford due to Mr Sullivan’s death.
Mr Sullivan was one of five siblings. His parents were both teachers, his father Terry Sullivan, served in parliament for 15 years between 1991 and 2006.
Prior to his life in politics, Mr Sullivan studied law, political science and international relations at the University of Queensland.
He worked as an associate in the District and Supreme Court registry under Judge Michael Shanahan.
He attended Our Lady of the Angels primary school in Wavell Heights and Padua College in Kedron.
When he entered politics, Mr Sullivan served as chief of staff to then-Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath.
He was first elected to the seat for Stafford in 2020 following the exit of Dr Anthony Lynham who returned to medical work during the Covid pandemic.