“Equipping advocates with the knowledge, tools, and resources to protect and advance the rights of women and girls in Tasmania.”
- Analysis of the Sex Industry Offences Act 2005 (Tasmania)Overview The Sex Industry Offences Act 2005 (Tas) is the primary legislation regulating the sex industry in Tasmania. It commenced on a day to be proclaimed and remains in force (as at July 2026). The long title states that the… Read more: Analysis of the Sex Industry Offences Act 2005 (Tasmania)
- Detailed Response to the TLRI Report on Legal Recognition of Sex and Gender 2020In June 2020 the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute released its Final Report No. 31 on Legal Recognition of Sex and Gender. The report reviewed the 2019 changes to birth certificate laws that introduced self-identification of gender and concluded that it… Read more: Detailed Response to the TLRI Report on Legal Recognition of Sex and Gender 2020
- Analysis of the Tasmanian Local Government Act (1993): How Equal Treatment of All Residents is the Legal Foundation of Good Local GovernanceWomen Speak Tasmania believes that genuine community wellbeing depends on local councils serving all residents fairly and impartially. This detailed analysis of the Local Government Act 1993 — the principal legislation governing Tasmania’s 29 councils — shows that the Act… Read more: Analysis of the Tasmanian Local Government Act (1993): How Equal Treatment of All Residents is the Legal Foundation of Good Local Governance
- Finland’s Major Studies Challenge Claims That Gender-Affirming Care Improves Mental HealthTwo important studies from Finland have just given us the clearest picture yet of what really happens to young people who feel distressed about their gender. The researchers looked at every single teenager and young adult in the whole country… Read more: Finland’s Major Studies Challenge Claims That Gender-Affirming Care Improves Mental Health
- Analysis of The Australia Human Rights Commission’s Equal Identities ReportWomen Speak Tasmania has carefully reviewed the Australian Human Rights Commission’s March 2026 report, Equal Identities – A human rights review of the experiences of trans and gender diverse people in Australia. While the report claims to advance human rights,… Read more: Analysis of The Australia Human Rights Commission’s Equal Identities Report
- Analysis of The Yogyakarta Principles and Why They Conflict with Women’s Rights Under International LawWhat are the Yogyakarta Principles? The Yogyakarta Principles (often called “YP”) are a set of 38 principles plus 111 extra state obligations created in 2006 and updated in 2017. They claim to show how existing international human rights law should… Read more: Analysis of The Yogyakarta Principles and Why They Conflict with Women’s Rights Under International Law
- What Finland Learned About Youth Gender Medicine: Evidence, Concerns, and the Shift to a Mental Health ModelWhat AusPATH Doesn’t Want You to Know: Finland’s Evidence-Based Exit from Routine Gender-Affirming Care for Youth During her keynote address at the inaugural Coalition Advancing Scientific Care (CASC) Gender Healthcare Summit in Adelaide (October 18–19, 2025), Professor Riittakerttu Kaltiala presented… Read more: What Finland Learned About Youth Gender Medicine: Evidence, Concerns, and the Shift to a Mental Health Model
- Analysis and Child-Rights Implications of The Queensland Hormone Treatment ReviewBackground and Scope of the Review The Queensland Government commissioned an independent review into the use of puberty blockers (Stage 1) and cross-sex hormones (Stage 2) for children and adolescents within the Queensland public health system. The scope of the… Read more: Analysis and Child-Rights Implications of The Queensland Hormone Treatment Review
- Reforming the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 to Restore Sex-Based Protections for Women and GirlsSubmission to the Tasmania Attorney General Guy Barnett on 15 December 2025 1. Introduction Women Speak Tasmania (WST) welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission regarding urgent reforms to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (Tasmania) (“the Act”). WST is a community organisation… Read more: Reforming the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 to Restore Sex-Based Protections for Women and Girls
- Analysis of the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act 19981. Overview of the Act The Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (ADA) prohibits discrimination on a range of attributes, including: Critical fact:The Act does not include “sex” (female/male) as a protected attribute. This omission is unusual compared with Australian, international, and… Read more: Analysis of the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act 1998
- Analysis of CEDAW: What It Is, What It Means for Women, and Why It Matters in AustraliaConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) What Is CEDAW? The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is often described as the international bill of rights for women. Adopted… Read more: Analysis of CEDAW: What It Is, What It Means for Women, and Why It Matters in Australia
