Cameron Caldwell (Fadden, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

On 18 August each year our nation pauses to mark Vietnam Veterans' Day, honouring the more than 60,000 Australians who served in that conflict and remembering the 500 who never came home and the 2,400 who were wounded. Veterans were not shown the respect they deserved on their return, but today we stand united in gratitude. On the Gold Coast our veteran community remains strong, supported by local RSLs and service organisation. To all the Vietnam veterans and their families, we say thank you. Your courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy have strengthened our nation.

I welcome the delivery by the Crisafulli LNP Queensland government of the $200 Play On! vouchers for children aged five to 17. This practical support will provide real relief for families and help more young people get active in sport. Importantly, it also strengthens our grassroots community clubs that are the heartbeat of our local areas. Special mention to my state colleagues Michael Crandon, Mark Boothman, Sam O'Connor and, of course, Premier David Crisafulli, the member for Broadwater, who all continue to deliver for local families. Once again, it's the LNP supporting the next generation of Queenslanders to participate and thrive through sport.

One of the great strengths of our community is the Scouting movement, which teaches resilience, leadership and service to young Australians. Recently, I was pleased to support the Helensvale Scout Group at their Bunnings sausage sizzle fundraising event. Scouting gives young people confidence, outdoor skills and a strong sense of responsibility to others. These are qualities that last a lifetime. I commend the leaders, parents and volunteers who give so much of their time to ensure scouting thrives on the northern Gold Coast.

Earlier this month, I attended the Runaway Bay Little Athletics open day. This remarkable club has now been serving our local community for more than 45 years. With around 400 members last season, it continues to be a thriving hub of activity and opportunity for local athletes. I congratulate centre manager Rene Doel, secretary Nikki and the entire committee for their dedication and leadership. Clubs like Runaway Bay Little Athletics are about more than sport; they are about belonging and building the confidence of the next generation. They remain an aspiration for our Gold Coast community.

With 26 seconds to go, I would like to comment on the remarks made before by the member for Bennelong, who has now rewritten history by claiming the reduction in carbon emissions that was actually achieved under the Abbott, Morrison and Turnbull governments. In fact, what's happened in the last three years? The emission reductions have flatlined. The big gains were made under coalition governments, and I urge Australians to see the facts on this. (Time expired)

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