Independent review of Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapies in Queensland’s public paediatrics gender services
On 28 January 2025, the Queensland Government announced an independent review (Review), led by Professor Ruth Vine (Lead Reviewer), with the support of a panel of expert reviewers (the Reviewers).
The Review considered the evidence and ethical considerations and provided policy advice to the Queensland Government regarding the use of puberty suppression (Stage 1) and gender affirming (Stage 2) hormones for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria in Queensland's public hospital system.
The report was released on 19 December 2025.
Panel Members
- Professor Ruth Vine is a consultant psychiatrist with more than 30 years' experience in the public mental health sector. Professor Vine was Australia's first Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, has held roles in the Victorian Department of Health including Director of Mental Health and Chief Psychiatrist and has provided policy development and implementation advice on critical issues in the Australian mental health system.
- Associate Professor Beth Kotze is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with experience in clinical practice, teaching and training, policy development and implementation and mental health service management.
- Professor Bruce Robinson is an endocrinologist with over 30 years' experience in medical practice and leadership, medical research and medical education.
- Professor Eleanor Milligan is an Adjunct Professor of Ethics and Professional Practice at Griffith University's School of Medicine with 25 years' experience across sectors including health governance and practitioner regulation.
- The Hon Kerry O'Brien AM is the former Chief Judge of the Queensland District Court having previously also been President of the Children's Court of Queensland and presided over the Health Practitioner's Tribunal.
- Professor Lisa Brophy is a Professor in Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe University with experience in social work and mental health policy and law reform.
- Associate Professor Malcolm Smith is an Associate Professor at the Griffith University Law School and is an expert in health law and bioethics.
Support services
Information about support services for persons engaging with the Review, including children and adolescents with gender dysphoria, is available on the Queensland Government website.