Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, visibly emotional, celebrated his win in the 2025 federal election at the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL club, wielding a Medicare card – a symbol of his campaign. Following a prediction from 9News political editor Charles Croucher about the Labor victory, Albanese addressed the audience, expressing that serving as Prime Minister is the greatest honour of his life. He highlighted a deep sense of gratitude towards Australians for the opportunity to continue leading the country.
In his speech, Albanese urged the nation to unite after a divisive electoral process and reiterated the Labor Party’s commitments, prominently featuring an $8.5 billion investment aimed at increasing bulk billing rates under Medicare. He declared, “We will be a government that helps every Australian who relies on Medicare,” while showcasing his Medicare card, cleverly covering personal details with his fingers. He noted that this card transcends political affiliations, stating, “Because this card is not Labor red or Liberal blue, it is green and gold,” symbolically representing national values and colours.
Albanese’s campaign prominently featured the Medicare card from its inception when he called the election on March 28. Over five weeks, it became a recurring theme at various events, from press conferences to rallies across Australia, making its way into his speeches at significant points, including pledges on Medicare funding.
The card made repeated appearances throughout the campaign, including visits to hospitals and during podium addresses, reinforcing its importance as a symbol of health care and national service. On the final campaign day, it was brandished once more at a visit to the Morayfield Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Queensland.
The public resonance with the Medicare card has been notable, with a recent exclusive poll by 9News indicating that it has become the favourite campaign prop among voters. It outperformed other props from competing candidates, cementing its role in the election narrative.
Overall, Albanese’s heartfelt connection to the Medicare card not only highlighted his party’s health care commitments but also captured the electorate’s imagination, broadening its symbolic significance beyond mere politics.