Willing to trade: Senator David Leyonhjelm. Photo: Peter Rae
One of the key crossbench senators has told Treasurer Joe Hockey to ”soften the blow” of the proposed $7 GP fee by reducing the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment by the same amount.
Liberal Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm met Mr Hockey in Sydney on Monday.
He urged the Treasurer to also dump the planned $20 billion Medical Research Fund, which would be partially funded by the GP fee.
Under pressure to “soften blow” of $7 GP fee: Joe Hockey. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment increased from $36.10 to $36.90 in January. Senator Leyonhjelm said reducing the PBS co-payment to $30 would send a price signal to patients but at the same time improve the GP fee’s saleability to the electorate.