Sam Lim (Tangney, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Werriwa for moving this motion. I want to talk about my hero, Gough Whitlam. Today, on the 50th anniversary of the election of the Whitlam government, I want to honour the enduring legacy of Gough Whitlam on Australian politics and Australian society. Gough Whitlam's three-year term is known as one of Australia's most reformative and progressive governments. Many of the institutions that our nation is known for, institutions that have become enshrined as rights for Australians, are thanks to Gough. Gough was daring, he dreamt big, he looked over the horizon and he pushed for what was right, not what was easy. He achieved so much in his three-year term. Gough was a person who showed that there can and should be decency, integrity and heart in politics. I can see in our leader Prime Minister Anthony Albanese parallels with Gough Whitlam—hard work, advocating for others, fighting for a fairer Australia. He has achieved a great deal on a short amount of time.

If it had not been Gough Whitlam, I may not be standing before you today. That is because in 1973 Gough Whitlam abolished the white Australia policy. In this place the Gough Whitlam Labor government created and supported the policy of multiculturalism. Because of this, Australia is now home to people from nearly 200 different countries. My electorate of Tangney is home to over 160 nationalities. This diversity reaches our electorates. I consider it a blessing to connect with people from so many different places. My community and my life are richer and more vibrant for it.

I want to recognise the Whitlam Labor government's reform in health care. This is a matter close to my heart because, had it not been for Gough Whitlam, my daughter may not be here today. In 2006 my eldest daughter, Ying, was diagnosed with cancer. It was a long, hard road for her and our family but she won her battle with cancer. I credit this to our amazing healthcare system, the foundation which is Medicare. My family was under so much stress during that time, I cannot imagine the added financial stress if Medicare wasn't available to us. I recognise Gough Whitlam as the champion for Medibank, which evolved into the system we know as Medicare today. Gough saw that, in a country as wealthy as Australia, no-one should go without access to basic health care. Medicare is upheld as a right for Australian people and is considered a building block for one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

I also want to acknowledge the Whitlam Labor government's contribution to education. To me, education is everything. Like any parent, I want my children to have the best possible opportunity they can in their lives. This was the reason why my wife and I decided to emigrate to Australia in 2002—to give our children the best education. In the words of Gough himself, education is the key to equality of opportunity. These words resonate deeply with me. I grew up poor in rural Malaysia. My family didn't have electricity or running water but I'm very grateful to have had access to a quality education. Equal access to opportunities is so important. I know that, without access to education, equality is impossible. After the 1972 election, the Whitlam Labor government made education free. Participation in higher education rose by 25 per cent under Whitlam. I have spoken with many people who say that they owe their university degree to Gough. They say that free tertiary education had a direct impact on their opportunities in life and the path their life has taken. It impacted the way they saw themselves and their capability. Gratitude for Gough and his legacy persists within me and the Australian public. He has left a lasting mark on Australians. Thank you, Gough, we will not forget you.

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