Govt won't back down on GP fee

DESPITE suggestions it will fail in the Senate and opposition from within coalition ranks, the government is standing firm on the $7 GP fee.

The federal government is standing firm on its plans for a $7 Medicare co-payment.

HEALTH Minister Peter Dutton insists the Medicare co-payment is a "sensible change" to the health system which will pass parliament.

BUT he won't get any support from Labor, after Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told a 200-strong rally outside Old Parliament House in Canberra that the plan would be fought "to the death".