The Queensland Government has confirmed that it will maintain a suspension on new paediatric gender hormone therapies administered through the public healthcare system as it conducts an independent review. This ongoing assessment, led by Professor Ruth Vine, arises out of both national and international scrutiny of gender-related healthcare for minors. The review is expected to culminate by November 30, 2025. Professor Vine—Australia’s first Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health—will evaluate the efficacy of hormone use in children and adolescents with gender dysphoria, considering both medical outcomes and ethical considerations, like informed consent and social ramifications on medical practices.
This move reflects increasing regulatory caution observed in other regions, including the UK, where authorities have imposed indefinite bans on prescribing puberty blockers for individuals under 18 due to similar concerns about evidentiary support (see the UK decision). These actions parallel shifts in the US, where restrictions have tightened under legislative directions.
The Department of Health’s decision to pause new hormone therapies follows an independent evaluation finalized in July 2024 that affirmed the safety and adherence of Queensland’s services to both national and international guidelines. However, emerging reports of unauthorized hormone prescriptions by the Cairns Sexual Health Service prompted an immediate reevaluation of practices. Health Minister Tim Nicholls emphasizes the partiality in the clinical evidence for stage 1 and stage 2 treatments in under-18s, which prompted the decision to halt services temporarily (read more on the announcement).
Notably, children already receiving treatment through the Queensland Children’s Gender Service will remain unaffected by the pause. However, nearly 491 children are currently awaiting access, leading to concerns from advocacy organizations about potential adverse effects on the mental and physical well-being of those affected. Dr. Anna Cody, the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, has articulated these concerns, emphasizing the importance of supporting trans and gender-diverse youth, pointing out potential harm due to delayed care (see her statement).
This interim cessation places Queensland’s policies in line with broader international attitudes towards gender-affirming treatments as clinicians and lawmakers grapple with emerging evidence and societal views. The sector will be monitoring the outcomes of the review keenly as it may influence future legislation and clinical guidelines.