"So, the medical groups have asked if we could extend for an additional month. I am disposed to that," Mr Hunt told ABC's AM program. Senior doctors had held talks with Mr Hunt over growing and wide-spread concerns over privacy and security of the online records, which are designed to follow patients through their lives and streamline treatment. Doctors and privacy experts were particularly concerned about provisions in the legislation to allow police access to the records without a warrant. "The Digital Health Agency’s policy is clear and categorical - no documents have been released in more than six years and no documents will be released without a court order. This will be enshrined in legislation." Mr Hunt said the reform would "remove any ambiguity on this matter".

He added that the legislation would also be amended to ensure that if any Australian wished to cancel their record, they could do so permanently, with their record deleted from the system. "The government will also work with medical leaders on additional communications to the public about the benefits and purpose of the My Health Record, so they can make an informed choice," Mr Hunt said. AMA President Tony Bartone told Fairfax Media that he had enjoyed a "frank and constructive discussion" with Mr Hunt and welcomed the Minister's decision, which he said would allow patients to make "an informed choice". "In addition, we’ve also impressed upon the Minister that there’s a need to have some clear air, to ensure that the community has time to fully understand what is a My Health Record and what is entailed in the opt out process," Dr Bartone said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video

Dr Bartone sought to meet Mr Hunt after doctors, patients and privacy advocates raised a raft of concerns about the My Health Record Act. He last week vowed to do "whatever it takes" to safeguard patients' interests. It is understood that support for a redrafting of the legislation emerged within the Liberal Party after last weekend's byelections, in which Labor bolstered its position in part by attacking the Turnbull government's record on health.

Labor health spokeswoman Katherine King yesterday said Mr Hunt had not gone far enough and that the roll-out should be suspended until women fleeing domestic violence can be sure their privacy is protected.