The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has launched a consultation on amendments to its Rules to enable it to consider complaints specifically about the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance. The proposed changes respond to recent legislative changes that ban life insurers from soliciting or using protected genetic information when offering life insurance. The consultation proposes amendments to Rules C.1.4b) and d). The underlying Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Act was passed on 8 April 2026, and the ban comes into force from 8 October 2026. The consultation runs from 1 June to 26 June 2026. Subject to consultation and regulatory approval, the rule amendments are expected to take effect from 8 October 2026.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority2026-06-01
Australian Financial Complaints Authority consults on rule changes for life insurance genetic testing complaints ahead of 8 October 2026 ban
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority is consulting on amendments to its Rules to allow it to consider complaints about the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance. The changes align its jurisdiction with recent legislation that bans life insurers from soliciting or using protected genetic information when offering life insurance, with rule amendments expected to take effect from 8 October 2026, subject to consultation and regulatory approval.