Ministerial Direction – Treatment of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents with hormone therapy
QH-MD-002
Authority
In accordance with s 44(1) of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (Qld), I am satisfied it is necessary in the public interest that I give this written direction to the Hospital and Health Services with immediate effect.
Commencement
This direction operates on and from 28 October 2025.
Purpose
This direction implements a restriction on the provision of Stage 1 Treatment and Stage 2 Treatment to children and adolescents under 18 years of age with Gender Dysphoria.
Scope
This direction applies to all Hospital and Health Services.
Outcomes
Hospital and Health Services included in the scope of this direction shall achieve the following outcomes:
- A Current Patient may continue to receive Stage 1 Treatment or Stage 2 Treatment for Gender Dysphoria as clinically indicated.
- No New Patient is to commence on Stage 1 Treatment or Stage 2 Treatment for Gender Dysphoria.
- Puberty Blockers or Sex Hormones will continue to be prescribed for a medical condition other than Gender Dysphoria.
Restriction on the provision of Stage 1 Treatment and Stage 2 Treatment to Children for Gender Dysphoria
All Hospital and Health Services must:
- Continue to support the prescription of Stage 1 Treatment or Stage 2 Treatment to a Current Patient for Gender Dysphoria where clinically indicated.
- Ensure Stage 1 Treatment and Stage 2 Treatment is not prescribed or otherwise given to a New Patient for Gender Dysphoria.
- Continue to permit the prescription and delivery of Puberty Blockers or Sex Hormones for medical conditions other than Gender Dysphoria.
Review
This direction is to be reviewed by 28 January 2032.
Definitions of terms used in this direction
Term | Definition / Explanation / Details |
Hospital and Health Service | As established under section 17 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (Qld) |
Stage 1 Treatment | The provision of medication that suppresses the endogenous oestrogen and testosterone responsible for induction of secondary sexual characteristics, otherwise known as puberty-blockers. |
Stage 2 Treatment | The provision of gender affirming hormone treatment using oestrogen or testosterone, otherwise known as gender affirming hormone therapy. |
New Patient | A person under the age of 18 who had not received Stage 1 Treatment or Stage 2 Treatment prior to 28 January 2025 |
Current Patient | A person under the age of 18 who had commenced receiving Stage 1 Treatment or Stage 2 Treatment prior to 28 January 2025. |
Gender Dysphoria | The distress experienced by a person due to incongruence between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. |
Puberty Blockers | Medication that suppresses the endogenous oestrogen and testosterone responsible for induction of secondary sexual characteristics |
Sex Hormones | Oestrogen or testosterone |
Given by the Honourable Tim Nicholls MP, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Member for Clayfield
Date: 28 October 2025, amended on 15 January 2026