The Queensland government has backtracked after Health Minister Tim Nicholls initially confirmed plans to consider expanding the state’s Children’s Gender Service.
Last week, The Courier-Mail reported that Nicholls announced a steering committee would oversee the implementation of all 25 recommendations from an independent review into the Queensland Children’s Gender Service.
The review, prompted by allegations of undue pressure on families to pursue gender-affirming care, involved a panel of national experts. It concluded that the care provided to gender dysphoric children in Queensland is safe, evidence-based, and adheres to national and international standards.
Nicholls stated he would monitor the implementation of these recommendations before determining whether another review of the gender-affirming care model would be necessary. “The LNP wants a Queensland free from discrimination where individuals are respected and free to live safely in their communities,” he said.
However, hours after The Courier-Mail published the news, the story was amended to indicate the government would merely “consider” the recommendations. It also reiterated the LNP’s resolution to ban puberty blockers, as voted at its national party conference last year.
Appearing with Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie on Monday, Nicholls announced that his department had been directed to halt any further action on the recommendations of the independent review. Bleijie also criticised the former Labor government for its role in expanding Children’s Gender Services.
Nicholls cited ongoing concerns about puberty blockers, stating, “We remain very concerned about the use of those puberty blockers, particularly in light of evidence that’s coming in from around the world.”
In a statement to Star Observer, AusPATH CEO Eloise Brook underlined the critical role of gender services in supporting trans youth and their families.
“A lot of specialist work has gone into supporting the Gender Clinic in Queensland, and that work and knowledge has led to one of the best services in the country, with clear outcomes and benefits to young people and their families,” Brook said.
Brook also warned that international developments, such as shifts in the US and UK, represent a departure from established medical support frameworks. “What’s happening in the moment is an abandonment of a lot of work that GPs and specialists have done for a long time to support families and young people. It’s uncharted territory… it’s experimental.”
She highlighted the distress faced by trans adolescents and their families, warning that political and social discrimination exacerbates these challenges.
