“A Loss for the Northside: Community Mourns Local Representative”
BRISBANE, QLD — The Queensland community is reeling from the sudden loss of Jimmy Sullivan, 44, who was found deceased in a residential unit in Brisbane’s northern suburbs earlier today. Police were called to the scene following a welfare check, bringing a tragic end to the life of a man who spent his career fighting for his local constituents.
The Incident: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Police were dispatched to a property in the Kedron-Stafford area mid-morning after friends and colleagues expressed concern for his well-being.
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The Discovery: Officers entered the unit shortly after 10:00 AM and found Mr. Sullivan unresponsive.
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Current Status: Queensland Police have stated that while the death is “unexpected,” they are not currently treating it as suspicious. A report is being prepared for the Coroner to determine the exact cause of death.
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The Atmosphere: A heavy police presence remained at the unit block throughout the afternoon as forensics teams processed the scene, with several local residents describing the atmosphere as “shattered.”
A Life of Service and Heritage
Jimmy Sullivan was a “shining light” for the Stafford area, following in the footsteps of a deep political legacy.
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The Legacy: He was the son of Terry Sullivan, who represented the same seat from 2001 to 2006. Jimmy grew up in the heart of the electorate, attending Padua College in Kedron and later practicing as a lawyer.
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Political Career: First elected in 2020, he served as the Assistant Minister for Justice and Veterans’ Affairs. He was known for his passionate advocacy for local schools, sporting clubs, and the veterans’ community.
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Independent Path: In May 2025, following months of internal party tension and personal health struggles, Mr. Sullivan was removed from the Labor caucus. He continued to serve his community from the crossbench as an Independent, vowing to represent Stafford residents regardless of party affiliation.
Tributes Flow for a “Compassionate Fighter”
Tributes have begun to pour in from across the political spectrum, with many choosing to remember the man behind the headlines—a father, a husband, and a dedicated local.
“Jimmy was a local through and through. He fought for our schools and our hospitals with a tenacity that came from truly loving this community. He was a good man who faced immense pressure, and our hearts go out to his wife and children.” — Statement from a local Stafford community group
A Complex Final Chapter
The past year had been one of significant challenge for Mr. Sullivan. After a highly publicized domestic incident in late 2024—for which no charges were ever laid—he took a four-month leave of absence to prioritize his health and well-being. Upon his return, he spoke candidly about the “care and support” he received from medical staff, noting he hoped to become “a better dad and a better husband.”
Despite his expulsion from the Labor Party in 2025, his electorate office remained a busy hub for local residents, a testament to his “shining” commitment to his neighbors in Stafford, Chermside, and Kedron.
How to Support and Remember
The Sullivan family has requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time. Members of the community wishing to pay their respects are encouraged to:
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Floral Tributes: A small memorial has begun outside his electorate office on Stafford Road.
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A Moment of Silence: Remember Jimmy for his years of service to the Northside—a “local boy” who made it to Parliament to speak for his people.
In Loving Memory: We extend our deepest sympathies to the Sullivan family. May Jimmy find the peace that sometimes eluded him in the public eye.
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