HANSARD
SITTING CALENDAR
SEARCH
LIVE BROADCAST
Hansard Dynamic Member Index
Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2021-08-25 Daily Xml
Contents
Pdf Xml

Justham, Mr L.I.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:48): It is my sad privilege today to rise to speak about Leif Indigo Justham. I rise today to pay tribute to a young man whose life was cut tragically short, but it is a life that leaves an enduring legacy.

Leif Indigo Justham had a passionate love for the planet and the life that comes from it. I share this in our parliament, in our Legislative Council, today because I, like Leif's loving family and friends, want people to hear Leif's story and be inspired by his beliefs. Described by his loved ones as:

The most passionate and committed person you will ever meet. He rationally developed his convictions, and then held them above anything else. He influenced the lives of everyone he met.

Leif believed in living every moment as fully as possible and doing absolutely everything in his power to protect the natural world. He loved big, ancient trees, rare birds, regular birds, microcosmic ecosystems and all the beauty in nature. He aspired to encourage people to use their individual power for good, specifically by divesting their financial assets away from fossil fuels through their bank and super funds.

Leif lived by his convictions, but on 6 April this year Leif was hit and killed by a truck on the Nullarbor. The driver has been charged with dangerous driving, and Leif's family and Hills community are left devastated by his loss and their overwhelming grief.

On Monday 22 March this year, Leif had commenced a solo cycle, destined to cycle around Australia's Highway 1. He was on the Nullarbor that day, cycling to promote the need to divest from polluting industries. Leif wanted us all to stop using 91 octane unleaded petrol. Australian petrol quality, Leif would like us to know, is ranked only 70th globally and is the lowest in the OECD, with sulphur levels 15 times higher than those that are permitted in Europe.

Unfortunately, while he had intended to ride around Australia and raise awareness about banks and superannuation funds and the need to divest from fossil fuels and to pressure governments to take tangible climate action, just two weeks into that journey he died in the active pursuit of his passion and his life was tragically taken.

He is fondly remembered by many. I would like to observe the words of the Stirling Districts Football Club in their recognition of his passing, who noted that on that day they lost an ace:

A player and long time member of this great club was tragically killed whilst committing a typically massive act of charity.

Leif Indigo Justham cared—he cared for his family, he cared for his mates, he cared for the Stirling Districts Football Club and he cared for the planet. That quote on Facebook states that his enthusiasm, positivity and empathy was an example to us all. He lived a life less ordinary and was a truly inspirational character. He has certainly affected my life for the better. I hope that by trying to emulate his values this can help his memory to live on.

The tributes to Leif on the website that his family has now put online, and by those such as the football club and many activists, are truly touching, and to celebrate his life there have been many events. Leif knew that even though he was just one person, he could inspire others too and that together we can make that difference. He believed in the power of his actions to realise that we all can, and must, make a difference.

Leif knew and was loved by so many people. My sincere condolences to his friends and the Justham and Taylor families. For those who knew Leif, and for those who did not but are moved by his story, the most important thing you can do is change your superannuation fund to one that does not invest in fossil fuels or polluting industries.

More than $3 trillion is invested across all Australian super funds, and you can use the power of your money to make a real difference and to ensure that Leif's legacy lives on. His family say that they would love it if everyone who is moved by this story commits to adopting ethical super options or, better still, to changing their own superannuation to more ethical institutions. The reality is, of course, that many of Australia's superannuation funds are investing in these dirty industries, but you can go to leifjustham.com to change your super and remember Leif's legacy.

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS
MEMBERS
GET INVOLVED
ABOUT PARLIAMENT
VISIT
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
CONTACT