A two-year study into the impact of genetic testing on Australia has been welcomed by life insurers. The 1200-page report by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Australian Health Ethics Committee of the National Health & Medical Research Council makes 144 recommendations, including the establishment of a Human Genetics Commission of Australia and a revamp of anti-discrimination laws.

Calling for laws to protect individuals from discrimination based on their real or perceived genetic make-up, the report says the insurance industry should be required to adopt a range of improved client protection policies and practices over the use of genetic information.

It says new laws should require insurers to provide reasons for any unfavourable underwriting decisions and calls for industry education about genetic information usage, as well as the strengthening of complaints systems to deal with genetics-related issues.

Investment and Financial Services Association CEO Richard Gilbert says the life insurance industry is generally supportive of the report’s recommendations. “It will provide the cornerstone for the development of policies and procedures for the handling of human genetic information in Australia,” he said.