28 January 2025 – Medical experts, human rights groups and trans advocates have slammed the Queensland government’s decision to block young trans people from accessing puberty blockers and cross sex hormones. 

The government has also announced a review into the evidence for hormone treatments for children with gender dysphoria. 

New patients under the age of 18 won’t be able to access hormone treatments in the state's public health system until the government considers the findings of the review. 

Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said Queensland was “an outlier state”. 

“This will be catastrophic for young trans people and their families when the evidence on the benefits of hormone treatments is clear and well established,” she said. 

“This move is at odds with the current evidence base, expert consensus, health services in all other Australian states and territories and the majority of clinical guidelines around the world. 

“Only last year a review in Queensland found that practices in the state’s gender clinics were safe and evidence based, recommending increased funding and capacity to reach regional areas.  

“Governments should stay out of these deeply personal decisions and leave it to young people, their parents and the expert doctors treating them.” 

Eloise Brook, CEO of AusPATH (the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health) said medical practitioners followed guidelines established through research and clinical evidence. 

“Hormone treatments for the small number of young people who need them are essential health care,” she said. 

“The evidence shows that denying access to this care will cause young people immeasurable trauma, contributing to depression, anxiety and in some cases self-harm.” 

Jeremy Wiggins, CEO of Transcend Australia said families across the state were distressed by the news. 

“Our parents are terrified about what this will mean for their children. Parental consent for hormone treatments is mandatory by law in Queensland and they are heavily involved in the process. 

“These families want politicians to stay out of the doctor’s office and away from their personal healthcare decisions. 

“Healthcare for trans young people is essential and needs to be protected. To restrict or deny access to care is a dangerous political move that seeks to target an already marginalised and vulnerable group of people.  

“Trans young people know who they are and what they need and we should be listening to them, their parents and their medical providers.” 

Media contact: Tara Ravens 0408 898 154, tara.ravens@equalityaustralia.org.au