Queensland Puts a Stop to Expanding Gender Affirming Care for Minors
The deputy premier stated, “We do not support the expansion of gender services for children in Queensland.”
The Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) government has decided to pause the extension of gender services in the state, which was previously proposed by the Labor government.
The report also stated that the care provided by the state’s gender services was deemed “safe” and “evidence-based.”
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie announced the government’s decision to halt any further progress on the recommendations outlined in this report.
He emphasized, “The Liberal National Party (LNP) government in Opposition had expressed concerns about the expansion of children’s gender services in Queensland by the former Labor government.”
He reiterated, “We do not support the expansion of gender services for children in Queensland.”
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Health Minister Tim Nicholls expressed the LNP’s ongoing concerns regarding puberty blockers in light of international data.
“Our concerns about the delivery of children’s gender services, especially regarding the use of puberty blockers, were raised back in 2023 and we continue to be concerned about the usage of puberty blockers, especially given the emerging evidence from global sources,” he stated.
What Else Was in the Report?
The Queensland Children’s Gender Service External Clinical Service Evaluation (pdf), published in July 2024, recommended an “immediate staffing increase” to address the needs of children on the waiting list for gender care.
The report also proposed that Queensland establish a statewide network to offer services to children and adolescents with “diverse gender experiences.”
Additionally, it suggested exploring specialized credentialing for doctors working in gender services, along with long-term investments in education and research to “enhance health worker knowledge and understanding of gender diversity and gender dysphoria.”
Fentiman embraced the report’s findings, stating that the care provided by the Queensland Children’s Gender Service was “life-changing.”
She mentioned, “Queensland has a vibrant trans and gender diverse community, and the Miles government is dedicated to providing safe, responsive, and modern healthcare services to them,” as of July 2024.
“I have heard directly from families who commended the service and indicated how valuable this safe space is for them and their children,” she added.
The review highlighted that by June 2024, the Queensland Children’s Gender Service was caring for 547 children and had 491 more on the waiting list.
Response to LNP Announcement
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Jillian Spencer, who was relieved of clinical duties at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in 2023 for opposing gender treatments, recommended closing down the gender clinic.
“The next step is to dismantle the gender clinic … We must also ban puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender surgery for minors,” she asserted.
“Clearly, puberty blockers should be prohibited because they hinder children from recovering from gender distress,” she insisted.
Spencer has put forth a nomination to run for president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Meanwhile, psychiatric fellow Andrew Amos commended the courage of Queensland politicians in safeguarding children from gender services.
“I condemn the cowardice of my colleagues who refuse to acknowledge that transgenderism is a type of mental illness, prioritizing careers over patients,” he remarked.
CEO of Women’s Forum Australia Rachael Wong termed the update as “encouraging.”
“The next step: Immediately cease the prescription of puberty blockers in line with global developments and launch a nationwide investigation into these harmful practices,” she urged.
Women’s Forum Australia’s head of advocacy Stephanie Bastiaan expressed delight in finally witnessing “strong leadership on this matter.”
“Look forward to seeing how this progresses,” she concluded.
