‘Force of nature’: Former Liberal Party vice president Teena McQueen dies after short illness

Former Liberal Party vice president and recent One Nation defector Teena McQueen has died.

McQueen, who has been remembered as a “force of nature” with a “passion for politics”, died on Wednesday after battling a short illness.

A “fiercely loyal friend”, mining magnate Gina Rinehart said she was deeply saddened to hear about McQueen’s passing.

“Teena cared deeply about our country, its future, and the values that make Australia,” Rinehart said.

“Teena had a wonderful ability to see through pretence and pick those who were, ‘all hat and no cattle.’ She was straightforward and did not pretend to be anyone other than herself.

“Teena gave much of herself to public life, politics, business, media, charity and the causes she believed in. She was a fiercely loyal friend, who brought warmth, conviction and strength to everything she believed in.

“She will be greatly missed by many who admired her spirit and her contribution. And her infectious joie de vie! My heartfelt condolences are with Teena’s daughter, beloved grandsons and her many friends.”

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said McQueen was a “woman full of life, vibrant and fun-loving, and a joy to be around”.

“I am deeply saddened at her passing,” Hanson said in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday night.

“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.”

McQueen served as Liberal Party vice president from 2017 to 2023, after which Liberal members blocked the hard-right figure’s re-election to the federal executive.

Last month, McQueen announced she would be joining One Nation, telling Sky News that remaining in the Liberal Party was like “bashing my head against a wall”.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott addressed McQueen’s recent political change, saying “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.

Political colleague Barnaby Joyce paid tribute to his “dear friend”, saying he was shocked to hear she had died.

“I spent a week with Teena merely a month or so ago and never realised she was sick,” Joyce posted.

“Teena dedicated herself to her nation via her passion for politics. Not as a politician but as the unpaid administration of the volunteer party structure. Conversations with Teena were often about policies, our nation and the capabilities of politicians. To the very last, this was her realm.

“I offer my deep condolences to her family and note my abiding affection to this dear friend of mine.”

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said she was saddened to hear of McQueen’s death.

“Teena was a force of nature in Australian politics – passionate, outspoken and utterly committed to the causes and values she believed in,” Sloane said. “She dedicated many years to the Liberal Party. My sincere condolences to her family.”

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.