- Analysis of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the ChildThe United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the world’s leading human rights treaty for children, setting out their civil, political, economic, and social rights. It establishes that every child is entitled to protection, guidance, and… Read more: Analysis of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Analysis of “Fix the System not Me!” Evaluating the Impact of Working It Out’s Programs in Tasmanian SchoolsOn the Working It Out website, we found a report titled “Fix the System, Not Me!” – Evaluating the Impact of Working It Out’s Programs in Tasmanian Schools, developed in collaboration with the University of Tasmania. Curious about its contents,… Read more: Analysis of “Fix the System not Me!” Evaluating the Impact of Working It Out’s Programs in Tasmanian Schools
- Analysis of the National Principles for Child Safe OrganisationsHere is an analysis of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2018), focusing on parental rights, education sector obligations, and how these can be embedded in Tasmanian policy to strengthen transparency, safeguarding, and family participation.… Read more: Analysis of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
- Analysis of the Inclusive Language Guidelines – Tasmania DECYPTasmania Department for Education, Children and Young People 1. Purpose & Scope 2. What the Guidelines Require / Promote 2.1 Emphasis on Affirmation & Identity 2.2 Strong Norms About “Language to Avoid” 2.3 Use of Neutral Language / Avoiding Gendered… Read more: Analysis of the Inclusive Language Guidelines – Tasmania DECYP
- Analysis of Supporting Sexuality, Sex and Gender Diversity in Schools PolicyTasmania Department for Education, Children and Young People 1. Overview of the Policy The document establishes that all Tasmanian government schools must create “safe, inclusive, and relevant educational experiences for all students” regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex… Read more: Analysis of Supporting Sexuality, Sex and Gender Diversity in Schools Policy
- Analysis of the Dentons Document: A How to ManualIn 2019, a guide produced by global law firm Dentons with activist partners revealed how trans rights were advanced across Europe. The strategy? Incremental reforms, political gatekeepers, friendly media, and avoiding open debate on controversial issues like children, prisons, and… Read more: Analysis of the Dentons Document: A How to Manual
- Analysis of The “41% Study” and Suicide in Transgender PeopleOne of the most widely quoted claims in debates about gender identity and medical treatment is that “41% of transgender people attempt suicide.” This figure comes from a 2014 report titled Suicide Attempts among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Adults, based… Read more: Analysis of The “41% Study” and Suicide in Transgender People
- Article – AusPath: Activism Influencing Health PolicyThis article by Jillian Spencer and Patrick Clarke examines the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH) and argues that it operates more as an activist group than a professional medical body, despite its strong influence on health policy. Originally… Read more: Article – AusPath: Activism Influencing Health Policy
- Model Policy for Schools: Sex-Based Rules and Record KeepingUPDATED FOR 2025: This model policy developed by Sex Matters, specifies how a school records, communicates and uses data on the sex of all pupils, and any rules that treat girls and boys differently but fairly. It draws on inputs… Read more: Model Policy for Schools: Sex-Based Rules and Record Keeping
- Analysis of the UN Report by Reem Alsalem titled The different manifestations of Violence against Women and Girls in the context of Surrogacy (A/80/158)The report investigates the practice of surrogacy and its implications for the human rights of women and girls, with a focus on the risks of violence, exploitation, and commodification. Surrogacy, particularly in its commercial form, is framed as part of… Read more: Analysis of the UN Report by Reem Alsalem titled The different manifestations of Violence against Women and Girls in the context of Surrogacy (A/80/158)
- Analysis of the UN Report by Reem Alsalem titled Sex-Based Violence Against Women and Girls: New Frontiers and Emerging Issues (A/HRC/59/47)Purpose of the Report The report examines new and evolving forms of sex-based violence against women and girls that remain underrecognized. It reaffirms the biological reality of sex as central to understanding female oppression and urges States to protect women’s… Read more: Analysis of the UN Report by Reem Alsalem titled Sex-Based Violence Against Women and Girls: New Frontiers and Emerging Issues (A/HRC/59/47)
