Queensland's government has announced a significant extension to its controversial pause on puberty blockers and hormone treatments for new adolescent patients with gender dysphoria. The ban, initially imposed earlier this year, will now remain in place until at least 2031, pending the outcome of a major clinical trial in the United Kingdom.
Minister's Announcement Defies Independent Review
Health Minister Tim Nicholls confirmed the decision on Friday, stating the cabinet had considered the findings of an independent review led by Victoria's former chief psychiatrist, Professor Ruth Vine. Despite the review's conclusion that treatment decisions "must be informed by each individual’s presentation and circumstances", the government opted to prolong the restriction.
Professor Vine's report, now made public, acknowledged that with proper oversight, "there can be benefit for a young person in being able to access puberty blockers." It also found low-quality but consistent evidence suggesting the treatment can reduce gender-related distress. However, Minister Nicholls stated the government's "considered view" was that a continued pause was in the public interest while awaiting the UK's National Health Service trial results.
Legal Challenges and Policy Timeline
The path to this extended ban has been legally fraught. In October, the Queensland Supreme Court ruled the government's first attempt to prohibit prescriptions was unlawful. Minister Nicholls responded by issuing a new order just hours later, reinstating the ban. He had initially pledged the pause would last only until the Vine review was complete.
The new 2031 timeline is directly tied to the expected completion date of the NHS trial in England. Young people who were already receiving treatment prior to the initial ban are not affected by the ongoing restrictions.
Community Backlash and Safety Concerns
The announcement has sparked immediate criticism from LGBTQ+ support groups, particularly due to its timing during the Christmas holiday period when many services are closed. Rachel Hinds, CEO of Open Doors Youth Service, condemned the move, stating it "puts the lives of trans and gender-diverse young people at risk."
Hinds criticised the government for showing a "complete lack of disregard and care for young people in this state and those who care for them" by making the announcement when support networks are least accessible. The debate underscores the highly contested nature of gender-affirming care for adolescents, a field the minister himself described as "hotly contested."
The Vine review noted that international evidence supporting the use of these treatments is "limited and mostly low quality," but crucially added that limited evidence does not equate to evidence of harm. The report found no good evidence of harm in the short or medium term and little evidence of long-term harm, while acknowledging some evidence of benefit.
