Teena McQueen Dies After Battle with Illness
Teena McQueen, a former federal vice-president of the Liberal Party who recently defected to One Nation, has died after a severe illness. The conservative commentator passed away on Wednesday, just weeks after switching political allegiances in May.
Remembered as a 'Force of Nature'
McQueen served as the Liberal Party's federal vice-president from 2017 to 2023. Despite her defection, she is being remembered for her contributions to the party. NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane paid tribute, describing her as a 'force of nature in Australian politics' in a post on X.
Tributes from Tony Abbott
Former prime minister and current Liberal president Tony Abbott expressed his grief, saying he had lost a good friend. '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,' Abbott said on social media. 'In recent weeks, her frustrations with the party became public but it was always the cause of better government for Australia that motivated her.'
Conservative Commentary and Controversy
Known for her conservative views, McQueen was a regular commentator on Sky News and had visited US president Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort alongside mining magnate Gina Rinehart. Within Liberal ranks, she was a divisive figure. In 2022, then-senator Simon Birmingham deemed her position as vice-president untenable after she stated it was good that 'lefties' had left the party.
Defection to One Nation
McQueen revealed in May that she believed the Liberal Party’s decline began when Tony Abbott lost the prime ministership. Her departure from the party marked the end of a long tenure that included significant influence in conservative circles.
