Gillard tears up during parliament speech

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard becomes visibly emotional in parliament as she presents legislation to help support the disabled.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD SAYING:

"The people who have gathered here today from around the country to witness this debate know what this means. There will be no more 'in principle' and no more 'when circumstances permit'. There will be launches not trials, permanent care, not temporary help. DisabilityCare starts in seven weeks time and there will be no turning back. I commend this bill to the house."

The prime minister was introducing the Medicare Levy Amendment (DisabilityCare Australia) Bill 2013, which increases the Medicare levy on tax payers to help pay for the insurance scheme.

Ms Gillard's tears follow a difficult 24 hours after her budget came under intense criticism in the local media.