Building Australia’s Future
The hard work and faith in the fair go that brings us together as Australians – and sets us apart from the world.
Because we didn’t copy the idea of a decent minimum wage from overseas, we created it here.
We didn’t steal the concept of universal superannuation from another country, we made it here.
We didn’t wait for others before we strengthened our democracy by ensuring women had the right to vote in elections and stand for Parliament, we led the world.
And we didn’t settle for a knock-off version of another nation’s healthcare system, we created Medicare.
That’s the way forward for us now. Our own way.
The future we want is not an American-style wages system.
Not American levels of student debt.
And never, ever American health care.
In this time of uncertainty, we should not try to be more like someone else, or somewhere else.
We only need to trust in what makes us Australian.
Our place in the world. Our values. Our people.
These are uncertain times – but I am absolutely certain of this.
This is not a time for cutting and wrecking, for thinking small, punching down, aiming low or looking back.
This is a time for building.
Building the stronger Medicare Australians deserve.
Building an Australia where no-one is held back and no-one is left behind.
Building on the strong foundations we have laid.
Building Australia’s future, together.
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Speech delivered 6 April 2025 in Brisbane, Queensland.