Health Minister Peter Dutton has urged cross-benchers not to take the obstructionist path over the proposed $7 GP co-payment that's central to the government's Medicare overhaul.
Labor, the Australian Greens and Palmer United Party will oppose the payment to visit the doctor, making its passage through the Senate all but impossible.
Speaking at the National Press Club, Mr Dutton again said the $7 co-payment was non-negotiable, stating it was central to making Medicare sustainable.
Mr Palmer has two options when the PUP becomes a key player in the Senate from July 1, he said.
"The first option is the Greens option, which is to block everything and negotiate on nothing, essentially to be an obstructionist," he said on Wednesday.
"The second model is ... somebody who is willing to add to or improve in their eyes the policy that's before them."
The health minister was confident that after a "full and frank and honest discussion", Australians would be more understanding of tough budget measures like the co-payment.
"We say to the Australian public, we hear you and we want to continue universality and support of those people who can't pay the $7," he said.
"Equally, for me, for many people in this room and across the Australian society with the capacity to pay the $7, if we do that we can strengthen Medicare."
Mr Dutton dismissed as "overblown" reports of empty GP clinics because of the co-payment, to be introduced in July next year.
He also brushed aside criticism from Liberal colleague Dennis Jensen that the $20 billion medical research fund - partly paid for by the co-payment - was incoherent when cuts to bodies such as the CSIRO were taken into account.
It was "incumbent" on the government to increase spending on medical research, Mr Dutton said.
"And I make no apology for that whatsoever," he said.
However, he avoided providing a guarantee that vaccination rates won't fall because of the co-payment, as has been feared by some states and territories.
"I believe very strongly that parents like me and millions of Australians otherwise are prepared to pay the $7 for their children to be immunised," he said.
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