Queensland Pauses Puberty Blockers During Inquiry But Existing Care Continues
Queensland has hit pause on puberty blockers and hormone therapies for new youth gender cases. The state’s public health system will stop prescribing these treatments to under-18s until a review wraps up. Existing patients (nearly 600 statewide) keep their access.
#BREAKING 🚨 Queensland's government has suspended the use of hormone therapy and puberty blockers for minors
— 6 News Australia (@6NewsAU) January 28, 2025
Health Minister Tim Nicholls says there was an "apparently unauthorised provision of paediatric gender services" in Cairns which "may not" align with accepted guidelines pic.twitter.com/DTDOSUfMqE
A 12-Year-Old’s Case Ignites Review
Health Minister Tim Nicholls launched the probe after reports of unauthorised treatments in Cairns. Officials say a 12-year-old allegedly received puberty blockers without proper oversight.
An internal audit found 42 Cairns patients got care that skipped required steps: 17 were prescribed blockers or hormones without full input from psychologists, psychiatrists or paediatricians.
Nicholls said: “Assessment, diagnosis and treatment may not have aligned with Australian treatment guidelines.”
What Went Wrong in Cairns?
Records from Cairns revealed missing parental consent forms, delayed blood tests for some patients, and no proof that under-14s had approvals from a full medical team. The clinic’s CEO, Leena Singh, said she welcomes the review to “improve service delivery.” A full report drops by June.
Meanwhile, new patients under 18 can’t start hormone therapy, but psychological support stays available. Current patients keep their treatment plans. Nicholls insists this isn’t a ban but a “safety review.”
Puberty blockers pause physical changes like voice drops or breast growth, giving teens time to explore their identity. Critics argue halting new scripts could worsen mental health for those in distress. Supporters say tighter rules prevent rushed decisions.
Over 600 young people in Queensland currently access gender-related care. Most start blockers after rigorous assessments but in Cairns, allegedly, 42 cases fell short on approvals, including 17 prescriptions for blockers or hormones.
The state-wide review will assess if stricter rules are needed for hormone therapies. Critics argue delays could worsen the mental health of vulnerable youth.
