‘Unprecedented step’: Brisbane MP expelled from the Labor Party

Queensland Labor MP Jimmy Sullivan, the member for Stafford, has been expelled from the party and is expected to join the crossbench as an independent.

After months of speculation over Sullivan’s health and personal issues, the Labor caucus on Monday voted to oust the second-term MP following a motion from Opposition Leader and former premier Steven Miles.

Sullivan was expected to remain in parliament but lose the support of the party and, ultimately, his seat.

Jimmy Sullivan (centre) visiting a construction site in his electorate before he was expelled from the Labor Party.Credit: Facebook

He had previously been granted leave from parliament, but Miles said breaches of a negotiated return-to-work plan led to Sullivan’s expulsion.

“He will cease to have any rights as a member of the state parliamentary Labor Party,” Miles said after the extraordinary caucus meeting on Monday.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is final.

“There has been a long process here and the caucus has taken an unprecedented step.”

LNP government ministers have previously used parliamentary privilege to accuse Sullivan of being the subject of a domestic complaint to police, and to claim Labor leaders were ignoring the concerns of female MPs about him returning to work.

“It is disgraceful, and they have no credibility in this space any more,” Youth Justice, Victim Support and Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber told parliament on May 1.

Miles told reporters on Monday he couldn’t comment on the allegations “for legal reasons”.

Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan. Credit: Jamila Filippone

Sullivan took leave from parliament after an incident at his home on October 27, 2024. He was not charged with any offence.

Miles said Sullivan had been given time to resolve any issues standing in the way of his work as an elected representative.

“The Labor Party does, and always has, set a very high standard for our members of parliament,” he said.

“In this case, we agreed a safe return-to-work plan for Sullivan.

“He hasn’t complied with that plan, and as a result, we have sought caucus support to take this action.”

In a brief statement, Sullivan denied the claim, telling Nine News his expulsion was a “cheap political move”.

Miles noted the 43-year-old spoke at the caucus meeting, and was the only member not to support his expulsion.

In parliament in February, Sullivan thanked his wife and family for their support, but made no mention of any domestic complaints.

“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 my leadership team for giving me the time and space to address my health issues.

“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.

“That leads me to thank my family – my parents, my wife and my kids – for their patience and support.”

Sullivan’s father Terry previously represented Stafford for the Labor Party.

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