The Briefing Rinehart slams ‘left media’ for LNP loss + How your DNA’s being hijacked
May 5, 2025
In a thought-provoking discussion, Jane Tiller, a lawyer and public health researcher from Monash University, highlights the dangers of genetic testing. She reveals how life insurance companies exploit genetic data to discriminate against customers, raising serious concerns about privacy and ethics. Tiller suggests urgent reforms to protect individuals from these practices. The conversation also touches on Gina Rinehart's controversial claims about media influence on the Coalition's election loss, illustrating the intersection of politics and public health.
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Genetic Testing's Life vs Cost Dilemma
- Genetic testing can identify high-risk genes like BRCA that predict serious diseases such as breast cancer.
- Despite lifesaving potential, many avoid testing fearing they’ll be charged higher life insurance premiums.
Potential Genetic Risks in Ancestry Tests
- Ancestry and recreational genetic testing could potentially reveal risk information insurers might exploit in the future.
- Ethnic groups with known gene variants, like Ashkenazi Jews with BRCA, could face discrimination based on genetic risk.
Life Insurance's Genetic Discrimination
- Life insurers in Australia are legally exempt from anti-discrimination laws and can use genetic test results to deny or increase life insurance.
- This legal loophole is unique as health insurance is community rated and cannot discriminate based on genetics.