The Queensland government has solidified a controversial five-year extension to its ban on puberty blockers for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria. The moratorium, now set to last until 2031, prevents new patients under 18 from accessing the medication, which the state's Health Minister labels "unproven and untested."
From Temporary Pause to Long-Term Ban
Queensland first imposed a temporary halt on new prescriptions for puberty blockers and hormone therapies in January this year. While approximately 600 existing patients were permitted to continue their treatments, the extension now locks out more than 400 young people on waiting lists from starting medical transition.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the decision on Friday, stating the government is not willing to try unproven drugs on children. The ban will remain until the expected 2031 completion of a major trial by the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which the government is using to justify its cautious stance.
Review Findings and Rejected Recommendations
The decision follows an independent review led by Victoria's former chief psychiatrist, Professor Ruth Vine. The review, handed to the government in recent weeks, presented a nuanced picture.
It acknowledged that the evidence base for using puberty blockers in under-18s is limited. However, it also found the medication can "alleviate existing gender dysphoric distress" and offer "psychosocial benefits." The report noted potential risks, including impacts on bone health and fertility.
The expert panel outlined three paths forward:
- Maintaining the January ban.
- Lifting the ban entirely.
- Allowing treatment under tightened controls (the panel's recommended option).
The government opted for the first, most restrictive choice, rejecting the panel's advice that a controlled approach could enable beneficial outcomes and facilitate vital research.
Community Backlash and Political Criticism
The move has sparked fierce criticism from transgender advocates and the political opposition. Advocates argue the ban will have devastating consequences for vulnerable youth.
Necho Brocchi from Open Doors Youth Service condemned the timing of the pre-Christmas announcement, calling it cruel as it coincides with a period when families have the least access to support services. Shadow Health Minister Mark Bailey accused the government of "choosing ideology" over expert medical advice.
The policy stems from initial concerns raised about pediatric gender services at Cairns Sexual Health Service, where reports indicated treatments were provided to children as young as 12 without proper support and, in some cases, parental consent. This triggered the government's independent review.
Queensland remains the first and only Australian state to enact such a comprehensive denial of puberty blockers for young transgender patients, setting a significant precedent in the national debate over youth gender-affirming care.
