Building a new Health and Hospitals Network is fundamental to building a stronger and fairer Australia.

I was elected by the Australian people to bring back a fair go for all Australians. I have given my absolute best to do that.

But Australia faces additional regional and global challenges also crucial to our nation's future - climate change, questions of energy and food security, the rise of China and the rise of India. And we need a strong system of global and regional relationships and institutions to underpin stability.

There's nothing like having a bit of somebody else in you.

The Australian Government's decision to take on the dominant funding role for the entire public hospital system is designed to: end the blame game; eliminate waste; and to shoulder the funding burden of the rapidly rising health costs of the future.

People are happiest when they are giving, they are saddest when they are just taking. And that is the core message of community.

I'm out there arguing the Labor case. I will do it anywhere and everywhere that I can. I do it within various communities across Australia where I am able to make a positive contribution. And let me tell you, my voice won't be silenced in the public debate because the issue at stake for Australia are so stark.