Recent developments in Australia show that the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones in children and adolescents experiencing gender distress is under serious scrutiny. Tasmania now has an urgent responsibility to ensure that young people are protected from potential long-term harm.
Queensland Raises Red Flags
In Queensland, disclosures from the Queensland Children’s Gender Service (QCGS) revealed troubling concerns. Documents obtained under Right to Information showed that the Chief Psychiatrist, Dr John Reilly, was warned in 2023 that current treatment practices carried a “reasonably high chance of causing permanent sterility in children.”
The warning also emphasized that psychiatrists cannot avoid responsibility for the treatments and their future consequences. Questions were raised about whether informed consent was being obtained appropriately, particularly when minors may not fully understand the implications, and parents consent on their behalf.
The Vine Review and Precautionary Action
The Queensland Government paused new puberty blocker and cross-sex hormone treatments for minors in January 2025, pending an independent review. The Vine Review found:
- The evidence base is limited and uncertain.
- Long-term outcomes, including infertility and loss of sexual function, are poorly studied.
- Clinical governance and safeguarding were insufficient.
- A precautionary approach is needed, prioritizing mental health and psychosocial support over irreversible medical interventions.
Similar measures have now been taken in the Northern Territory, showing that states are increasingly prioritizing child safety and evidence over ideology.
Lessons from the UK
The Vine Review aligns with the Cass Review in the United Kingdom, warning that evidence supporting medical interventions in gender-distressed minors is weak. The review recommended a decisive shift toward mental health assessment and psychosocial care rather than rushing to medical treatments.
Our Recommendations for Tasmania
On 22 December 2025, we wrote to Tasmania’s Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Dinesh Arya, calling for urgent action:
- Review clinical governance for gender-distressed minors in public mental health services.
- Pause new puberty blocker and hormone treatments until evidence, safety, and clinical protocols are thoroughly evaluated.
- Reinforce informed consent standards, ensuring children and parents fully understand risks and uncertainties.
- Strengthen safeguarding oversight, aligned with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, including transparent documentation, parental involvement, and multidisciplinary review.
Dr Arya acknowledged the letter on 23 December 2025, noting that this is an “ongoing area of work” with clinical advice already provided.
Why Tasmania Must Act
Queensland and the Northern Territory demonstrate a growing awareness that child safeguarding and evidence-based practice must come first. Tasmania has the opportunity to ensure vulnerable minors are protected from irreversible harm while maintaining ethical, professional psychiatric care.
At Women Speak Tasmania, we remain committed to advocating for child safety, robust evidence, and ethical medical practice. Now is the time for Tasmania to lead with caution, care, and transparency.
Sources:
Gender Clinic News 2025. https://www.genderclinicnews.com/p/stop-this-sterilising-of-children
Queensland Independent Review Advice Report. 2025 –https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0035/1478843/Queensland-Hormone-Treatment-Review-Report-and-Annexures.pdf
Convention on the Rights of the Child. United Nations. 1989. –https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child