Queensland’s Health Minister, Tim Nicholls, has indicated plans to reinstate a ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapies for transgender adolescents — just hours after the Supreme Court overturned the state’s previous freeze on gender-affirming care.
In a statement released quietly earlier today, Nicholls said he is “considering the options available,” including issuing a Ministerial Direction under section 44(1) of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (Qld) to again restrict public doctors from prescribing puberty blockers and other hormone-based treatments to people under 18.
“The Government’s position on this matter remains unchanged,” Nicholls said.
“This proposed direction would implement a restriction on the provision of Stage 1 Treatment and Stage 2 Treatment to children and adolescents under 18 years of age with gender dysphoria.”
“As parents, as communities and as a State, we owe it to children to ensure care is grounded on solid evidence and we act with caution. It is with these principles clearly in mind that I will come to a decision.”
Court Overturns Original Directive
Nicholls’ comments follow today’s Supreme Court decision, which set aside Queensland Health’s earlier directive freezing all public prescriptions of puberty blockers for minors.
Justice Peter Callaghan ruled that Dr David Rosengren, the Queensland Health Director-General, had acted unlawfully when he issued the initial order in January. The court found that Rosengren failed to properly consult with stakeholders, acted under ministerial direction, and considered factors irrelevant to clinical governance.
Images from outside the court today showed trans flags and supporters celebrating the ruling, describing it as “a reprieve for young people who have been living in uncertainty for months.”
Government Doubling Down
Despite the legal defeat, Nicholls’ statement confirms the government is considering reimposing restrictions, pending the outcome of an independent review of trans healthcare due in November 2025.
If reintroduced, the ban would likely remain in place until that review is complete — prolonging what advocacy groups have called a “state-mandated barrier to care” for transgender youth.
The move deepens uncertainty for young trans Queenslanders and their families, many of whom had hoped today’s court ruling would bring an end to months of confusion over access to gender-affirming care in the public health system.
