Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026

Continued from Tuesday 24 March 2026.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Alison Byrnes (Cunningham) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Byrnes argued that the bill ensures fairness by preventing Australians from being penalised for seeking genetic health information. Byrnes stated that fear of insurance discrimination currently deters people from undergoing testing or joining research studies like the DNA Screen project at Monash University. Byrnes explained that Schedule 1 bans insurers from using adverse genetic results while allowing them to consider symptoms, diagnoses, and family history. Byrnes noted that the reform includes civil penalties and criminal offences enforced by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Byrnes also highlighted additional schedules addressing foreign financial providers, multilateral banks, and financial adviser registration burdens.

Government response

Daniel Mulino (Assistant Treasurer; Minister for Financial Services) ALP Fraser

Mulino acknowledged the long-standing advocacy of Dr Jane Tiller and other experts in driving this reform. Mulino stated that Schedule 1 provides certainty for individuals undertaking genetic testing for medical or research purposes. Mulino explained that Schedule 2 grants licensing exemptions to foreign financial service providers to diversify investment opportunities for Australian investors. Mulino noted that Schedule 3 modernises Australia's framework for multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund. Mulino added that Schedule 4 repeals the requirement for individual financial advisers to register annually with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.