Labor MPs have come out swinging against Queensland’s temporary ban on puberty blockers for children.
Several Labor ministers have expressed concern around the ban—the first of its kind in Australia—as the Supreme Court works to determine if the pause on puberty blockers is just.
On Oct. 22, the mother of a teenager who identifies as transgender also launched legal action against the Queensland government’s decision, resulting in protests from trans advocates outside the court.
Lawyers for the mother argued Queensland Health’s director-general, David Rosengren, improperly exercised his power in suspending the treatments and that the ban was made without ample medical evidence.
In January, the director-general issued a directive to halt the supply of puberty blockers and hormone treatments for new patients under 18 using the public system.
This action coincided with an independent review, which is expected to be the subject of a final report on Nov. 30.
The directive and its processes are currently being challenged in the Supreme Court, with opponents of the ban arguing the measure did not follow the rules and was made without sufficient consultation.
The ban on puberty blockers came into effect after it was revealed children as young as 12 were receiving the treatment through gender clinics—some without parental consent.
“He promised to ‘put doctors and nurses back in charge’ and ‘no health cuts’ yet this ban on health care was brought in despite no expert advice,” he said.
“David Crisafulli promised to listen to the experts,” she said.
“But time and time again, the LNP have put ideology over Queenslanders’ health.
“In a matter of minutes, the LNP’s health minister banned young people from receiving gender affirming healthcare.”
Labor MP Michael Healy said the ban was “rushed through.”
“It’s political ideology banning Queenslanders from accessing health care.
“It’s reported that not a single person who worked on the cabinet submission or the health service directive had any expertise in supporting trans kids.”
But Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the government’s actions are justified.
“It’s entirely appropriate that we have this pause while we get the review to make sure that the clinical pathways that are recommended are appropriate and do no harm,” he said.
A decision from the court is expected in the last week of October.
