Queensland has made a landmark call by pausing the prescription of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for new patients under 18. This action follows shocking revelations that the Cairns Sexual Health Service had been prescribing these experimental, life-altering treatments to children as young as 12— sometimes without evidence of parental consent or proper medical oversight.
While the Federal Government has announced it will be conducting a review of gender clinic practices in Australia, there are some concerns about this review’s independence. Assurances have been given to the trans community by Assistant Minister Ged Kearny that it is merely a “routine update”. Meanwhile, findings are not expected to be published until mid-2026, and in the meantime, Australian children will continue to be treated with puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones that have been banned in other countries.
Australia continues to lag behind countries like the UK and Sweden who have moved to ban puberty blockers for minors. Our medical system’s “affirmation” approach pushes vulnerable children down a path of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and, ultimately, irreversible surgeries—despite growing international caution.
For years, doctors, community leaders, and parents have raised serious concerns about these treatments. The long-term risks and safety of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones are far from being fully understood. Yet, they continue to be prescribed without sufficient regard for children’s long-term well-being.
The Queensland Government’s decision is a major victory for child safety and accountability. But this must be just the beginning. We need all states and territories to follow suit.
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What Needs to Be Done
Queensland has taken the first step, but now we need stronger action across the nation.
- Ban Puberty Blockers and Cross-Sex Hormones for Minors Nationwide:
Puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones should not be prescribed to children under any circumstances. These treatments must be halted until proper, long-term studies confirm their safety and efficacy.
- Conduct a Full Review of Gender Services Nationwide:
All state and territory governments must conduct an independent, comprehensive, evidence-based review of gender services and treatments and ensure that current practices are aligned with the highest standards of medical care. This review should examine the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries for minors.
- Safeguard Parental Involvement and Consent:
Legislation must be enacted to ensure that no child receives any form of medical treatment without fully documented, informed parental consent. Parents should be the primary decision-makers when it comes to their children’s health and wellbeing.
