Is the GP Co-payment dead, or is it just resting?

$7.00 is a trifling sum to pay for the wonderful medical facilities that we in Australia are all so fortunate to have access to. Some people expect too much for nothing! 

I am ashamed, you have no sense of responsibility, it was limited to 10 consultations. Why is it with some Australians that everything should be free! Where is the national pride, we have to help pay our National Depts. Go out and see some of these medical centres, see how much the government is paying them! 

Personally I don't believe that the money will go to a medical research fund. It will either go into general revenue, or go towards the pollies' next pay rise, and that makes me say 'no'. Some people are complaining about people and entitlements -- what about politicians with their snouts in the trough! 

why is is that new zealand has successfully introduced a much larger co-payment without all the wingeing and whining that went on in australia. it seems we are a nation of entitlement now. our forebears would be ashamed of us. by the way I am a 79 year old pensioner in indifferent health. 

Sadly when things in life are free they are abused or people over-indulge. I think the co payment is a smart move. 

I have just been back and read John Mango's report dated 31st July, 2014 regarding the results of the survey referred to in this article. To quote John '60% of we FiftyUps agree that our health system is unsustainable and 70% are prepared to contribute a small amount to our own health care costs if it helps balance the Federal Budget.'...Does this not show SUPPORT for the co-contribution?........I've never known 70% to be a minority.................and in article dated 08th August, after visit to Minister, the following quote was given by John 'And 40% say co-payments and Health Insurance prices are likely to change how you vote at the next election'. The government would be ecstatic if just 1/2 were Labor voters and they changed to support the government on this point.......... Perhaps John, your words were slightly misrepresenting on this matter. 

Bring in the co-payment and stop the abuse of the system I am all for it if it cuts out the rorting that goes on. I know this occurs and have seen it on numerous occasions. All this whinging about $7 is silly. The whole idea is to free up the system from the abuse and rorting that goes on, and make it more accessible to people who are really need it. I support wholeheartedly it is badly needed. My wife works in a bulk bill surgery and is constantly amazed at how the system is rorted by patient and Doctor alike, Absolutely outrageous. As usual if you get it for nothing then why not abuse it. Now I am not saying this is the case with all folk but we have to stop this nonsense somehow. Sorry 50+ can't agree with you on this one!! 

personally I can afford a co payment but I see pensioners first hand doing it tough I am a volunteer worker for the stroke foundation and perhaps some of you advocating the increase should volunteer and listen to how tough it would be on them. I have paid 52.5% tax but I did not complain. these people do not have enough money to outlay for coffee which is a luxury for them.i notice that the government voted themselves an increase in their salaries before this item was mentioned as a budget measure .as far as a medical fund is concerned for a country our size do not need to have the largest medical research in the world . what the government is doing is ask the pensioners to fund this medical research .which is totally unnecessary.perhaps they should look at companies with trusts that are paying 10% tax .and self managed superranution funds where some people have $100 million in their super which was not the intention of the government at that time .same old story the more you get the more want forget the unfortunate.i don't have the full answer to the budget but I think they have targeted the wrong people . it costs me for a doctors visit but I am happy to pay. I think of people that have helped build this country the people who lost their lives in the world wars and did not hesitate to fight for their country . perhaps I am soft I am happy to be called that and continue help the unfortunate . 

You city people don't realise how good you've got it. All this whinging about a $7 co-payment. My wife and I live in Coleambally in the Riverina, a town of 600 people. We pay an $18 co-payment for each ailment. Funny thing is haven't heard anyone complain about it. The waiting room is always full. Stop complaining and get on with life. 

Well Done!