- Analysis from the article: “Critiques of the Cass Review: Fact-Checking the Peer-Reviewed and Grey Literature”This document critiques four articles that challenged the Cass Review, a report on pediatric transgender healthcare commissioned by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The analysis covers the document’s purpose, structure, key arguments, evidence, strengths, weaknesses, and implications. Overview The… Read more: Analysis from the article: “Critiques of the Cass Review: Fact-Checking the Peer-Reviewed and Grey Literature”
- Analysis of Gender Questioning Children and Family Law: An Evolving LandscapeIntroduction This paper provides an overview of the challenges faced by the family law profession in Australia when dealing with matters involving gender identity in children and adolescents. Drawing on recent research, medical reviews, and legal precedents, it highlights the… Read more: Analysis of Gender Questioning Children and Family Law: An Evolving Landscape
- Dossier on Impacts of Tasmania Sex Self-ID Laws on Women, Girls, Families and LGB peoplePRESENTED TO TASMANIAN ATTORNEY GENERAL GUY BARNETT ON 20th JANUARY 2025 INTRODUCTION Women Speak Tasmania (WST) is a women led and woman centred grass roots advocacy body. We campaign for the sex based rights of women in Tasmania. WST believes… Read more: Dossier on Impacts of Tasmania Sex Self-ID Laws on Women, Girls, Families and LGB people
- Analysis — Deeming v Pesutto (Federal Court of Australia)Key outcome The Federal Court found that Victorian MP John Pesutto defamed fellow MP Moira Deeming on multiple occasions after a March 2023 rally; Justice David O’Callaghan concluded the publications conveyed imputations that Deeming “knowingly associated with” or “sympathised” with… Read more: Analysis — Deeming v Pesutto (Federal Court of Australia)
- Book: Gender Ideology, Social Contagion, and the Making of a Transgender GenerationOverview of the Book Title: Gender Ideology, Social Contagion, and the Making of a Transgender Generation Author: Dr. Dianna (Theadora) Kenny, former Professor of Psychology at the University of Sydney, now a clinical psychologist specialising in child and adolescent mental… Read more: Book: Gender Ideology, Social Contagion, and the Making of a Transgender Generation
- The Amnesty Dossier: The Truth About Its “Sex Work” PolicyAmnesty International has long been seen as a global leader in human rights. But when it comes to sexual exploitation, Amnesty has betrayed women and girls. Instead of standing with survivors, Amnesty has chosen to side with pimps, brothel owners,… Read more: The Amnesty Dossier: The Truth About Its “Sex Work” Policy
- Analysis of the AusPATH / RCH Gender Standards of Care for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents (2023)The guidelines, developed by the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Gender Service and endorsed by the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH), are intended to provide a clinical framework for supporting trans and gender diverse children and adolescents across Australia.… Read more: Analysis of the AusPATH / RCH Gender Standards of Care for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents (2023)
- Analysis “Impacts of Trans-activism on the Human Rights of Women and Girls”The paper takes a critical stance on trans-activism, examining how policies and laws that prioritise “gender identity” over biological sex can negatively impact women and girls. It argues that these changes undermine women’s rights, safety, and opportunities, and in some… Read more: Analysis “Impacts of Trans-activism on the Human Rights of Women and Girls”
- Managing Gender Dysphoria in Young People – NAPP GuideUpdated version June 2025 Gender dysphoria/incongruence in young people is a contested area of medical practice. This approach avoids political, social, religious and ideological positions. This approach to developing guidelines for managing gender dysphoria [1] or gender incongruence [2] in… Read more: Managing Gender Dysphoria in Young People – NAPP Guide
- Analysis of Transgender Athlete Policies in Sport: Balancing Fairness and InclusionFundamental Disjunction in Policy Approaches This analysis highlights a central divide in global sports policies: the tension between trans inclusivity and ensuring a level playing field for female athletes. Historically, many sports organisations assumed that testosterone suppression would adequately mitigate… Read more: Analysis of Transgender Athlete Policies in Sport: Balancing Fairness and Inclusion
- Analysis of Year 11–12 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching and Learning Package”Analysis and summary of the Year 11–12 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching and Learning Package,” with a focus on content involving sexuality and porn that could raise safeguarding concerns for this age group. Summary of contents Where “gender ideology”–adjacent content appears… Read more: Analysis of Year 11–12 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching and Learning Package”
