One Nation amendment extends initial opt-out period for My Health Record
Media Release
14/11/2018
Australians will now have until 31st of January 2019 to opt-out of the My Health Record system after an amendment proposed by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson to extend the initial opt-out period received support from the Senate.
The decision to extend the 15th of November deadline was made after Senator Hanson’s office received a number of complaints that Australians were having difficulty completing the opt out process.
“I believe that the My Health Record system will benefit many Australians but with the website crashing and people reporting difficulty opting out I believed it was only fair and reasonable to extend the initial opt-out period.” Senator Hanson said.
“People should be aware that even after the 31st January 2019 they can still opt out at any time and request that their records be destroyed.”
Senator Hanson stressed that it was also important for Australians to be informed of some key points regarding the My Health Record system such as:
- Australians will have total control of their records.
- Australians will be able to view their own records and see who has accessed their records at any time.
- The records will not be retrospective unless a request is made that historical information be added.
- Individuals or corporations found to be abusing the system could face hefty punishment including possible jail time and fines of over $300,000 dollars.
“One Nation is always happy to work with the crossbench and the other major parties to reach sensible decisions that are in the best interests of all Australians, and that is what we have seen today,” Senator Hanson said.
Senator Hanson also went on the record acknowledging that she would not be opting out of the My Health Record System.
