The Albanese government is progressing work to implement a total ban on the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting.
Consultation is now open on the legislative design and technical details including the definition of a genetic test, enforcement of the ban, and implementation.
Genetic research is constantly evolving. The consultation is to ensure this legislation captures the intent of the Government's decision and does not have unintended consequences.
The Government's decision to introduce a total ban is world leading and work is underway to legislate the ban as soon as practicable. Delivering this reform requires consideration of technical details of the legislation, which aren't easily adapted from other jurisdictional laws.
Where countries have adopted some form of ban on life insurers using genetic tests, they have defined 'genetic test' for the purposes of their own regime, which vary in complexity and specificity.
The Albanese government is committed to providing Australians with the confidence to undergo potentially life‑saving genetic testing without fear of it affecting their life insurance.
The Government encourages all interested parties to make a submission. The consultation paper can be found on the Treasury website.
The government will release exposure draft legislation ahead of introduction to Parliament.
Submissions will close on 12 March 2025.
