A Townsville politician has apologised to the Queensland Police Service for an "inappropriate" book he gifted at a memorial for Police Remembrance Day.
The member for Mundingburra, Les Walker, blamed his staff for choosing the book, Forensics for Dummies, as a gift for the September 29 event.
However, he took responsibility for the gaffe.
"Staff buy all the books, and they wrap them … and a couple of days later, it was brought to my attention that one of the books was inappropriate," Mr Walker said.
"When I found out, I rang senior police immediately and apologised."
Mr Walker said he originally thought news about his gift was "someone having a go" at him.
"It's not a good look," he said.
"I respect the police … I support them every day of the week," he said.
Third blunder in 12 months
It's not the first time the north Queensland MP has found himself in hot water this year.
The north Queensland MP was fined $800 and banned from Townsville's nightclub precinct in January for his involvement in a fight in which he was knocked unconscious at the city's Mad Cow Tavern.
He was also acquitted of assault charges over a separate incident in November 2021.
But Mr Walker said he still had the support of the Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk.
"It does hurt, mentally, your image and your reputation," he said.
"We've moved forward, and we'll have further discussions about what's best when it comes to these remembrance days."
The Shadow Minister for Integrity in Government, Fiona Simpson, has questioned whether Mr Walker should be supported to run as the Member for Mundingburra at the next election.
"Unless the premier condemns the actions of Les Walker, she's as bad as he is," she said.
Staffer still employed
Mr Walker said staffers selected the books he brought to community events and wrapped them in brown paper with ribbon.
"I don't know what the thought process was by that staffer. We've had the conversation," he said.
Mr Walker said the staffer remained employed by his office. He says there will be instructions about how books will be wrapped in the future.
"How I want them wrapped in future will be in clear cellophane, so I know exactly what's in parcels," he said.
Mr Walker said he would "double down" to rebuild relationships with police in Townsville.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said his colleague had made his apologies "loud and clear".
"That's appalling, and [Les] has recognised that as well," Mr Stewart said.
Mr Stewart said Mr Walker had learnt from his mistakes.
"We've got to make sure that we don't continue to throw mud when it's not necessarily needed," he said.
The Queensland Police Service did not wish to add further comment to the matter.
The Queensland Police Union has been contacted.
