Queensland Gender Care Report May Remain Confidential
A Queensland government-commissioned review examining puberty blockers and hormone therapies for transgender adolescents faces an uncertain future, with Premier David Crisafulli declining to guarantee its public release despite the Sunday deadline for submission.
Professor Ruth Vine, Victoria's former chief psychiatrist, was tasked with leading the evidence-based review following the LNP government's moratorium on prescribing these medications to new child patients in the public system.
Political Considerations Override Transparency
Health Minister Tim Nicholls indicated the report would be "considered by cabinet" when questioned about public release, whilst Premier Crisafulli stated he wanted to "consider it" first, raising concerns about political interference in medical evidence assessment.
The review's genesis stems from allegations surrounding the Cairns Sexual Health Service, where an internal investigation identified what officials termed an "apparently unauthorised paediatric gender service" treating 42 young patients, with 17 receiving hormone therapy.
Community Response and Clinical Concerns
Parents of Trans Kids Speak Out, a newly formed advocacy group, argues the blocker ban "will only increase the suffering of an already marginalised population." One affected parent warned that suppressing the evidence review would suggest the government "fears what it says."
The Australian Medical Association Queensland has called for transparent release of the findings, urging consultation with the transgender community and treating clinicians to prevent further harm to patients and families.
International Context and Medical Division
The Queensland review occurs amid international debate following Britain's Cass Review, which concluded insufficient evidence exists for clinical decision-making regarding gender-affirming care. The UK subsequently restricted puberty blocker prescriptions to clinical trials only.
However, medical opinion remains divided. The Australian Doctors' Federation supports broader restrictions, whilst the Australian Medical Association awaits evidence-based national guidelines currently under development by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Most Queensland patients receive care through the Brisbane-based Queensland Children's Gender Service, which an independent 2024 review found provided appropriate multidisciplinary care without evidence of coercion, with approximately one-third of assessed patients receiving medical treatment.
The federal government expects interim advice on puberty blocker use by mid-2026, though some medical groups advocate for a full inquiry into current gender care practices across Australia.