Queensland to push ahead with its own hormone therapy review

Butler said interim advice on puberty blockers would be completed by the middle of next year. The treatment was banned in December in the United Kingdom after a review found there was little scientific evidence to support it.

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It came days after Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said there was “widely contested international evidence” around the use of hormone therapy for young people with gender dysphoria.

The decisions have been criticised by some groups, including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian Medical Association Queensland, and Equality Australia, who have warned that denying access to services could put young people at risk and cause immeasurable trauma.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the cessation of services created distress and uncertainty for young people and their families, and affected their mental health.

He said research indicated young trans people experienced significant discrimination and stigma, leaving them at a very high risk of poor mental health and self-harm.

“On top of this, about 60 per cent of trans young people have difficulty accessing health and mental health services, with even fewer services understanding or respecting their gender identity,” he said.

“Queensland services were already struggling to meet demand, with significant wait lists.”

Frkovic said the commission was awaiting details of Queensland’s review of services for young trans people and their families, including its terms of reference and how the commission could be involved.

“My hope is this can be resolved as a matter of urgency with a decision that is evidence-based and shows compassion for the experiences of the trans and gender-diverse community.”