I am very pleased to advise that the Albanese Government will end the ability to discriminate based on adverse predictive genetic test results by banning their use in life insurance underwriting.

This is important as genetic testing can be a life-saving step for individuals, as this valuable technology supports medical practitioners to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor a range of heritable conditions, cancer predisposition syndromes, and cancers.

As such, no Australian should be discouraged from undertaking testing out of fear it may impact their ability to get life insurance.

This decision places Australia as a world leader in removing barriers to genetic testing by stopping the use of adverse predictive test results in life insurance.

This ban has been campaigned for by advocates over the last decade, and I have been working on this with Ministers from our Federal Government and community advocates since coming into office in 2022.

Now, we have taken the step in partnership with the community to support Australians.

This ban will ensure that all Australians can reap the benefits offered by this technology and if they choose, they can disclose a favorable genetic test result.

The government consulted on options to address genetic discrimination in life insurance earlier this year and received over 1000 submissions, with ninety-seven per cent supporting a total ban.

The total ban will be subject to a 5 yearly review to ensure there are no unintended consequences.

This continues the Albanese Government’s longstanding commitment to investing in genomic research in Australia, including the investment of $66 million in genomic research and $5.5 million for newborn screening of genetic disorders.