NSW: Key recommendations on protecting genetic information

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NSW: Key recommendations on protecting genetic information

Key recommendations for the protection of genetic information by the Australian LawReform Commission and the Australian Health Ethics Commission:

- The establishment of an independent, standing advisory body, the Human Genetics Commissionof Australia (HGCA), to advise Australian governments.

- A new criminal offence relating to the collection of body samples for genetic testingwithout consent.

- Independent monitoring of national forensic DNA databases.

- Regulation of "do-it-yourself" genetic testing kits by the Therapeutic Goods Administration(TGA).

- "Stand-alone" genetic anti-discrimination legislation.

- Licensing or registration of human genetic research databases under a "gene trustee system".

- The development of genetic counselling as a recognised allied health profession.

- Allowing children aged over 12 to make their own decisions in relation to paternity testing.

- Loosening privacy laws to allow the disclosure of genetic information to family memberswithout consent of the person from whom the information was obtained.

- That the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) consider the appropriatenessof using genetic testing to establish Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

- That the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA)reviews its policies on genetic tests for migration applicants and asylum seekers.

AAP jjs/jnbi

KEYWORD: GENETIC FACTBOX