“As future doctors, we are smart, observant and can clearly see this for what it is – a political attack upon a marginalised population that kicks down at vulnerable young people. ‘To do no harm’ , does not mean ‘to do no treatment’. Politically driven action that disproportionately targets minorities will never have a place in Australian healthcare. Access to healthcare should not be a two-tiered system; serving only those deemed worthy. AMSA calls for transparency and authority in research, for continued support for the transgender community, and for patient safety and autonomy in delivering essential care” Adam Nguyen, 2025 AMSA Queer Advocacy Chair

The Queensland Government has made the decision to halt hormone therapies for transgender and gender-diverse individuals under the age of 18 in public health facilities.

This action, prompted by isolated incidents at the Cairns Sexual Health Service and influenced by global political agendas, represents a disproportionate response that jeopardises the health and well-being of vulnerable youth across the state. This could result in devastating and life-threatening consequences for individuals currently awaiting care.

Presenting hormone therapy as a purely transgender issue overstates the broad and far reaching impact that the ban will have on all youth in Queensland. Puberty blockers have been used since the 1980s for a variety of pediatric healthcare conditions including precocious puberty. Framing the ban as a means to ostensibly protect children is one that is rooted in bigoted ideologies and misguided assumptions.

This ban will cause preventable psychological harm and put a group of already vulnerable individuals in danger of further discrimination, isolation, bullying, and worsening mental health. Moreover, further restricting young people’s access to gender-affirming care is potentially life-threatening and leads to worse health outcomes.

We firmly believe that access to trans-affirming care should not be debated as a political or ideological issue. The diversities and complexities of trans experiences with health care should not be treated as political talking points by opportunistic politicians. The Australian Federal and State governments should be vigilant against any transphobic, misguided and ill-informed policies and practices.

Minister Nicholl’s reference to the Cass Review’s publication is a clear indication of false equivalence as reviews conducted in Australia show that it is not applicable to Australia’s vastly different medical structures. A ban on puberty blockers will also severely limit medical options for intersex individuals, a community that has also been brutalised by the medical system. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr. Anna Cody has expressed concerns that the suspension could deter and prevent transgender youth from accessing safe and critical healthcare – a right which everyone deserves, including the transgender community.

AMSA Queer supports the National Health and Medical Research Council to develop specific Australian guidelines for the care of young people with gender dysphoria, and fiercely condemn Health Minister Nicholls for denying transgender youth time-sensitive and critical care that will inevitably result in irreversible health disparities and put patient safety at risk.

We endorse Trans Justice Australia, and stand behind the National Day of Action for Protecting Trans Youth on Saturday 8th of February, where local actions will be held to protect transgender youth. Link to join local actions can be found here.

The Australian Medical Students Association and AMSA Queer Executive Team stands in solidarity with transgender and gender-diverse young people and their families during this challenging time. We remain committed to advocating for healthcare policies that are inclusive, evidence-based, and promote fairness and equality for all.