Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 26 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the second reading of a bill introducing protections against the use of genetic testing data by life insurers. The Assistant Treasurer argued that the legislation would encourage Australians to undergo genetic testing by removing fears of insurance discrimination. The bill also included measures to streamline regulations for multilateral development banks and adjust financial adviser registration requirements. As no other members spoke, the debate was adjourned without further discussion.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Monday 23 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025, which primarily bans life insurers from using genetic test results in underwriting decisions. Most members, including Labor, Coalition, and independents, supported the legislation to remove barriers to preventive healthcare and align with international best practices, though the Coalition criticized the government for delaying the enactment despite bipartisan consensus. Concerns were raised regarding ancillary measures involving multilateral development banks and financial adviser registration, while one member opposed the bill on the grounds that it undermined insurance risk-pooling. The debate concluded with members commending the bill to the House.

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3. Tuesday 24 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on prohibiting life insurers from using genetic test results to determine coverage or premiums, aiming to prevent discrimination and encourage early health intervention. Speakers argued that fear of financial penalty currently discourages Australians from accessing potentially lifesaving genetic information. The bill also included measures to modernise financial regulations, including licensing exemptions for foreign providers and repealing planned financial adviser registration requirements. Both speakers supported the legislation, citing international precedents and the need to align Australian law with ethical standards regarding predictive genetic data. The debate was interrupted before a final vote was recorded in the provided transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before a final result was stated.

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4. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The debate focused on two sets of amendments to the bill. Monique Ryan moved to shorten the statutory review period from five to three years to monitor unintended consequences and address equity issues in genetic testing access. Sophie Scamps moved amendments to remove provisions allowing regulations to override the bill's definitions of genetic testing, citing concerns from the Australian Human Rights Commission about potential narrowing of protections. Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino opposed both amendments, arguing that three years was insufficient for impact assessment and that regulatory flexibility was necessary to keep pace with medical advancements. Both amendments were defeated in divisions.

   Outcome: Both amendments were defeated, with divisions resulting in votes of 10-66 and 9-64 against them.

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5. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on Schedule 1 of the bill, which stops life insurers from relying on negative genetic test outcomes to set coverage or premiums. Speakers argued that this reform removes a barrier preventing Australians from accessing life-saving genetic testing and participating in medical research. The legislation also includes measures regarding foreign financial service providers, multilateral development banks, and financial adviser registration. All speakers supported the bill, citing fairness, public health benefits, and alignment with international standards.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House by the minister.

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6. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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