Teena McQueen, a former federal vice president of the Liberal Party and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has died. Her family confirmed her passing on Wednesday following a "short but severe" illness.
McQueen, who served as federal Liberal vice president from 2017 to 2023, recently defected to the One Nation party after four decades with the Liberals. Her death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum.
Billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart remembered McQueen as a "fiercely loyal friend" and a person who "cared deeply about our country, its future, and the values that make Australia." Rinehart added that McQueen had a "wonderful ability to see through pretence" and was "straightforward." McQueen was also known to be a supporter of former US President Donald Trump, having attended his victory party in Florida in late 2024.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson expressed her sadness, stating, "I have lost a dear friend not long after I had just found her." Hanson noted that she and McQueen were "on the same page when it came to Australian and conservative values" and that McQueen's support was "valued and cherished."
Julian Leeser, Shadow Minister for Education, recalled McQueen as "part of the colour and movement of the Liberal Party for many years," and NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane described her as a "force of nature in Australian politics," who was "passionate, outspoken, and utterly committed to the causes and values she believed in."
McQueen gained public attention during a 2019 appearance on the ABC's Q+A program where she recounted meeting Donald Trump in 2006. At the time, she was a chaperone for Australia's entrant in the Miss Universe contest, which Trump owned. She stated she spent considerable time with him and discussed politics, asserting that he intended to run for president and that he was not racist or sexist, contrary to claims made by other panelists.
During the same Q+A episode, McQueen also commented on New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's gun law reforms following the Christchurch terror attack, suggesting Ardern was "copying" John Howard's earlier gun laws implemented in Australia.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott remembered McQueen as a "good friend" and a "fine servant" of the Liberal Party. He highlighted her long-standing activism, her consistent advocacy for internal party democracy, and her support for policies in the tradition of Menzies and Howard. Abbott noted that while she "sometimes put loyalty ahead of judgment," her "large and generous spirit" motivated her. He also acknowledged her recent "frustrations with the party" but stated her primary motivation was "better government for Australia."
Sky News commentator Prue MacSween described McQueen as a "dynamic, gutsy woman of fun and great character" who was "energised by One Nation and was looking forward to the next chapter." MacSween added that McQueen was a close confidante of Gina Rinehart and a significant loss to the political scene.