Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey resigns from parliament, reveals battle with depression

Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey has announced she is resigning from parliament, saying she has been ‘swamped’ by the ‘black cloud’ of depression after being ‘ridiculed and abused’.

CURRUMBIN MP Jann Stuckey says she will leave state politics within days after revealing a deep battle with depression, bullying and ridicule.

In a bombshell statement that stunned LNP colleagues and the Government, the long-serving MP said: “I am unwell and have been for some time.”

Ms Stuckey was due to retire after the State election in October but said she had been “swamped” by “the black cloud”.

“I thought it would never happen to me but it got me and it’s been overwhelming.”

Ms Stuckey pointed to the “bullying, personal attacks and insults” she has endured in recent months, saying being “ridiculed and abused for standing up for my community” was “taking its toll”.

Her resignation is effective February 1.

“I am unable to give the electorate that I love so dearly the attention and energy that I have provided for the past 16 years and hope everyone will understand how difficult it has been to make this final choice,” Ms Stuckey said.

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Long-serving Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey. Picture: David Clark.

“The past twelve months have been a real struggle for me and I deeply resent insensitive reporting I am fed up or I am spitting the dummy — I am unwell and have been for some time.

“The black cloud just swamped me over and over again when I least expected it.

“It is important to note that no other workplace would put up with the level of bullying, personal attacks and insults that take place in politics. It’s getting worse and it needs to change.

“Insults that used to be like water off a duck’s back started to affect me. Being ridiculed and abused for standing up for my community and speaking out on their behalf was taking its toll in a manner that was detrimental to my health.

“I have made the immensely tough decision to leave now and focus on getting well and hope I can contribute in the years ahead to this wonderful community who have put their faith in me for so long.

“I thank the people of the Currumbin electorate from the bottom of my heart for giving me the honour of serving them since 2004. It has been a truly wonderful privilege.”

It is understood a by-election to replace the member for Currumbin will be called by the Premier shortly.

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Jann Stuckey has been the member for Currumbin since 2004. Picture: AAP.

Ms Stuckey served as Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games during the Newman government, served in several shadow portfolios and was the fifth ever female liberal to win a seat in state parliament.

More recently she was one of only three LNP MPs during to support abortion decriminalisation in Queensland during a conscience vote.

LNP leader Deb Frecklington praised Ms Stuckey for her courage in speaking out about her battle with depression and her contribution to the people of Currumbin.

“On behalf to the LNP, I want to thank Jann Stuckey for her dedicated service to the people of Currumbin and the people of Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Jann’s many contributions included her successful campaign to upgrade the M1 and she was one of the best Small Business Ministers Queensland has ever had.

“It is courageous of Jann to reveal her struggle with mental illness and it will hopefully raise awareness of this serious issue.

“I wish Jann and her husband Richard all the best with the next chapter of their lives.”

Member for Surfers Paradise John Paul Langbroek who has worked as Ms Stuckey’s colleague for more than a decade said he was proud to have worked alongside her.

“I was elected with her on the same day and we have had a mainly positive 16 years together,” Mr Langbroek said.

“I was not aware of the details of Jann’s health but I was aware there were difficult times for her since elected.”

When asked if he was aware of the bullying and abuse in politics mentioned by Ms Stuckey, Mr Langbroek said it was a “robust workplace.”

“Whatever level of politics you are in, there is a significant increase in comments and abuse because of an increase in social media.”

“That has changed a lot, and words can be like bullets, it does make a difference,” he said.

Member for Broadwater David Crisafulli said: “Her comments reflect the class and grace she displayed throughout her career and her deep love for her community. I wish her all the best.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate reflected on Jann’s contribution to her seat.

“Jann has been a devoted member for Currumbin for 16 years and I know her community thanks her for her service,” he said.

“I wish her only the very best as she focuses on her health and concentrates on getting well.”