Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There isn't a child in this country that doesn't love a new toy. The feeling of discovery and adventure as children play with their toys can lead to some of the most formative memories of childhood. The wonderful volunteers at Townsville Toy Library are facilitating the creation of these connections and are set to continue providing this service at their new facility in Vincent. However, due to criminal activity—several scumbags in Townsville—they spent their moving day cleaning up over $5,000 of damage to their new facility. This is another $5,000 that should be put directly on the state Labor government's tab. The crime crisis in Townsville is a direct result of their inaction and their new tactic of pointing the finger at the judicial system instead of making laws that make a difference.

Through the resilience of the Townsville Toy Library volunteers and our community, I have no doubt they will continue to provide this fantastic service that supports over 300 members. I look forward to volunteering again in the role of 'chief toy checker' and attending the reopening day in early September. To the three state Labor MPs in Townsville, there is a very clear message: get your head out of the sand; you need to act now or get out of the way so we can elect people who will.