I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.
I'm proud to be here tonight to celebrate 40 years of Medicare.
Forty years of a great and enduring Australian achievement.
Forty years since the leadership of Bob Hawke and the determination of Health Minister Neal Blewett paid off.
Universal health care is a proud Labor legacy that all Australians share in - a legacy that will keep changing the lives of Australians long after the last of Medicare's architects is gone.
And it is a source of pride for all of us as Australians - because it speaks so clearly to the sense of fairness that we see as one of the central traits of our national character.
That is why protecting and strengthening Medicare is one of the biggest priorities of this Government.
One year ago, the Government made the largest investment in bulk billing in Medicare history, targeted to families with children under 16, as well as pensioners and concession card holders.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners called the investment a "game changer".
Twelve months on, we're seeing the results.
More than 5.4 million extra bulk billed appointments in the past year, with 2.2 million in regional and remote areas.
Part of being Australian is knowing that when you need healthcare, your need is not measured by the size of your bank account.
All you need is that bit of green and gold - either the old school plastic, or the virtual version on your phone.
For decades, the humble Medicare card has been one of the greatest and most meaningful expressions of the fair go.
However, as extraordinary as Medicare is, it's little more than a noble ideal without the people on the ground who make it work.
Tonight we acknowledge those who make Medicare possible.
The Stronger Medicare Awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise just some of the people who go above and beyond for their patients, from our biggest cities to regional centres, right across the breadth of our continent.
More than 140 exceptional nominations were received from across the country, with 37 outstanding finalists chosen by a panel of experts.
Our nation owes an incredible debt to all of you who have dedicated your lives to protecting and improving the health and well being of your fellow Australians.
You put yourselves on the line in so many ways for the sake of helping others, quietly demonstrating one of the noblest facets of the human spirit there is.
Yet for all you do - whether it's routine, or the stuff of borderline miracles - you keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. And you are there for us.
Each of tonight's finalists has made a significant contribution to health care in this country.
You have demonstrated selfless service, commitment to excellence, and passion for your patients and communities.
On behalf of the Government, and all Australians, congratulations to all the nominees and the winners.
