A high-profile former Liberal heavyweight who recently defected to One Nation has died.
Teena McQueen, who served as the federal Liberal Party vice president from 2017 to 2023, died on Wednesday after a battle with a “short but severe” medical condition, her family confirmed.
“We are extremely devastated to inform you that our mum passed away earlier today after a short but severe medical condition,” her family confirmed in a statement.
“It is absolutely heartbreaking for all of us, and particularly her gorgeous grandsons, who she was extremely close to.”
Ms McQueen was a life-long member of the Liberal Party before she announced she had defected to One Nation earlier this year.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said Ms McQueen “was a woman full of life, vibrant and fun loving, and a joy to be around”.
“I am deeply saddened at her passing,” she said in a statement.
“We were on the same page when it came to Australian and conservative values, but on completely opposite pages when it came to cooking, sewing and gardening.
“Teena’s family has my deepest condolences. I have lost a dear friend not long after I had just found her.
“Teena’s support was valued and cherished. I will continue the fight she was about to join.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbot shared an emotional tribute, saying he had lost a “good friend” and the Liberal Party “has lost a fine servant”.
“Teena was a long standing branch activist on the NSW central coast, a delegate to federal council and, eventually, a federal vice president of the Liberal Party,” he wrote on X.
“At every level she was a consistent advocate for more internal party democracy and for policy in the tradition of Menzies and Howard.
“She sometimes put loyalty ahead of judgment but it was typical of Teena’s large and generous spirit that she would confide in others her plans and then take guidance on their merits.”
“In recent weeks, her frustrations with the party became public but it was always the cause of better government for Australia that motivated her.”
“I will miss her as will her many friends,” he said.
The former Federal Liberal Party Vice President was also a long-time Sky News Australia contributor, appearing on television screens since 2017 where she was popular for her political commentary and analysis.
Speaking on Sky News Australia, shadow education minister Julian Lesser expressed sadness over the news of Ms McQueen’s death.
“I knew Teena she was a big figure on the central coast and the Liberal Party and obviously [I am] sad at her passing,” he said.
“She was always a lively person, engaged in the party. I’m very sad at this news as Liberals will be generally.”
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane described Ms McQueen as a “force of nature in Australian politics” in a touching tribute.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Teena McQueen,” she wrote on X.
“Teena was a force of nature in Australian politics – passionate, outspoken, and utterly committed to the causes and values she believed in.
“She dedicated many years to the Liberal Party. My sincere condolences to her family.”
Earlier this year, Ms McQueen revealed her motivations for joining One Nation and said she had considered making the move for 18 months.
“I think the demise of the little party set in when Tony Abbott lost his prime ministership,” Ms McQueen told Sky News in May.
“The left had been creeping in. I tried so very hard (to stop it) – you know, 10 years on federal executive, where I was bashing my head against a wall.
“I came to the conclusion, looking at my two grandchildren and the state of the country, that I really wanted to help One Nation.
“I’m not saying it’s not tough… it wasn’t an easy decision, but I feel it’s the right one for myself and for One Nation.”