Prime Minister Julia Gillard has introduced legislation before Parliament that will provide for a half a percentage point increase in the Medicare levy from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent of taxable income to cover the costs of the DisabilityCare, the initiative formally known as the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard chocked back tears as she introduced the draft Bill before the floor, saying that it was the next step in delivering a stronger, fairer Australia.

“In this Bill, we see a nation united in a spirit of concern to strengthen and extend the fair go, to ensure no one is left behind; we also see a Parliament ready to put the national interest ahead of ideology,” Ms Gillard said.

The draft legislation has been introduced so that it can be considered by Members and Senators ahead of its official introduction.