- Analysis of Year 7–10 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching & Learning Package”Analysis and summary of the Year 7–10 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching & Learning Package” with a focus on content related to gender ideology–adjacent content, any porn/sexting material, and specific role-plays/scenarios that could raise child-safeguarding issues. Summary Where gender ideology–adjacent content… Read more: Analysis of Year 7–10 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching & Learning Package”
- Analysis of Foundation to Year 6 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching & Learning Package”Analysis and summary of Foundation to Year 6 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching & Learning Package” with focus on any safeguarding risks for children. What the document does well Where the document goes wrong / risks Overall Evaluation Conclusion: This document succeeds… Read more: Analysis of Foundation to Year 6 “Respectful Relationships Education: Teaching & Learning Package”
- Analysis of the Respectful Relationships and Consent in the Early Years PackageAnalysis and summary of the “Respectful Relationships and Consent In the Early Years Package”, with a focus on gender ideology content, where it conflicts with established child development theory (like Piaget), and the use of neutral or scientifically inaccurate language.… Read more: Analysis of the Respectful Relationships and Consent in the Early Years Package
- Analysis of Women’s Human Rights in International and Australian Law1. International Law Framework Women’s human rights are primarily grounded in international human rights instruments: Australia ratified CEDAW in 1980, committing itself to align national laws with these obligations. 2. Australian Federal Law Human Rights Commission Framework The Australian Human… Read more: Analysis of Women’s Human Rights in International and Australian Law
- Analysis of the UN Report by Reem Alsalem titled Sex-Based Violence Against Women and Girls in Sports: Causes and Consequences (A/79/325)Overall Focus of the Report In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences, Reem Alsalem, explores the various forms, causes and consequences of violence against women and girls in sports. Key… Read more: Analysis of the UN Report by Reem Alsalem titled Sex-Based Violence Against Women and Girls in Sports: Causes and Consequences (A/79/325)
- Ivan Dean Bill – Alternate Bill for Gender ReformsPurpose of the Amendments The proposed amendments sought to roll back aspects of Tasmania’s gender law reforms by narrowing definitions and replacing “gender” with “biological sex” throughout relevant legislation. Key Changes Proposed Implications In short: Ivan Dean’s amendments aimed to… Read more: Ivan Dean Bill – Alternate Bill for Gender Reforms
- Statistics Show That HALF of Trans-Identified Men in Prison Are Sex OffendersEva Kurilova’s excellent article detailing prison data from different countries, including Australia. The justice system has fail vulnerable women by allowing men who identify as women to enter female prisons. Many Western countries are transferring men into women’s prisons and… Read more: Statistics Show That HALF of Trans-Identified Men in Prison Are Sex Offenders
- Analysis of the UN Report by Reem Alsalem titled Prostitution and Violence against Women and Girls (A/HRC/56/48)The Special Rapporteur’s report treats prostitution not as ordinary labour but as a system of gendered violence and exploitation driven by male demand, poverty and structural discrimination. It recommends the abolition/Nordic approach — criminalizing buyers and profiteers while decriminalizing and… Read more: Analysis of the UN Report by Reem Alsalem titled Prostitution and Violence against Women and Girls (A/HRC/56/48)
- Cass Review – Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young PeopleWhat is the Cass Review? Commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement in 2020 and chaired by Dr. Hilary Cass, the Cass Review culminated in April 2024. It represents the most comprehensive examination to date of gender identity services for… Read more: Cass Review – Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People
- Analysis of the Leak Files from The World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH)The internal emails reveal serious ethical, medical, and scientific concerns within WPATH itself. Far from presenting a unified, evidence-based standard of care, these exchanges show members openly acknowledging the lack of evidence, the risks to young people, and the fact… Read more: Analysis of the Leak Files from The World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH)
- Analysis of “Asleep at the Wheel: An Examination of Gender and Safeguarding in Schools”The “Asleep at the Wheel: An Examination of Gender and Safeguarding in Schools” report reveals that many UK schools are neglecting the most basic safeguarding duties when it comes to gender identity. Parents are being excluded, single-sex spaces are disappearing,… Read more: Analysis of “Asleep at the Wheel: An Examination of Gender and Safeguarding in Schools”
