Draft legislation to ban the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting has been released for consultation.
Minister for Financial Services, Daniel Mulino, says publication follows consultation with community members, medical practitioners and genetic researchers, and “continues our commitment to investing in genetic research and technology in Australia”.
Australians should not be discouraged from undertaking genetic testing out of fear…
“Australians should not be discouraged from undertaking genetic testing out of fear it may impact their ability to get life insurance,” he said.
“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. The consultation period closes Sunday 12 October.
“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,” said Mulino.
Click here to see our previous reports on genetic testing.
