Gavin Pearce (Braddon, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Health, Aged Care and Indigenous Health Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) investment in equitable access to disease prevention is critical to tackle the major diseases of our time such as cancer and heart disease;

(b) genetic screening provides a novel opportunity for disease prevention, especially screening for genetic risk factors for certain types of hereditary cancer and heart disease that manifest in early adulthood;

(c) identifying people with medically actionable genetic risk for certain diseases can allow at risk individuals to take steps to reduce risk or in some cases, avoid developing disease altogether;

(d) in Australia, funded testing for these genetic risk factors is only available to individuals who meet narrow criteria, usually only after a person develops symptoms of disease, and this criteria-based testing fails to identify most high-risk individuals in the population, who remain unaware of their risk and are unable to access preventive measures until it is too late;

(e) investment in prevention will save significant downstream healthcare costs, as well as saving lives and improving the health of at-risk Australians; and

(f) the costs of genetic testing have decreased considerably, and health economic modelling now suggests it would be cost-effective in the Australian health system to offer DNA screening to all adults for such genetic risk factors, as part of a population screening program;

(2) acknowledges that:

(a) in August 2022, Monash University launched DNA Screen, a study funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and led by Professor Paul Lacaze and Dr Jane Tiller, which aimed to test 10,000 young adults (18 to 40 years of age) for genetic high risk of developing certain types of cancer (breast, ovarian, colorectal and others) and heart disease, that can be prevented or identified and treated early;

(b) the study was extremely popular, with almost 10,000 people registering their interest in the first 24 hours of the study launch, and over 30,000 people registering interest to date;

(c) the study has now completed testing of 10,263 young adults, finding 202 individuals at high, medically actionable risk of developing cancer or heart disease, and three in four of those high-risk people would not have qualified for reimbursed genetic testing; and

(d) in May 2024, the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs' inquiry into equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for individuals with rare and less common cancers specifically noted the potential of genetic testing for prevention and the high level of public interest and engagement in the DNA Screen study, and recommended that 'the outcomes of the study should be monitored closely, and that further investment to gauge the effectiveness and appropriateness of such screening programs should be explored further';

(3) recognises the:

(a) strain that population DNA screening could place on the current downstream risk management pathways; and

(b) need for genetics services and the health system to be prepared for population-scale DNA screening; and

(4) calls on the Government to:

(a) consider the urgent need to leverage the preventive potential of genomic testing for adults at high, medically actionable risk of developing conditions such as cancer and heart disease; and

(b) fund the next stage of DNA Screen to scale up testing for these medically actionable conditions, test the feasibility of a population-wide screening program, and develop and test methods for the delivery of downstream care and risk management at scale.

Our nation's health statistics are confronting. Our world-class health professionals are working tirelessly, yet patients still struggle to get the treatment they so desperately need. Today we are honoured to have Professor Jane Tiller, an expert in her field, with us in the gallery—welcome to the good professor.

It's time to rethink our approach to health care and to consider one that focuses on prevention and the early identification of risk factors before disease manifests. Today I wish to update the House on the potential of preventative genomic testing in reducing disease burdens across the entire country—a shift from a reactive to a proactive form of health care. Genomic testing analyses a person's DNA in order to identify genetic predispositions to certain diseases. For high-risk individuals and their families, having this information early can be lifesaving. It would allow the time to take preventative actions—for instance, regular monitoring or early treatment or, in some cases, even preventative surgery. This would lead to not only better outcomes and fewer hospitalisations but also a significant reduction in long-term healthcare costs.

The case for increased investment in preventative health care has never been more pressing. Currently, only about two per cent of Australia's healthcare budget is directed towards preventative measures. This contrasts with potential savings from early detection. Genomic testing offers promising investment opportunities for that investment, particularly for conditions such as cancer and heart disease, which have significant health and economic impacts. Limiting funding restricts genomic testing to a narrow post-symptom criteria, yet genomic testing's greatest advantage is the identification well before that. The current criteria-based approach is failing to identify our most high-risk individuals, leaving them unaware and without access to preventative measures. This results in lives consumed by poor health, deaths that could have been prevented and heartache for families for those that lose loved ones. But we could change the scenario. We have the access to this technology that could save lives.

The DNA Screen study led by Monash University is a recent example of genomic testing's incredible potential. The study screened more than 10,000 young adults for genetic risks linked to cancer and heart disease. It revealed that three-quarters of those identified as high-risk would not have qualified for funded testing under the current criteria—that's three in four who are missing out. This highlights a critical gap in our health system that the government has an opportunity to address. The biggest fear associated with DNA testing is whether life insurance companies can discriminate based on these results. I welcome the government's legislative ban announced in September—this would ensure Australians can undergo genetic testing without insurance concerns. That legislation hasn't been introduced as yet but, hopefully, we will see that in the near future.

The Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs has also recognised the potential of genetic testing, and recommended monitoring of the outcomes of the DNA Screen study, which also explores future investment in population-scale genomic testing and screening. We should heed this call. By expanding genomic testing and making it accessible to a broader population we can detect these diseases earlier, manage risks proactively and save lives. At the same time, we need to prepare our health system in order to meet the increased demand that population-wide genetic screening will bring. We must strengthen the infrastructure for downstream services and risk management in order to ensure that high-risk individuals receive timely and appropriate care.

Adult preventative genomic testing represents a significant opportunity. I mentioned the Monash study. Of the 10,000 participants, 24 were from my electorate of Braddon, and one of the 202 high-risk individuals lives in our region. Disease does not discriminate. This investment shifts us from reactive to preventative care, empowering individuals to take control of their health. I call on the government to implement— (Time expired)

Maria Vamvakinou (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is the motion seconded?

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

It certainly is, and I reserve my right to speak.

Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Higgins, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This Albanese government supports expansion of genetic testing to improve the early detection of diseases in Australians and help them quantify their risk and modify it through lifestyle choices or medical interventions. As an indication of support for genetic testing, in September this year, we announced a landmark reform driven by the advocacy of Dr Jane Tiller, who is present with us, and colleagues at Monash University as well as community advocates like Rare Voices Australia. We did this to end the ability to discriminate against an adverse predictive genetic test. As a result, we have banned its use in life insurance. Underwriting this change will give Australians the confidence to undertake genetic testing without fear that it will impact their ability to access financial security through life insurance.

Rare diseases affect two million Australians, accounting for eight per cent of the population. Actually, rare diseases collectively are not that rare. Eighty per cent of these diseases are genetic in origin, with the rest being non-genetically linked cancers, infections and autoimmune diseases. That should give you an indication of the potential for DNA screening against an entire population. However, delayed diagnosis of rare diseases is the norm, and this includes those cancers associated with these genetically related problems. In fact, 30 per cent of adults have a diagnosis delayed by five years. This in turn leads to poor outcomes, exacerbating stress and anxiety as well as the financial cost felt by patients and carers.

Ovarian cancer is an example. Due to the nonspecific symptoms, like abdominal bloating, and a lack of an early detection test, around 70 per cent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed late. Consequently, the average five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer in patients is quite poor at 49 per cent, compared to 92 per cent for breast cancer, 84 per cent for uterine cancer and 74 per cent for cervical cancer. DNA Screen at Monash University tests for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Lynch Syndrome and heart disease. With funding of $3 million, DNA Screen has tested over 10,000 18- to 40-year-olds. Two per cent were found to be at high risk—one person in my electorate of Higgins. DNA Screen now proposes to scale this up to 100,000 people, requiring approximately $50 million in investment, as a precursor to a nationwide screening program. This is truly an ambitious plan.

I guess the questions raised are also significant. Arguably, screening is the easiest part of the equation, but how then will the results be managed? We don't have enough genetic counsellors, and GPs do not have the time nor the expertise to fill this gap. Do we have the diagnostic capacity from imaging as well as the radiologists, pathologists and proceduralists to perform the inevitable scopes or biopsies on these patients? We would need to ensure that the downstream impacts on the healthcare providers, the health workforce and the hospital system are manageable. These and other questions are now being dealt with by the health department as well as DNA Screen.

The Albanese government is investing in genomic research and genetic screening in Australia. $66 million is going towards genomic research, including testing of 500 children with cerebral palsy. We are looking to screen 1,000 patients with Parkinson's disease. We're looking to test for more rapid diagnosis and identification of epilepsy in infants and to improve blood pressure treatment according to a patient's genetic profile. Each of the 25 projects will receive up to $3 million in funding, and in August this year Assistant Minister Ged Kearney announced that $5.5 million will be going to establish a newborn screening program for illnesses at birth, including haemophilia, cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy.

Through the Australian Cancer Plan, the Albanese government wants to improve cancer care in Australia. Genetic testing has great potential in early detection of a range of diseases and in breaking the back of delayed diagnosis for rare diseases as well as rare cancers. Whatever model is finally adopted needs to be equitable, above the postcode lottery, and within the capacity of the healthcare workforce to meet the needs of these patients. It must also be cost effective to ensure that taxpayers get bang for their buck.

Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to 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.

Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to 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.

Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Braddon, my good friend and colleague, for moving this important motion, which we discussed earlier in the year within the coalition. I particularly commend the efforts of Monash University, through DNA Screen—a study funded by the Medical Research Future Fund—led by Professor Paul Lacaze and by Dr Jane Tiller, who is in the gallery.

With some pride, I must add that it was the former coalition government in 2021 that awarded $2.97 million through the MRFF for this study, searching initially for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome. A key takeaway point for me, as the shadow assistant minister for regional health, is responsibility within the Nationals for federal health policy, which, in large part, is about primary and preventive care, as the states generally manage but don't fully fund acute care. This is the profound potential for DNA Screen to promote preventive health care.

As the motion reads, it's very encouraging that so many young people have participated in DNA Screen's trial. The more we encourage all generations, particularly the younger generation, to change the culture around personal health the better. We, in the slightly older generation, might spend more on upkeep of our homes, motor vehicles or other assets than we do on our own health. Even the money some spend on private health cover may be more motivating as to being able to quickly address urgent care situations, than as to engaging with preventive care available under private health policies.

Primary and preventive care is also very important in regional Australia, due to the lack of urgent care locally—that is, the distance you have to travel, which is, in some cases, hours, to actually get urgent care. Screening can help identify health problems well before they become apparent and reduce the need for regional patients to be away from home for weeks or months on end for treatment because disease has been picked up too late.

This pilot program, if funded, would potentially see saliva testing kits sent out to homes. As shadow minister, I hope that regional Australians will be able to send those test kits in and be on the same status as urban Australians. The last thing that we want from a program is an outcome that exacerbates what is already a dire disparity between urban and non-urban Australians' health outcomes.

I acknowledge the advocacy of Dr Tiller for some time on preventing life insurance companies from discriminating against those who have genetic screening. It is pleasing that the government has committed to move on this issue, and we will consider this further in the coming months. Certainly the uptake of screening will improve if people do not fear negative outcomes on life insurance from being screened in the first place.

I have to note that it seems very odd indeed to punish people for taking preventive care steps. Why would you disincentivise discovering risks by making it harder for people to access life insurance? Surely, where there is risk, there is a cost threshold to manage that risk. The fact that insurance companies were looking to not insure people if they had DNA markers is disgraceful, and I am pleased that this will be stopped.

Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Genetic screening sounds like something out of science fiction. For the more suspicious amongst us it can even sound Orwellian. But it's certainly part of our future, in one way or another, and that means we have to be on both our intellectual and our moral toes.

Genetics and genomics have enormous potential to shape the way we prevent, diagnose and treat illness. They are, I think, a power for good. I received a heartfelt note from Ms Troth, whose family, thanks to screening, identified a CHEK2 gene mutation, which means that within her family there is double the chance of developing a range of cancers, such as breast, bowel and ovarian. The legislative actions we're taking will mean that the Troth family and others will be able not just to engage in screening but to take the necessary preventative health actions without facing financial discrimination.

Our government has provided $3 million, under the Medical Research Future Fund, for the DNA Screen pilot study, led by Monash University. This study is offering free DNA screening for high-risk hereditary disease gene variants to 10,000 young Australians. Over 20,000 people registered in the first three days—double the allocation—and there are 30,000 registrations to date. DNA Screen updates the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Minister for Health and Aged Care. The discussions and the work have considered an enormous range of issues. We have been sensitive to the dangers of discrimination based on adverse predictive genetic testing results, and our government has committed to banning their use in life insurance underwriting. We don't want people to be frightened away from testing that could ultimately save their lives by the fear that the information could be used to their financial detriment.

We're ensuring that medical practitioners are enabled to help people everywhere in preventing, diagnosing, treating and monitoring heritable conditions. We did this by the means that work best: we consulted and we listened. We received more than a thousand submissions, and 97 per cent of them supported a total ban on the use of results in a way that threatens the availability of life insurance. In five years time we'll look to review the ban, just to make sure that there are no unintended consequences. That, of course, is what responsible governments do.

We're proud to note that the Council of Australian Life Insurers have declared their full support because they see this as good for Australians, good for government and good for industry too. This is what happens when you strive to take people along with you, as the Albanese government does, rather than trying to sow discord. Notwithstanding the coalition's failure to act in this area while in office—something we saw across so many portfolios—I hope that this motion signifies that our legislation will have broad support.

On a personal note I want to express my gratitude to Dr Jane Tiller, of Monash, who did so much to enlighten us in not just this area but broadly and who continues to advocate fiercely for people who suffer from genetic conditions. The report Australian Genetics and Life Insurance Moratorium:monitoring the effectiveness and response, known as the A-GLIMMER report, delivered last year, alerted us all. It found that genetic discrimination was occurring in life insurance and was indeed deterring people from seeking testing and engaging in what could be life-enhancing research. I congratulate Jane on being named as a finalist for Research Australia's Advocacy Award.

