Jonty Bush

Anti-violence campaigner Jonty Bush has developed a list of remarkable achievements including the introduction of the ‘One Punch Can Kill’ campaign. After using her darkest hours to help others Jonty was awarded the 2009 Young Australian of the Year and has proven that through adversity comes a strength and passion that can lead to great things.

In her short life Jonty Bush has experienced more tragedy than most of us ever will.
Jonty was just twenty-one when her younger sister was violently murdered, just four months later Jonty's father was assaulted in an unprovoked attack and later died as a result of his injuries. Raising her younger brother whilst completing work and studies, Jonty's world again was rocked when the perpetrator of her father's assault was acquitted through the controversial accident defense.
It is a tribute to her strength and courage that she not only managed to keep going but that she began to help others deal with their grief by becoming a volunteer with the Queensland Homicide Victim's Support Group.
The compassion and understanding Jonty Bush showed others brought her recognition among members of the police force and the legal fraternity, and at just 27 she was appointed CEO of the organisation. She has since led the push for a review of the laws surrounding murder and manslaughter, and as a result the Queensland Law Reform Commission is now undertaking such a review. She also developed the One Punch Can Kill campaign, which has been adopted by the Queensland Government in an attempt to prevent further tragedies.
Jonty is currently coordinating a local government crime prevention program aimed at reducing the incidence of binge drinking and other risk-taking behaviours among young people. She is completing studies in Criminology through Griffith University, and continues to travel Australia speaking with the broader community about the prevalence and consequence of violence. Jonty was recently featured on ABC TV's Australian Story in an episode titled 'The Trials of Jonty Bush'
Jonty Bush shares her views on overcoming adversity to create the life you want and using your experiences (both good and bad) to your benefit. She shows us all how one person can make an incredible difference, and how powerful passion can be in realising our goals and dreams.