Rather than introduce a $5 fee, why doesn't the government increase by the medicare level by a small amount. It might even raise more than $750 mill a year. As for the ALP's approach, it seems a bit hypocritical as they introduced a similar fee during the Hawke - Keating days. Of course, after a few months, they dropped the charge as it proved to be a very unpopular move. I'm worried that people will start visiting the emergency department instead to bypass the fee. Also, many people might wait until a condition gets more serious before seeing a doctor which might lead to higher medical expenses down the track.