“Over the past six years, the idea of a national disability insurance scheme has found a place in our nation’s heart,” said Gillard in the speech to Parliament.
She recounted a story of a young man she had met recently, explaining “Sandy has big dreams for his future, like any teenager, but his future also has some big needs: mobility aids that cost tens of thousands of dollars, personal care to maintain his hygiene, physical therapy to maintain his muscles and his health,”
“When I met this young man he handed me a card signed by him and his mates to say thanks for what we are doing for people with disability.”
The prime minister was overcome with emotion and cried during the address to the House of Representatives.
She described the scheme as “a mighty force for good”.
