Tag: 2022
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Who Speaks for Children? Commissioner Called to Support Gender Service Inquiry
In August 2022, Women Speak Tasmania wrote to Leanne McLean, Tasmania’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, calling for an independent inquiry into the treatment model being used by the Tasmanian Gender Service. This request followed the high-profile closure of England’s Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service, after an ongoing review by Dr Hillary Cass found the…
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Tasmanian Forum on Conversion Therapy Laws Highlights Free Speech and Debate
On November 23, 2022, the Free Speech Alliance Australia hosted a forum at Parliament House, Hobart, to discuss proposed Tasmanian laws banning conversion therapy. The event, supported by Liberal MP Lara Alexander, brought together experts, survivors, and concerned citizens to examine the risks, impacts, and consultation process surrounding the legislation. Forum convener Isla MacGregor welcomed…
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Conversion Therapy forum staged in Hobart
A forum in parliament to discuss a proposed ban on gender identity conversion therapy has heard that Tasmanians should be free to seek therapy, while a Sydney psychologist questioned the wisdom of allowing children to make their own choices in gender transition. The forum, which had been lambasted by Greens leader Cassy O’Connor as a…
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Robust and respectful free debate is vital
Cassy O’Connor’s recent call for Premier Jeremy Rockliff to ban the Free Speech Alliance Australia forum at Parliament House on conversion therapy laws is regrettable. Democracy can only flourish when there is informed, robust and respectful free debate. The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute final report on the issue has not received any scrutiny by the…
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Media Accountability: When the ABC Sidelines Critical Voices in the Gender Identity Debate
In our ongoing efforts to ensure meaningful and evidence-based public discourse, and to express our disappointment with the inadequate and unsatisfactory response we received from ABC Hobart Manager, Marcus Cheek, Isla MacGregor recently wrote to Fiona Cameron—ABC Tasmania’s Ombudsman—expressing deep concern over the broadcaster’s biased and incomplete coverage of gender identity law reform discussions. Requesting…
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Media Failure: ABC’s Oversight on Tavistock Closure & the Gender Debate
In August 2022, ABC’s Media Watch, hosted by Paul Barry, took the extraordinary step of criticising its own broadcaster for failing to report on the closure of the Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service—the UK’s central clinic serving transgender youth. Despite covering many other trans-related stories, the ABC remained silent on this pivotal development. Public Concern…
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ABC Biased Reportage on Gender Identity Law Reforms – Email to the ABC Fiona Cameron
Below is a series of emails to Fiona Cameron, where WST comments about the ABC biased reporting on gender identity law reforms. Letter from Isla MacGregor 15.11.22 Dear Fiona, Complaint: ABC Tasmania biased reportage on gender identity law reforms I am writing to you to further my complaint already sent to ABC Hobart Manager Marcus…
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Tasmanian Attorney-General appointed members for TASCAT outside panel’s recommendations
Tasmania’s Attorney-General Elise Archer says she chose members for a tribunal over candidates recommended by its selection panel because she wanted to preserve the tribunal’s independence from politics. The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) is a specialist tribunal which deals with dispute resolution. Its selection panel recommended 17 candidates for appointment in June this year.…
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Toilets Matters A Guideline – Why Clear, Safe Facilities Are Essential
Public 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 issues around providing toilets in public and workplace settings. It emphasises compliance with UK law…