Feedback Wanted on Genetic Test Ban

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The federal 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.

Stephen Jones, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, says the consultation is to ensure legislation captures the intent of the Government’s decision and does not have unintended consequences.

…this reform requires consideration of technical details of the legislation…

“The Government’s decision to introduce a total ban is world leading and work is underway to legislate the ban as soon as practicable,” says Jones.

“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.”

He says 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 and advisers can click here to access the link.

Click here to see our previous reports on genetic testing.