Gough Whitlam gave medical care for all, regardless of means

GOUGH Whitlam introduced Medibank, the parent of Medicare, in 1975.

AUSTRALIA’S universal healthcare system is largely attributable to one man: Gough Whitlam introduced Medibank, the parent of Medicare, in 1975.

From his maiden speech in 1952, Mr Whitlam regularly referred to inadequate healthcare in his western Sydney electorate.

Medibank, the nation’s first national health-insurance scheme, also paved the way for future Labor approaches to healthcare, emphasising preventive care and treating the sick in local communities rather than focusing on institutions.

While often controversial, the idea was to give Australians free access to hospitals and medical services regardless of their financial and social standing.

In 1972, 17 per cent of people outside Queensland — which already enjoyed free healthcare — had no health insurance.

Medibank initially was opposed by many GPs, the Australian Medical Association and private health funds, who argued it was akin to a socialist takeover and jeopardised individuals’ freedom. While the scheme was partly repealed by the Fraser government, it was restored by the Hawke government as Medicare.