Description: You are expected to submit a discussion paper with a maximum of 2,000 words examining current opinion and evidence on the following topic. In 2014, the Australian (Federal) Government proposed a $7 co-payment for each standard GP consultation service, and each out-of-hospital pathology and imaging services, $5 of which could go to the health and medical research fund. However, in early 2015, the government dropped its proposal. (1) IF the proposal was implemented, considering other countries’ experience, discuss the implication of imposing a modest co-payment for the Australian health system with reference to its potential impact on:  Health care expenditure  Quality of care  Access to health services (2) Based on your response to question 1, explain why you think this proposal should or should not be tried in Australia. The proposed structure and key assessment criteria  Background to the topic discussing the potential economic reasons (e.g. increasing health care expenditure in Australia) for the Australian government introducing this proposal  Discuss the positive and negative impacts of this proposal on the health system with reference to: o Health care expenditure: E.g. its overall impact on government healthcare expenditure, demand for GP services and GP revenue given the price elasticity of demand for health care or primary care o Quality of care: E.g. its overall impact on quality of care and population health o Equity considerations: E.g. its overall impact on distribution of health (outcomes) with a focus on vulnerable population groups  Conclusions: Summarise the costs and benefits of this proposal and address: o Overall, what is your view about this proposal? o Would you like to revise the proposal? If so, how? Additional information on Assessment 3 The discussion paper must address the economic aspects of the topic with an emphasis on efficiency and equity considerations within the health system. The discussion paper must provide an in-depth analysis. Providing such an indepth analysis will involve generating your own line of reasoning rather than merely repeating the conventional wisdom. It will also involve being able to acknowledge counterarguments to your own position. Be aware that a simple summarising of multiple sources, even if correctly cited, will not be sufficient to gain a good mark. No references have been provided for Assessment 3, mainly because students are expected to find their own references and evidence to support their arguments. This will contribute to their mark for this assessment. In order to develop critical reasoning, students are required to include a range of references in their work. Reference lists must contain more than web-based references. In particular, students are expected to be able to locate and draw upon peer-reviewed journal articles. As a guide only, the discussion paper would normally be expected to be supported by 8-10 references. Students are expected to check the logical flow of the main elements of their argument and perform a careful edit before submission. Some useful guides to essay writing:  Summers J, Smith B. Communication Skills Handbook 3rd Ed. Brisbane: Wiley; 2010.  Anderson J, Poole M. Assignment and thesis writing. 4th ed. Brisbane: John Wiley, 2001.