The community is invited to contribute to an independent review of the prescribing of puberty blockers and gender-affirming therapies in Queensland’s public paediatric gender services.
The review, led by Professor Ruth Vine, is examining the evidence and ethical considerations surrounding the use of puberty suppression (Stage 1) and gender affirming (Stage 2) hormone therapies to treat children with gender dysphoria in the public health system.
Public consultation through written submissions begins on 29 May 2025 and will close on 29 July 2025.
The review panel will also approach key stakeholders including public and private clinicians, professional colleges and peak medical bodies, academics, and patients and their families or carers to provide submissions directly.
Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren encouraged interested parties to have their say on the review.
>"The use of hormone therapies, also known as puberty blockers, to treat children has been subject to much debate across the world,” Dr Rosengren said.
“The evidence supporting the use of these therapies is contested, which is why the Queensland Government commissioned an independent review.
“It’s important that the review receives input from experts in relevant specialties and the people affected, including former and current patients of paediatric gender health services.
“In addition to examining the medical evidence of using these therapies on children, it’s also important to understand the impacts from a social, psychological, legal and ethical perspective.
“I encourage stakeholders who feel they can contribute constructively to this review to do so.”
Dr Rosengren said the review aimed to help clinicians deliver the safest and most effective care for children with gender dysphoria.
“It’s critical that the care we provide children is the safest it can possibly be and grounded in solid evidence,” he said.
“This review is not an attempt at resolving different views on these therapies; rather, its findings will help inform future policy relating to the practice.
“Its findings will help us provide the most appropriate treatment to children and adolescents seeking gender-affirming care.”
A pause on the use of Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapies on children in Queensland Health facilities will remain in place until after the report has been completed and its findings considered.
The final report is due to Queensland Health’s Director-General by 30 November 2025.
To make a submission or for more information on the review, stakeholders can visit Independent review of Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapies in Queensland’s public paediatric gender services.