The Albanese Labor Government has shamefully abandoned its promise to protect Australians from genetic discrimination in life insurance this term of government, breaking a historic commitment made in September last year.
Genetic life insurance discrimination discourages individuals from seeking vital genetic testing, denying them access to potentially life-saving information and treatment.
The pledge, publicly announced by the Assistant Treasurer, was a sign of hope for any Australian with a hereditary disease, and was widely celebrated by clinicians, advocates, researchers, and organisations across the country.
It was a landmark step towards ensuring equitable access to genomic healthcare for all Australians, offering security to individuals and families undergoing genetic testing.
Now, it is clear that this was nothing more than a hollow promise from Labor.
In a devastating backdown, the Albanese Government has failed to even provide a copy of the legislation or introduce it into the Parliament.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne said that this represented a betrayal of trust between the Government and the Australian patients who would have been safeguarded by this legislation.
“This is a failure that has life-altering consequences for Australians who need genetic testing but fear discrimination from insurers,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.
“Australians deserve a government that keeps its promise, not one that turns its back on the very people it vowed to protect.”
Shadow Minister for Financial Services and Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Luke Howarth said this was one of many broken promises to deliver legislation made by Anthony Albanese’s Minister.
“Under the status quo, people who could benefit from genetic testing are discouraged because of the risk of insurance discrimination. There is broad agreement and support for this ban on life insurers using genetic testing to refuse cover,” Shadow Minister Howarth said.
“This is an egregious example of the Albanese Government’s focus on announcements and grandstanding, rather than the follow-through. It has become clear this is not a priority for the Albanese Government, with legislation nowhere to be seen on the eve of an election.”
Dr Jane Tiller from Monash University has been campaigning for a ban for almost a decade.
“It’s a disappointing outcome for Australians”, said Dr Tiller.
“With strong bipartisan support and no opposition, there is no reason why this legislation should not have been introduced to Parliament this term, as promised by the Government.
“We are now calling on the Government, and the Opposition, to do right by Australians and commit to introducing this legislation as an immediate priority of the 48th Parliament.”
ENDS
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