Greens Senator Larissa Waters makes tearful tribute to activist Thomas Coyne as party sets up funeral fund for his mother

A special fund has been set up to help support the family of former Greens candidate and activist Thomas Coyne, who was killed in a car crash this week. Senator Larissa Waters made a tearful tribute to the 21-year-old.

Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters makes a tearful tribute to Toowoomba activist and Greens candidate Thomas Coyne (right), who was killed in a car crash on Monday morning.

Greens Senator Larissa Waters has made an emotional tribute to the life and achievements of former candidate and Toowoomba activist Thomas Coyne, who was killed in a car crash this week.

Senator Waters, who was at Mr Coyne’s Toowoomba South campaign launch in October last year for the state election, said he was an inspiration for young people on the Darling Downs.

Mr Coyne was killed when his car crashed near Allora early on Monday morning.

“Thomas Coyne was such a valued member of our party,” Senator Waters said on Wednesday.

Thomas Coyne, a marriage equality activist and Greens candidate for Toowoomba South in 2020 was killed when his car crashed near Allora on Monday morning.

“He joined as a 17-year-old boy, he led the campaign for marriage equality in Toowoomba (in 2017).

“He was such a fierce advocate for the issues he was passionate about and at such a young age, so inspirational and so involved in his community.

“He’s been taken away from us too young, and our heart goes out to his mum, whom I have reached out to.”

Ms Waters said Mr Coyne’s level of activism at such a young age was rare and greatly needed.

“There are not many 17-year-olds that get involved in politics, and those who do are absolute legends,” she said.

“He just never gave up, and he had a delightful sense of humour and cheeky approach.

“He was a real example of how young people can get involved in politics, and give other young people the voice that they deserve.”

The Queensland Greens have created a fund to support Mr Coyne’s mother Jo, who is on a disability support pension.

“The Queensland Greens are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Thomas Coyne,” the website said.

“Donations are being collected to support his family in this tragic time.

“Thomas has been a valued member of the greens since joining in 2017.

“He stepped in and stepped up to roles and responsibilities that showed him to be a wonderful young leader of a growing progressive movement.”

To donate to the fund, head to the website.