The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has come out against the Abbott government regarding the $7 co-payment plan for all GP consultations, including visits to aged care facilities.

From 1 July 2015 the government intends to reduce the Medicare Benefit Schedule rebate to GPs by $5. GPs will have to charge the client $7 as a copayment to make up the shortfall -they are saying the physical collection will be difficult.

Four Clive Palmer constituents agree. They have gone to him to point out as residents of an aged care facility after they pay for their accommodation they are left $15 each week for luxuries like chocolates. The GP co-payment they believe will grab that. Palmer is listing to them - and to GPs.