With the current cost of living, many families are only able to afford the basics, foregoing other activities and items that are beneficial to the mental and physical health of individuals and families.

This can often include parents not purchasing toys or engaging in activities that foster creativity and bonding with their children.

As a result, children may miss out on opportunities for play and development that are crucial for their emotional and cognitive growth.

Across Australia, there are more than 280 registered toy libraries with an estimated 130,000 members, aimed at catering to parents and families looking for more toy and play options at less than $2 per week.

Contributing to this initiative are 80 toy libraries across WA, where families, teachers and home daycare providers can borrow an assortment of well-made educational toys, supporting childhood development without the cost of purchase or the potential to outgrow items.

Thirty-eight of these are across regional areas, many of which often struggle with access to larger shopping chains and vast varieties of toy options.

These libraries also provide a hub for parents and caregivers to connect with others, create support groups, and where parents and kids can access information about growth and development.

The WA Liberals know families and children should not miss out on the joy of play and learning because of location, financial challenges, or access to developmental options.

Toy libraries’ support for childhood education, inclusion for children with disabilities, and reducing toy wastage, pairs sustainability with community support at a time when families need it most.

More support is needed to ensure these libraries can continue promoting childhood development and allow families to borrow an assortment of toys at a low cost, especially during the current cost of living crisis.

Only a WA Liberal Government will provide it.

The WA Liberals believe giving our next generation the best start in life starts with supporting parents and caregivers.

Children are constantly growing and learning, with changing needs and interests that mean they often move on from toys and interests regularly or need further challenges.

Parents, especially those facing financial pressures, are doing their best with what they have to provide the best learning environment for their children.

Toy libraries across WA are there to assist families in need and provide options for parents, but they also require support to continue their vital work.

A WA Liberal Government will provide $5,000 grants to all toy libraries across WA.

Making it easier for parents and caregivers to access the resources toy libraries offer will take pressure off them during these tough times and improve long-term outcomes for their children.

Providing further funding to these organisations will also support the selfless work of volunteers and allow them to continue helping families across our state.

Western Australian children deserve a government that will advocate for programs that provide positive outcomes for children and their families into the future.

Only the WA Liberal Party is committed to supporting the growth and expansion of family-focused organisations and improving accessibility for families during a cost-of-living crisis.