The Albanese Government is taking the next important step to ban the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting.
Today we are releasing a draft of the proposed legislation for comment.
This follows consultation with community members, medical practitioners and genetic researchers, and continues our commitment to investing in genetic research and technology in Australia.
Genetic testing can help save lives, supporting medical practitioners to prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor a range of cancers, cancer predisposition syndromes and other heritable conditions.
Australians should not be discouraged from undertaking genetic testing out of fear it may impact their ability to get life insurance.
The exposure draft legislation has been informed by a process of consultation and stakeholder engagement.
People can have their say on the legislation via the Treasury website.
We want to ensure that the legislation delivers on the objectives of the ban, providing Australians with the certainty to continue undertaking potentially life‑saving genetic testing without worrying it will affect their life insurance.
Consultation closes Sunday 12th October.
