Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Yes. That is why after they got rid of Medibank we brought in Medicare, and after 19 attempts by those opposite to sink the stake through the heart of Medicare they finally tapped the mat—sort of—and allowed Medicare to continue. The reason I have made those introductory remarks is to say that on the question of universal provision in the healthcare system we have a 20- to 30-year track record of standing behind this deep principle.

On the question of differential incentives across Australia—and I obviously do not know the circumstances as they apply to the two Hastings concerned—my discussions with the Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister Roxon, have focused in large part on the proper provision—

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