Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Our government's commitment to advancing preventive health care is steadfast, and it's grounded in our belief that every Australian deserves access to our world-class healthcare system through their Medicare card, not their credit card. As a government, we absolutely recognise the promise genetics and genomics hold in transforming how we prevent, diagnose and treat disease.

We are taking significant steps to ensure that these scientific advancements remain a source of empowerment and not of discrimination. A prime example is Minister Jones's recent announcement of a total ban on the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance. This is a landmark decision that ensures Australians can seek clarity on their health risks without fearing discrimination by insurers.

On this matter, I'd like to share a story from a constituent in Bennelong who contacted me throughout this process. I'll respectably refer to her as Jane to protect her medical privacy. Jane's experience illustrates how deeply these issues impact Australian families. After losing her parent to cancer and watching her close relative battle terminal ovarian cancer, Jane chose to undergo genetic testing for the BRCA2 mutation. Her motivation was clear—to give her three young children the gift of knowledge and the possibility of preventive action. Jane make this choice out of love, seeking to empower herself and her children with information her own mother ever had.

In doing so, Jane was faced with an unexpected and heartbreaking choice. She was informed just before her testing that taking the genetic test could impact our children's ability to obtain life insurance in the future. Jane was warned that the results of her test, meant to empower her children, could instead become a barrier to their future financial security. This was devastating news to a parent who would do anything for her children. It is totally unfair that someone who took proactive steps to manage her family's health risks should face a decision where vital knowledge comes at the cost of her children's future security.

That's why Minister Jones's recent announcement banning the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance is so significant. People like Jane and her children will no longer have to face these difficult choices in seeking genetic information just to protect their own health and the health of their children. This ban sends a clear message that genetic testing is a tool for empowerment and not a tool to discriminate. Australians like Jane will soon be able to pursue testing and take preventive steps without fearing that it will limit their children's opportunities for security later in life.

Genetic screening offers benefits beyond individual health. It has the potential to reduce the financial strain on our healthcare system by identifying at-risk individuals before conditions develop, saving costs associated with late-stage disease treatment. The government also recognises that the benefits of genetic screening extend beyond individual health outcomes. By identifying high-risk individuals early, our governments can alleviate some of the strain on our healthcare system. Preventive health measures save lives, but they also reduce the long-term costs of treating advanced disease. Health economic modelling consistently demonstrates that preventive interventions lead to significant cost savings. This approach frees up resources to address other critical areas within our healthcare system, making it more resilient and responsive to Australia's needs.

By expanding genetic screening, we can build a future where the healthcare system is both more sustainable and better prepared to address unique health risks in our population. Organisations like pathology Australia are essential partners in our preventive healthcare efforts. Their work ensures that Australians have access to reliable diagnostic and preventive services, including genetic testing. Pathology Australia's role exemplifies the importance of collaboration in creating a healthcare system that is accessible, comprehensive and proactive. By working together with such organisations, we can strengthen our diagnostic pathways and enhance Australians' access to life-saving information. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that our investments in preventive health are aligned with protecting the rights of Australians.

Genetic testing can be a transformative tool, empowering Australians to make informed choices about their health, but this power must come with a guarantee of fairness and protection. The recent ban on genetic discrimination is a good step forward. We'll continue working alongside experts like Dr Tiller here and all the work she's done. I commend this motion's call for expanded genomic testing and research.

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