Cate Blanchett Stresses Free Education & Healthcare During Speech at Gough Whitlam's Memorial Service (Video)

Cate Blanchett takes the stage for her speech during the State Memorial Service for Gough Whitlam on Wednesday (November 5) in Sydney, Australia.

The 45-year-old actress expressed her gratitude for the progress the late Australian Prime Minister made, and said she felt a “great sorrow” over his death.

“When I went to university, I could explore different courses and engage with the student union in extra-curricular activities. It was through that that I discovered acting,” Cate said. “I am the beneficiary of good, free healthcare that meant that the little I earned after tax and rent could go towards seeing shows, bands, and living inside my generation’s expression.”

She also said, “I am a working mother of three, and when I took on the role in Little Fish, I had just my second child. No one batted an eyelid. No one passed judgment and no one deemed me incapable because the culture around women, and the right of women to work as equals in Australia had also been addressed significantly by Gough Whitlam.”

Watch her touching and informed speech below: