An immediate ban on prescribing puberty blockers for new patients under 18 has been imposed in Queensland. The ban comes after allegations of puberty blockers being given to a 12 year old and without parental consent in Cairns.
“There is contested evidence surrounding the benefits of Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapy for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria emerging from studies throughout the world,” Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said.
“France, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden have all tightened regulations around prescribing hormone therapy to children and adolescents.
“More recently, the Government of the United Kingdom has changed legislation to restrict the prescription and supply of puberty blockers to children.”
The Queensland Government has instigated a clinical review and a health service investigation into clinical governance issues in Cairns, relating to the provision of paediatric gender services, including Stage 1 (puberty suppression with puberty blockers) and Stage 2 (gender-affirming hormones) hormone therapies.
“Following the directive to the Director-General of Queensland Health regarding the operation of the Cairns Sexual Health Service, I have also directed the Director General to commission an independently led broad review of the evidence for Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapies for children in Queensland.”
Announcing the ban on new patients for the hormone therapies Nicholls explained “There is a need to maintain confidence in public health services, particularly those delivered by Queensland Health for children.”
Existing patients will be exempt from the ban mirroring the actions taken in the UK. Following the Cass report which reported on the need for further reseach the NHS in the UK along with European nations have adopted more cautious approach to using puberty blockers.
This fresh, independent review reflects what parents, doctors, and the broader community have been saying for years—these practices have no place in children’s healthcare,” Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) CEO Michelle Pearse said. “It also exposes the flaws in the previous 2024 review, which was biased and failed to address legitimate concerns.”
The ACL is calling on other state governments to follow Queensland’s lead by pausing and ultimately banning harmful gender treatments for minors.
“This decision sets a powerful precedent for other states to put children’s welfare above ideology,” Pearse said. “No child should be subjected to life-altering medications that block natural puberty and pose serious long-term risks.”
“This is a major victory in protecting young people from life-altering medical interventions, and we applaud the Queensland Government for taking this bold step. Now, it’s time for the rest of Australia to act.” Pearse said.