Nov 18, 2025: A petition signed by more than 15,500 people was tabled in Queensland Parliament today, calling on the state government to resume healthcare for trans youth.
The petition was hosted by ten groups including Equality Australia, Transcend, Open Doors Youth Service and Trans Justice Project.
The petition – signed by 15,681 people – calls on the LNP government to reverse its “outrageous overreach into the lives of Queensland families” and restore care for trans young people.
It was tabled in parliament by Labor MP Grace Grace.
The petition follows calls from former federal LNP MP Warren Entsch, who blasted the state government’s ban on the vital healthcare.
“Trans kids don't need politicians making their healthcare choices for them,” Mr Entsch told the Courier Mail on Tuesday.
“This isn't about healthcare or what's best for kids - it's cheap point scoring that puts politics ahead of people.”
Equality Australia’s Brisbane-based Legal Director Heather Corkhill:
“Queensland now stands alone as the only state actively withdrawing essential healthcare from trans young people.
“Thousands of people signed this petition because they recognise how fundamentally wrong it is to deny young people access to care that is readily available across the rest of Australia.
“There is also deep compassion for the families who believed the treatment they urgently needed was finally being reinstated, only to have it taken away again.”
Rachel Hinds, CEO of Open Doors Youth Service said:
“We are seeing the devastating impacts of this pause with a 250 per cent increase in referrals for under 18-year-olds and a 64 per cent increase in those presenting at intake with very high levels of psychological distress.
“Whilst we have tried to meet demand our counselling books are now closed with currently 50 young trans and gender diverse people on a waitlist for support.
“We are calling on the government to consider the mental health impacts of their decision and to reinstate care.”
Susanne Prosser, CEO of Transcend said:
“Parents are terrified. This cruel ban rips away life-saving care and shows a deep misunderstanding of what trans young people need. If the state government cares about Queensland kids, it must reverse this decision now.”
Teddy Cook, Chair of TransEquality said:
“Communities everywhere have rallied for the trans kids of Queensland.
“Trans communities in Queensland deserve dignity, respect, and the freedom to live fully — celebrated for the invaluable contributions they bring to every part of society.”
Jodie Hall from the Trans Justice Project said:
"Trans young people deserve to grow up healthy, happy and with the freedom to be themselves.
“The Queensland LNP government's decision to strip trans young people's healthcare is a desperate ploy to appeal to the far right."
Contact: Emily Mulligan, 0411 207 633, emily.mulligan@equalityaustralia.org.au
