Women Speak Tasmania (WST) is calling on the Tasmanian Government — specifically Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Minister for Health Bridget Archer — to act urgently to protect children by suspending Stage 1 (puberty blockers) and Stage 2 (cross-sex hormones) for minors, in line with Queensland’s recent decision.
Queensland’s independent Hormone Treatment Review has now confirmed what parents, clinicians, and international regulators have been warning for years: the medical evidence supporting the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones in children is weak, uncertain, and insufficient to justify routine medicalisation. The review identified unclear mental health benefits, unknown long-term risks, and serious safeguarding and consent concerns.
On the basis of this evidence, Queensland has continued restrictions on these interventions for minors. Tasmania should do the same.
Importantly, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has made it clear that responsibility for regulating and enforcing these treatments rests with the states. This means Tasmania does not need to wait for the outcome of the NHMRC’s federal review to act in the best interests of children.
The evidence has already been examined.
The risks are already known.
The conclusions have already been reached.
The Queensland review — like the Cass Review in the UK and policy shifts across Europe — confirms that a precautionary approach is both medically responsible and consistent with international child-rights obligations.
Delaying action while children continue to be exposed to experimental and irreversible medical interventions is not neutral. It is a decision with real-world consequences for vulnerable young people and their families.
Women Speak Tasmania urges the Tasmanian Government to:
- Immediately suspend the prescription of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors
- Prioritise non-invasive, evidence-based psychological support for gender-distressed children
- Align Tasmanian health policy with emerging international best practice
- Place the best interests of the child at the centre of decision-making
Tasmania has an opportunity — and a responsibility — to act decisively to protect children’s health, development, and future wellbeing.
We urge Premier Rockliff and Minister Archer to show leadership and follow Queensland’s evidence-based course of action.
For further information contact:
Dr Elizabeth Caballero [email protected]
Sources:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child
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