Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino says legislation banning the use of genetic testing in insurance underwriting will be introduced “as soon as practicable”.  

He says a ban would ease concerns among people who have hesitated to get tested due to possible implications for securing life cover.  

“It can be an incredibly important preventative tool, and it can also be very important in leading people to earlier and more effective medical treatment,” Mr Mulino said in an interview with Council of Australian Life Insurers CEO Christine Cupitt and genetic researcher Jane Tiller.

“But we do know some people aren’t getting tested because they’re worried about the impacts of the results of those tests on the affordability and accessibility of life insurance.”  

Last week, CALI urged the federal government “to legislate without delay” and take “decisive action” after more than two years of industry collaboration.  

“As genetic testing becomes more common, more accessible and more clinically useful, now is the time to act,” Ms Cupitt said. “Of course, this is a rapidly evolving area, and that is why we’re pleased to see the commitment from the government to a five‑year review of the legislation.  

“That review is critical to make sure that the legislation keeps pace with advances in genetic testing.”  

Ms Tiller notes the reforms have been a “long time coming”. She says research has shown many people offered genetic testing declined after being told of the potential insurance impact.  

She says as genetic testing becomes more widespread, “it will be every person in the community who’ll have to face this decision and this potential discrimination if we don’t put this ban in place. At the moment, it’s only affecting people who are offered genetic testing. That number will explode in the coming years.”  

The life insurance industry currently has a self-regulated restriction on the use of genetic testing in underwriting, in place since 2019.