Australian of the Year

Associate Professor Jane Tiller’s research and advocacy have fundamentally reshaped Australia’s approach to genetics, eliminating genetic discrimination and establishing preventative genomics as a public health priority.  

Jane believes that no Australian should have to choose between understanding their genetic risks and accessing life insurance. So, for almost a decade, Jane led the national effort to eliminate genetic discrimination – a barrier that deterred Australians from undergoing potentially life‑saving genetic testing and participating in medical research.  

As co-founder of the Australian Genetic Non‑Discrimination Working Group, she united more than 100 organisations and helped secure landmark 2026 legislation that banned the use of genetic test results by life insurers.  

With at least one in 50 Australians carrying a high-risk gene associated with preventable cancers or cardiovascular disease, Jane is advancing world‑first population genomic screening and disease prevention.  

Jane demonstrates how one individual, armed with evidence and integrity, can influence policy, protect human rights and improve national health outcomes.