Enabling legislation was passed in September 1983, and Medicare began operation on 1 October 1984. It differed from the original Medibank program only in matters of detail. Despite its growing popularity, the implementation of Medicare did not mark the final acceptance of universal, publicly run health insurance in Australia. The Coalition parties offered alternative schemes at three subsequent elections, before declaring their support for it in the run-up to the 1996 election, at which they were victorious. This is not, of course, the end of the story.
Access is a key issue in health policy, but by no means the only one.
Health policy can now focus more fruitfully on the more difficult issue of how to achieve better health outcomes and greater efficiency within the context of universal coverage. Gough Whitlam, Labor Prime Minister 1972-1975. John Gorton, Liberal Prime Minister 1968-1971. Bob Hawke, Labor Prime Minister 1983-1991. The making of Medibank.