This poster relates to Australia's historically significant public health policy and was created to support the introduction of Medibank and Medibank Private to Australia in the 1970s. Despite initial hostile opposition, Medibank was introduced by the Whitlam Labor Government in 1975 (and later renamed Â?MedicareÂ? under the Hawke Labour Government in 1984) and was supported by all subsequent governments, becoming an entrenched part of Australia's public health system and policy.
In 1976, Parliament introduced a Â?Medicare levyÂ? to help fund the program (a measure the Liberal party hadn't previously supported when proposed by the Whitlam government), and also established Medibank Private, the government health fund set up to compete with private health funds (then referred to as 'Medibank Public'). The private scheme covered the cost of treatment not included in the universal Medibank/Medicare provisions.

Medicare and Medibank Private (together with other Private Health schemes) have formed the core of the Australian public health system since they were established.

Production authorised by the ACTU (Australian Council of Trade Unions).

Medibank was introduced by the Whitlam Labour Government in 1975. Medibank Private was established under the Fraser Liberal Government in 1976. Robert Hawke was ACTU President from 1969-1980.

Poster, 'You need Medibank - Medibank needs you', offset print on paper, cartoon designed by Bruce Petty, printed for Australian Council of Trade Unions by Industrial Printing and Publicity Company Limited, Richmond, Victoria, Australia, 1975-1976

Portrait format poster in yellow and black print on white paper depicting 'The Medimess' cartoon in which the large multi-footed, multi-headed and multi-handed, banner waiving, 'Medimess' monster stomps 'Medibank', a goggled, gloved and masked medical practitioner, into the floor. A figure wearing dark sunglasses stands to the right of the 'Medimess' monster, pumping gas into a sleeping Australia. Across the top above the cartoon in black print reads 'You need medibank - medibank needs you' and below the cartoon is 'support medibank and medibank private' in black and white .

Made: Australian Council of Trade Unions; Richmond, Victoria; 1975 - 1976

Australian Council of Trade Unions logo at right of cartoon, printed in black, image of Australian continent with 'A.C.T.U.' printed over it surrounded by 'AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF TRADE UNIONS' all contained within a circle.
Political authorisation at bottom left corner, printed in black 'AUTHORISED BY R.J. HAWKE PRESIDENT ACTU'
Publishers name and address at bottom right corner, printed in black, 'INDUSTRIAL PRINTING AND PUBLICITY CO LTD, 122 DOVER STREET, RICHMOND 3121'

2008/21/4

1975 - 1976

532 mm

405 mm