Australian Prime Minister cries during speech

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard broke down in tears as she delivered an emotional parliament speech about disability allowance.

Ms Gillard struggled for composure as she introduced a groundbreaking scheme she described as "a mighty force for good".

Towards the end of a 15-minute speech, her voice broke as she spoke of meeting disabled youngsters Sandy, 17, from Brisbane, and Sophie, 12, from Melbourne.

"There will be no more 'in principle' and no more 'when circumstances permit'," she said through tears.

"It will be launches not trials; permanent care, not temporary help.

"DisabilityCare starts in seven weeks and there will be no turning back."

As she sat down, the Labor party behind her and a group of around 20 disability advocates in the gallery gave her a standing ovation.

The opposition, which would normally ask for a debate to be adjourned at the end of an introductory speech, also confirmed its support for the scheme.

Miss Gillard said the programme will cover more than 400,000 Australians with significant, permanent disability, as well as their families and carers.

It will be funded by raising the health insurance levy paid by the taxpayer by 0.5%.

In a quivering voice, Ms Gillard said: "Every week or fortnight, a sliver of the pay packet will go to DisabilityCare Australia - around a dollar a day for the average earner.

"But all that money added together from every corner of the nation will be a mighty force for good."