Queensland freeze on puberty blocking agents and gender affirming hormones  

On 28 January, the Queensland Government ordered a statewide halt on puberty blocking agents and gender affirming hormones for all new patients under 18 seeking help for gender dysphoria, pending an independent review into their use. The blanket halt does not allow high quality services in this sensitive practice area to continue to provide evidence-informed care with consent. The RANZCP notes that this has caused significant distress in an already vulnerable patient cohort. 

Consistent with our Position Statement 103: The role of psychiatrists in working with Trans and Gender Diverse people, the RANZCP is committed to respectful, sensitive and appropriate mental healthcare for children and adolescents experiencing gender incongruence or gender dysphoria. Assessment and treatment should, at all times, be patient-centred and evidence-informed, underpinned by empathy and respect.   

The RANZCP is joining with other organisations in asking for reconsideration of the blanket nature of the freeze and seeking clarification with the Government on the next steps in the review process.