Our commitment to genomic research continues. Under the Albanese government, a further $66 million has been invested, along with $5½ million for the screening of newborns for genetic disorders.

We are also committed, as we are in all aspects of life, to equitable access. All Australians must have access to methods which are critical to tackling disease prevention. Investment in prevention in all its aspects is vital to sustainable healthcare systems and to national wellbeing. Healthy children are much more likely to be healthy adults, and people who have received sound healthcare advice are much more likely to live into healthy senior years. That is why we are committed, as a Labor government, to strengthening Medicare. Every time the coalition is in government, Medicare suffers damage and neglect. The repair job is underway, and this week we can see that our investments are starting to work. We won't ever give up on it. We're expanding the network of Medicare urgent care clinics across the country. I think it's up to 75 now—it's hard to keep track—though we only promised 50. There are new bulk-bill clinics that are open seven days a week with extended hours. We're making a bigger than ever investment in bulk-billing, which does take a hit every time the coalition takes office. This new investment is helping more than 11 million children under 16, pensioners and concession card holders to see doctors free of charge. (Time expired)

Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Preventative health care, through genetic screening and testing to determine risk factors present within patients, has the potential to save lives. That aspect of these practices alone has meant research in this area could have enormous value for our country. This is something which the member for Braddon understands and for which I commend him. It's something the Albanese Labor government values too.

We want Australians to be in a position where they can identify their genetic risk of developing serious illnesses, such as types of cancer and heart disease, before these conditions develop. We want this because lives and livelihoods are profoundly affected by diagnoses of cancer and other debilitating, rare conditions on a daily basis in this country. Cancer alone is estimated to have accounted for three in every 10 deaths in Australia in 2024.

It doesn't need to be said that such illnesses can be absolutely shattering for individuals and their families. I draw on personal experience in making that statement. Cancer has reached into my family's lounge room on a number of occasions and into my workplace, where I recently lost one of my best mates. My former boss, Ian Smith, lost his fight with bowel cancer back in July this year. I also think about my cousin, who failed to reach his 40th birthday. He was struck down with leukaemia, cruelly, leaving behind his wife and four children. Breast cancer has hit my family on a number of occasions, most recently with my sister-in-law, Marta, taking her in her mid-30s. I also had the misfortune of losing my father seven years ago, at the back end of what was a complicated heart condition. He subsequently was found to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It's something that can be genetically linked and something I have to go and get an ultrasound for every two years, to make sure I don't have one. It's something that I and my two sisters have to do to make sure that we keep ourselves in good health. What happens when you don't have access to these types of tests is that you can be walking around quite blind to the fact you have something wrong, and the inability to have it treated in a prompt way may cut your life short.

Experiences like mine are felt by families nationwide. There are not many across this country that haven't been touched in some way by one of these diseases. That is the reason we provided $3 million to the DNA Screen pilot study, led by Monash University, under the government's Medical Research Future Fund. If there's an opportunity for just one Australian to detect such an illness early and prevent a form of cancer or rare disease from becoming life limiting, that is worth researching, and I'm proud to be part of a government that's providing the funding to do so. As the member for Braddon rightly points out, the pilot attracted much interest, with 20,000 young Australians registering in the first three days alone. Of those who've been tested under the pilot so far, two per cent have returned a result indicating a high genetic risk of serious illness. So already the future wellbeing of the tested individuals who've been found to be at high risk is much more secure because of this research alone. It's exciting, to say the least, and it's why our government continue to engage warmly with the team at DNA Screen as it progresses.

Related to the preventative measures in improving Australian health is an unfortunate by-product that has been termed 'genetic discrimination' within the insurance industry. This refers to an increase of life insurance fees or outright rejection of a life insurance claim where an individual has an identified genetic risk to their health, and it's a damaging practice. It effectively charges individuals for taking preventative steps to look after themselves, and it has the subsequent effect of people being discouraged from taking genetic tests, because they want to avoid a price hike. Under these practices, a test which could save a life suddenly becomes a cost-benefit analysis for Australians. It isn't something a person should need to consider when taking that step. Genetic discrimination has been done away with, the Albanese Labor government having implemented a ban on the practice, because no Australian, no family in this country, should be discouraged from taking care of themselves. This policy goes hand in hand with our longstanding commitment to genetic and genomic research investment in this country. We have invested $66 million into genomic research alongside $5.5 million into newborn screening for genetic disorders. As we close, I want to take the time to thank Dr Jane Tiller for her ongoing research.