Dr Mike Freelander has waded into the controversy over My Health electronic health record system, saying he would not be opting out.
But the Member for Macarthur has criticised the federal government over its handling of My Health.
Dr Freelander, a local paediatrician of more than 30 years standing, says many people had asked for his views on electronic health records and My Health.
“I am strongly of the view that the future in health and health improvements is in data and so the electronic health record is vitally important to this,’’ the Labor MP said.
“I will not be opting out because I do feel it is very important.
“However, I do believe the government has handled this very badly, and it would have been better to develop an opt-in program and develop security programs beforehand and to better explain the importance before the roll-out,’’ he said.
“I also believe that better security programs should have been devised, and in particular it should be made a priority that no one else other than a health professional should have access to someone’s personal health record and it should only be used for health benefits.
“It is simply not good enough for the Minister to say ‘trust me’.
“The government has previously surreptitiously sold off the Australian Cancer registry, without any benefit to the Australian community, and I have fears with what they may do to our electronic health records.
“Like most health policies, the Liberal-National parties have no understanding of the importance of getting things right for the benefit of all Australians,’’ Dr Freelander said.
Earlier this year the government said that more than five million Australians already have a My Health record, which provides a digital summary of their key health information.
Every Australian will be offered a My Health Record unless they choose not to have one during the three month opt out period that runs from July 16 to October 15.
The government says My Health Record system has strong safeguards in place to protect the health data, and it’s subject to some of the strongest legislation in the world, to prevent unauthorised use.
Justine Banks Griffith
One of the reservations I have is as so many insurance policies are sold on the basis that no medical is required but the insurance companies will have full record of your health details and if you failed to mention that you had some ordinary complaint when you were a kid it may give the companies a way out of paying you. Can anyone tell me if these people will have access to my records?