A by-election for the Brisbane seat of Stafford will be held on May 16, after the death of independent Queensland MP Jimmy Sullivan.
The 44-year-old’s body was found at his home in Brisbane’s north earlier this month, in what police deemed non-suspicious circumstances.
Mr Sullivan had been sitting on the crossbench as an independent after he was ousted from the Labor caucus last year.
He’d faced scrutiny over personal issues, and the LNP government had called for him to resign after raising allegations in parliament of a domestic incident.
Former Stafford MP Jimmy Sullivan was found dead last week. (AAP: Darren England)
Mr Sullivan was elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, with Labor winning the seat in nine of the last 10 elections.
The electorate encompasses suburbs in Brisbane’s north, including Stafford, Chermside, and Kedron.
Premier David Crisafulli said Queensland Governor Jeanette Young had this morning issued writs, triggering the by-election.
He said it was important for Stafford locals to have a voice ahead of the state budget in June.
“We live in incredibly uncertain times. It is vital that this community has representation,” he said.
“Regardless of what side of the aisle they sit, that is an important part of our democracy.”
Steven Miles says the by-election will be a “referendum” on LNP leadership of Queensland. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
Opposition Leader Steven Miles said it was an opportunity for voters to send a message.
“This by-election will be a referendum on a government that has failed to deliver for Queenslanders, failed to do anything for Queenslanders who are hurting now more than ever,” he said.
Both Labor and the LNP said they had not yet settled on a candidate to contest the poll.
Fuel debate kickstarts campaign
The state government earlier this month called on the Commonwealth to fast-track environmental approvals for oil projects in the Taroom Trough, in southern Queensland.
Qld premier says federal government should fast-track oil projects
The premier today announced discussions were being held exploring the possibility of a new fuel refinery in Gladstone.
Speaking from a Brisbane service station, Mr Crisafulli said the by-election was a chance for voters to back the government’s vision.
“It is an opportunity for the people of Stafford to send a message that they do back our plan for this, for us to control our own destiny, for us to ensure that we have our own fuel supply.
“And also, to send a message to those like Labor and the Greens, who are finding every reason to stand in the way.”
David Crisafulli says it’s an opportunity for voters to “send a message” of support for the government. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
Mr Miles, speaking outside Brisbane’s Lytton oil refinery, was scathing of the government’s response to the fuel crisis.
“Queenslanders are sitting around the dinner table talking about how to make ends meet, talking about how they will be able to afford to fill their car with petrol,” he said.
“David Crisafulli has so far refused to do anything real to assist Queenslanders through this unprecedented affordability crisis.
“He has proven to be a premier who is all photo opportunity and no follow-through.”
Electoral Commission of Queensland Commissioner Pat Vidgen said early voting for Stafford’s 41,000 voters would open from May 5.
“We know that convenience is important for voters, and we’ll be making a range of voting options available for this by-election,” he said.
“This includes early voting and postal voting.”Â
Eligible candidates for the seat can nominate to run from Saturday morning.