- Toilets Matters A Guideline – Why Clear, Safe Facilities Are EssentialPublic toilets aren’t just a convenience—they’re about dignity, safety, and inclusion. A guideline from Sex Matters highlights why single-sex facilities remain vital, and how organisations can balance everyone’s needs within the law. The guideline explores the legal, practical, and social… Read more: Toilets Matters A Guideline – Why Clear, Safe Facilities Are Essential
- Analysis of Xris Reardon’s Witness Statement: Redefining Safeguarding in SchoolsOn 4 May 2022, Xris Reardon of Working It Out gave a witness statement to the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings What the Statement is About Xris Reardon, in their… Read more: Analysis of Xris Reardon’s Witness Statement: Redefining Safeguarding in Schools
- Analysis from the AIHW Report “Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence in Australia” Summary of Contents The report presents comprehensive data on family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) in Australia, covering prevalence, demographics, impacts, and service responses. It draws on police records, hospitalisations, victimisation surveys, and specialist support services. Key themes: Relevant Statistics… Read more: Analysis from the AIHW Report “Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence in Australia”
- Analysis of Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 (as compiled to 2018)What the Act Is About This law requires certain Commonwealth authorities (public bodies and government-owned corporations with 40+ employees) to develop and implement Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs. Its purpose is to ensure women and other designated groups have fair… Read more: Analysis of Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 (as compiled to 2018)
- Book: Gender Dysphoria In Children And Young PeopleOverview of the Book Title: Gender Dysphoria in Children and Young People: Collected Papers on the Psychology, Sociology and Ethics of Gender TransitionAuthor: Dr. Dianna T. Kenny, PhD — a Professor of Psychology (formerly at the University of Sydney), clinician,… Read more: Book: Gender Dysphoria In Children And Young People
- Analysis – The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute Issues Paper – ‘Legal Recognition of Sex and Gender’The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute’s Issues Paper titled ‘Legal Recognition of Sex and Gender’ was released for public consultation on 24 June 2019. Community feedback was sought, with a deadline of 20 August 2019. A final report is to be… Read more: Analysis – The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute Issues Paper – ‘Legal Recognition of Sex and Gender’
- Analysis of the Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage and Gender Amendments) Act 2019 (Tas)This is a clear brief of what the Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage and Gender Amendments) Act 2019 (Tas) does, how it defines sex and gender, and where the design leaves room for conflict—especially with women’s sex-based rights. Overview of… Read more: Analysis of the Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage and Gender Amendments) Act 2019 (Tas)
- Analysis of WoLF Submission to Equal Opportunity Tasmania Option Paper for Amendments to the BDMR ActOverview Title: Women’s Liberation Front (WoLF), Southern Tasmania – Comment on Options Paper: Legal recognition of sex and gender diversity in Tasmania—Options for amendments to the Births, Deaths & Marriages Registration Act 1999 (Equal Opportunity Tasmania). What it is: A… Read more: Analysis of WoLF Submission to Equal Opportunity Tasmania Option Paper for Amendments to the BDMR Act
- Analysis of The Tasmanian Surrogacy Act 20121. Legal Framework: Surrogacy Act 2012 (Tasmania) Tasmania’s regulatory regime is established under the Surrogacy Act 2012, which provides for legally recognised surrogacy arrangements. Key elements include: Principles of the Act The Act emphasises that: 2. Surrogacy Process in Practice… Read more: Analysis of The Tasmanian Surrogacy Act 2012
- Analysis of The Sex Discrimination Act Amendment 2013 – Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex StatusKey Amendments Introduced The 2013 amendment substantially expanded the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. The main changes are: Redefinitions (or Removals) How This Changed the Original 1984 Act Impacts on Women Comparison of Sex Discrimination Act: Before vs After 2013 Amendments… Read more: Analysis of The Sex Discrimination Act Amendment 2013 – Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status
- Analysis of The Sex Discrimination Act 1984Below is a detailed, section-by-section analysis of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (the copy below compiled as at early 2010/2011), focusing on how the Act defines “sex”, “woman” and “man” for its purposes, the principal prohibitions, the sex-based exemptions (Division… Read more: Analysis of The Sex Discrimination Act 1984