Legislation outlawing the use of genetic test results in life underwriting will be examined by senators after being introduced in federal parliament last week.

Submissions to the Economics Legislation Committee inquiry must be made by January 21, and the committee is to report its findings to senators by February 26.

“Genetic tests help save lives,” Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino said last Wednesday in the House of Representatives. “Australians should not be discouraged from undertaking genetic testing out of fear that it may impact their ability to get life insurance.”

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025 ensures the results of any genetic test undertaken by individuals – whether for personal medical reasons or through participation in clinical research – cannot be requested or used by insurers when underwriting a life insurance policy.

Provisions include mandatory five-year reviews of the ban and measures to amend the Disability Discrimination Act to align it with the prohibition. Section 46 of the DDA says discrimination in relation to the provision of life insurance – by refusing to offer a policy or by the terms or conditions offered – is not unlawful if reasonably based on actuarial or statistical data, if available, and other relevant factors.

Council of Australian Life Insurers CEO Christine Cupitt says the legislation is an “important milestone” that will give people “more certainty and empower them towards better health outcomes. No one should be deterred from taking predictive genetic tests that help them to better manage their health.”