Lisa Darmanin (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One in 75 Australians carry a DNA variant, but many don't know it. I want to talk briefly about one of those Australians who I have the pleasure of recently meeting. Kara grew up knowing that breast cancer ran in her family. Her mum and both grandmothers had breast cancer. Despite that history, Kara was told again and again by doctors that she was too young to be tested and that she might consider it later in life, perhaps when she was 50.

Then Kara's dad saw a story on The Project about a world-first pilot study led by Dr Jane Tiller, who is here in the gallery alongside Professor Paul Lacaze, at Monash University—the DNA Screen program. Kara applied, was accepted and consequently learnt that she carries a BRCA2 variant. That information changed her life. It meant access to the right specialists, a clear understanding of her risk, early detection through annual MRIs and real options for prevention.

Genetic testing has extraordinary value when it is used for prevention, not punishment. It saves lives. I'm proud that the Albanese government is banning life insurers from using adverse genetic test results to discriminate against Australians for being proactive about their own health care. The Senate will consider that the legislation here tomorrow. No-one should be discouraged from undertaking genetic testing because they fear that the results will be used to exclude them from being able to get affordable life insurance. That means better prevention, earlier treatments, stronger public health outcomes and advances in scientific knowledge that will benefit every single Australian. When variants are detected early, prevention and intervention become possible. Thank you very much, Dr Jane Tiller, Professor Paul Lacaze and all involved in your team for your leadership, your advocacy and your research.