Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Albanese Labor government is now into its second term after having been elected in May 2022 and re-elected in May last year. In that time, there has been no shortage of challenges both domestically and internationally. Notwithstanding that, on every occasion our government has risen to the occasion. We are fortunate that in uncertain times we have leadership that provides certainty, direction and a steady hand. Front and foremost among the Albanese Labor government's achievements has been addressing the cost-of-living pressures for many Australians. The list of measures the government has implemented in this area is long and exhaustive and covers almost every aspect of life. But let me let me use this opportunity today to highlight just a few.

Few things are more important to the lives of Australians than healthcare, particularly in the electorate of Werriwa. The Albanese government knows this, as have successive Labor governments all the way back to Gough Whitlam. Central to healthcare is Medicare bulk billing and the PBS. All have been strengthened by the Labor government and in doing so eased cost-of-living pressures for those who live in the electorate of Werriwa. I begin with Medicare. I've said many times that the green Medicare card all Australians carry is the envy of the world. It ensures free and universal access for Australians to the world's best health system when they need it.

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