BCNA calls for prioritisation of genetic discrimination legislation

In September 2024, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, the Hon Stephen Jones MP, announced that the Federal Government would introduce a total legislative ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance, and that this would be introduced in the current parliamentary term. 

This historic moment was the culmination of an eight-year advocacy campaign to end genetic discrimination, led by Dr Jane Tiller from Monash University and supported by BCNA and many other consumer organisations. 

A Treasury impact report supported a total ban on the use of genetic testing results by life insurers. The ban also received federal bipartisan support and support from the life insurance industry at the time of Minister Jones’ announcement in September. However, it has been four months since this announcement and progress has slowed, which may indicate that it is no longer a policy priority. BCNA remains concerned that Australians are foregoing genetic testing due to fears about access to life insurance, and those who have genetic tests that confirm a genetic mutation are experiencing difficulties accessing life insurance. 

BCNA wrote a letter to Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP, calling for his support of this urgent reform. Although this issue has had policy responsibility with Treasury and Minister Jones, BCNA would welcome its prioritisation within Health. 

What can you do now? 

• Read more about genetic discrimination in the ABC News article, Health groups demand urgent ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance
• Send an email to your Federal MP using the campaign's online form.