The Queensland government has paused the prescription of puberty blockers and hormone therapies for new patients under 18 with gender dysphoria, following reports of unauthorised care at a clinic in Cairns. Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced an independent review into the use of these treatments for minors, effective immediately.
The pause applies to new patients seeking paediatric gender therapies through the public system, while nearly 600 children already on treatment plans can continue accessing services. Those unable to begin hormone therapy will still receive psychiatric and psychological support.
The review was triggered by a public interest disclosure that a 12-year-old was prescribed a puberty blocker without proper consultation at the Cairns Sexual Health Service. An internal review found the service provided unauthorised care to 42 children, with 17 receiving puberty blockers or hormone therapies, and identified deficiencies in credentialing, record-keeping, and consent processes.
“In short, assessment, diagnosis and treatment may not have aligned with Australian treatment guidelines,” Nicholls said on Tuesday. An investigation into the Cairns clinic is underway, with a report expected by the end of June.
Leena Singh, chief executive of Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, welcomed the investigation, stating that a preliminary internal review in 2024 “identified governance issues” but found no evidence of patient harm. The statewide review will examine whether more regulations are needed for gender-affirming care in children.
The move follows similar restrictions in the UK after the Cass review, which led to the NHS limiting puberty blocker use. A 2024 independent review in Queensland found children were not being rushed into treatment but noted wait times had blown out to 577 days.
