Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to lend my very strong support to this motion and emphasise the amazing potential of genetic screening to help us tackle cancer and other diseases. By implementing proactive, populationwide genetic screening, we have an unprecedented opportunity to identify Australians at high genetic risk for certain diseases before the symptoms emerge, providing a pathway to better prevention to save lives and significantly reduce healthcare costs.

People who carry specific genetic markers, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, face up to a 70 per cent risk of breast cancer, often at a younger age, and these cancers are also typically more aggressive. Another example is Lynch syndrome, which leads to a 50 per cent lifetime risk of bowel cancer in both men and women. For those with these genetic markers, much earlier and more frequent screening, such as MRIs or annual colonoscopies, is necessary to catch diseases at their most treatable stage. By adopting a more widespread genetic testing approach, we will not only save lives but also save taxpayers and the health system a lot of money in the process.

I must acknowledge the work of Monash University, which continues to illustrate the importance of DNA screening and a more equitable approach for all Australians. Again, it's nice to see you here, Dr Tiller, in our gallery. Of the over 10,000 young adults tested in Monash's DNA Screen pilot, around two per cent were found to be of high genetic risk for cancers and heart disease. This is not rare. It equates to about one in every 50 Australians, a significant number of whom would not have been eligible for existing testing due to restrictive criteria. At least 42 participants in this study came from my electorate of Leichhardt, and one of the identified high-risk individuals is also from my region. This reinforces the reach and relevance of this issue across all of our communities.

Despite the powerful evidence in favour of proactive genetic screening, the current approach remains largely reactive, with testing often occurring only after someone has been diagnosed with either cancer or heart disease. This is a missed opportunity to keep people healthy, out of hospitals and actively participating in our workforce. By shifting to a proactive, preventive model we can empower Australians with the knowledge they need to safeguard their health and to alleviate strain on our healthcare system.

I'm sure it's very clear now that this information that we can unlock through genetic testing is quite powerful, and we should be mindful that it should be used only for the benefit of Australians. I commend the government on its recent announcement regarding its intent to ban the use of genetic test results in life insurance underwriting. Without this protection, too many Australians fear genetic testing, worrying that a high-risk result could affect their ability to secure insurance. I note that the Assistant Treasurer has previously confirmed the government's intention to pass this legislation within the current term. If we're going to make this a reality, you really need to get a move on this very, very quickly. I urge the government to keep their promise to protect Australians. Let's get this legislation drafted and bring it into the House without any delays.

Economic modelling from Monash University has also illustrated that the widespread adaptation of a proactive genetic screening approach in Australia would be very cost-effective, at a price that could soon be achievable for as little as $400 per person. It's a very small price to pay for such a significant benefit. It would represent a unique opportunity to bring our healthcare system into the 21st century. This is not about gene editing or designer babies; it's about practical, evidence based interventions to identify those who are at risk of cancer and other diseases and provide them with the preventive care they need. I certainly commend the member for Braddon on this motion, and I look forward to accelerating the progress on this very important issue.

See this speech in context