6 years ago
MY HEALTH PRIVACY CONCERNS
THE HON CATHERINE KING MP
Malcolm Turnbull should suspend the My Health Record rollout until the Government can address growing privacy concerns and restore public confidence in this reform. The Government’s failure to properly manage this rollout has seriously undermined trust in what is one of the most significant pieces of health architecture in a generation.
As a result, the My Health Record is now at a tipping point.
Unless the Government takes urgent action, the damage could prove irreversible.
Labor has already called on the Government to launch a comprehensive information campaign to educate the public about the importance of this change, and to extend the opt-out period.
Given that the legislation governing the My Health Record was designed for an opt-in system – and in light of the significant community concern around privacy - we now believe the Government should also review the legislation that underpins the My Health Record, including provisions around access by law enforcement agencies. Labor is concerned that under the current legislation law enforcement bodies can access My Health Records without a court order or warrant. This is a clear threat to patient privacy and should be changed. The Government has made the decision to shift to an opt-out system - it should also tighten the legislation to ensure people’s rights are respected and privacy is protected. If amendments are required to properly protect people’s data from improper use, then the Government needs to explain what these amendments are. Until privacy and security concerns are addressed, rollout should be suspended.
Implemented properly, this project will deliver significant benefits to clinicians and patients alike, and save our health system billions of dollars. The Government must get this right.
As a result, the My Health Record is now at a tipping point.
Unless the Government takes urgent action, the damage could prove irreversible.
Labor has already called on the Government to launch a comprehensive information campaign to educate the public about the importance of this change, and to extend the opt-out period.
Given that the legislation governing the My Health Record was designed for an opt-in system – and in light of the significant community concern around privacy - we now believe the Government should also review the legislation that underpins the My Health Record, including provisions around access by law enforcement agencies. Labor is concerned that under the current legislation law enforcement bodies can access My Health Records without a court order or warrant. This is a clear threat to patient privacy and should be changed. The Government has made the decision to shift to an opt-out system - it should also tighten the legislation to ensure people’s rights are respected and privacy is protected. If amendments are required to properly protect people’s data from improper use, then the Government needs to explain what these amendments are. Until privacy and security concerns are addressed, rollout should be suspended.
Implemented properly, this project will deliver significant benefits to clinicians and patients alike, and save our health system billions of dollars. The Government must get this right.