The word 'debacle' certainly got a work-out in the media and on the Senate floor this week as Labor mounted a last-ditch effort to have the opt-out period for the My Health Record extended for a full year. 'Debacle' joined 'bungle' as the words du jour, although we were mightily pleased to see at least one 'shemozzle' and the old favourite 'stuff up' joining the fray.

These choice phrases were of course launched at the government over its handling of the My Health Record opt-out process, particularly as the opt-out website and helpline began to suffer under the weight of people wanting to opt out at the last minute on Wednesday. The government was forced to cave in to pressure to extend the opt-out period, as the amendments to the My Health Record Act demanded by the opposition would not pass the lower house until the opt-out period was over.