The Albanese Government has today released draft regulations ahead of the upcoming ban on the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance, which will commence on 8 October 2026.
Genetic testing is an important tool that can save lives through early detection and prevention. Australians should be able to access this testing with confidence, without concern it could limit their access to life insurance.
These exposure draft regulations, now open for public consultation, will provide greater clarity on how the ban will operate and strengthen the framework for compliance and enforcement.
The Government is taking action to ensure the life insurance market operates fairly and that Australians are not discouraged from making informed decisions about their health.
The regulations will support implementation of the ban in two key ways:
- providing certainty to consumers, health practitioners, and insurers on how the ban applies, including in relation to specified genetic predispositions; and
- strengthening compliance and enforcement by confirming that strict liability offences and civil penalty provisions will be captured under the infringement notice scheme in the Insurance Contracts Act 1984.
Once in force, the ban will prevent life insurers from requesting or using adverse genetic testing results in their underwriting decisions.
This reform delivers on the Government's commitment to balance access to affordable life insurance with the health and wellbeing of Australians.
The draft regulations and explanatory statement are available on the Treasury website.
The Government encourages all interested stakeholders to provide feedback. Submissions will close on 26 June 2026.
