Mr ABBOTT (Warringah—Prime Minister) (14:08): I am always happy to hear the public comments of the president of the Australian Medical Association, and I certainly note that the Australian Medical Association is quite happy to support a co-payment in principle. I think it is important that all of the comments of the president of the AMA should be made available to this House. The AMA is prepared, in principle, to support a co-payment, as the president made clear in discussions with me some time ago. This government supports a modest co-payment for Medicare, as members opposite did in the days when they were better led than they are now, when they were led by a reforming prime minister. Again, I make the point—as I make all the time in response to questions from the shadow minister—if it is right and proper to have a modest co-payment on the PBS, how can it not also be right and proper to have a modest co-payment on Medicare? Opposition members interjecting— Mr ABBOTT: I hear interjections stating that it stops people going to the doctor. By the same token, those opposite are stopping people from going to the pharmacist because of their modest co-payment. Ms Owens interjecting— The SPEAKER: The member for Parramatta will desist. Mr ABBOTT: In fact, the interjection from the member opposite just shows how illogical and inconsistent members are. Ms King interjecting— The SPEAKER: The member for Parramatta has asked her question and will desist. Mr ABBOTT: This is a government which is prepared to do the tough but necessary things to keep our system sustainable. Nothing is more important to me than our Medicare system. I spent many years in this parliament as the best friend that Medicare has ever had. I want Medicare to be sustainable, and the best way to keep, preserve and strengthen our Medicare system over the medium- and longer term is with a modest co-payment.