Government MPs back away from doctor tax

At least three government MPs reportedly believe the controversial proposed $7 GP co-payment should be scrapped for pensioners.

Fairfax Media reports that Queensland Liberal National George Christensen has received "overwhelming" negative feedback on the issue after conducting a series of forums across his electorate.

"Politically it would be a good move if we exempt pensioners or people born before 1956," Mr Christensen has told he Sydney Morning Herald.

"It will be no surprise to the prime minister, the treasurer or anyone else that the GP co-payment isn't popular. Overwhelmingly, the feedback on the issue is that you must exempt pensioners."

NSW Liberal Alex Hawke has told the paper he supports the principle of the co-payment but adjustments could be made.

"The GP co-payment is going to be appropriate for the bulk of people," he said.

"But how it applies to pensioners and the most vulnerable is something we can iron out the bugs on."

Senator Ian Macdonald also agreed that the proposed co-payment needed to be "reviewed".

Fairfax says other coalition MPs also want pensioners exempted but have declined to say so on the record.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in May the government was willing to negotiate on the co-payment but believed it had gotten the balance right.