Healthcare lobby groups have attacked the federal government over a lack of progress on outlawing life insurers’ use of genetic testing to assess underwriting risks, despite a previously announced ban.

The Australian Medical Association and Breast Cancer Network Australia have both made statements criticising Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler for inaction on the ban’s legislation.  

The AMA says it has “extreme concern” the issue will not be prioritised before the upcoming federal election, despite commitments from Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones last September to have legislation “in this [parliamentary] term”.  

“We know many people will be deterred from undertaking genetic testing or participating in genetic research based on fears about access to necessary insurance, such as life insurance, to safeguard themselves and their families,” the AMA wrote. “Together with a range of organisations we have consistently advocated for the introduction of legislation to implement a total ... ban on the use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting.”  

The Breast Cancer Network says the lack of progress is “not just a broken promise – it is actively misleading and endangering people who rely on genomic medicine to make critical health decisions”.  

Policy, advocacy and support services director Vicki Durston said: “The government has dropped the ball when it comes to protecting Australians from genetic discrimination.

“We have been pushing for this for years, and now, after publicly committing to a ban, they’ve gone silent.

“This failure impacts thousands of Australians at risk of or living with breast cancer, who should not have to choose between their health and their financial security. BCNA will not let this go – we demand action now.”  

The industry has had a self-regulated moratorium on the use of genetic testing in underwriting since 2019. However, this was attacked in a Treasury report for failing to achieve its intended results.  

Council of Australian Life Insurers CEO Christine Cupitt told insurance.NEWS.com.au the industry has “long been clear about the need for strict government regulation to ensure that no one is deterred from taking a genetic test to proactively manage their health.  

“With genetic testing becoming more prevalent, it’s clear that the community needs and expects government regulation as soon as possible. Australians want this to happen and so does our industry. It is important the government introduces the ban without delay.”