26th Nov 2024, 4:26 PM – Senate Committees - Community Affairs References Committee; Reference - Use of puberty blockers

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Queensland Senator Pauline Hanson (One Nation), which means it failed.

Motion text

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 February 2025:

The failure of Australia to adopt evidence-based safeguards on the use of puberty blockers for gender dysphoric adolescents, aligning with international best practices, with particular reference to:

(a) the dangers posed by puberty blockers, as evidenced by poor-quality and inconclusive research on their safety and efficacy;

(b) the inadequacy of current Australian safeguards compared to more precautionary approaches adopted in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and other nations;

(c) the over-reliance on experimental treatments instead of prioritising holistic, psychological and social interventions for young people experiencing gender dysphoria;

(d) the lack of regulation and oversight of off-label prescriptions of puberty blockers in Australia;

(e) the absence of long-term data on the physical, mental health and fertility impacts of these treatments;

(f) the Government's role in ensuring proper medical, ethical and legal standards are applied to protect vulnerable adolescents;

(g) the stifling of dissenting medical and scientific views in public and policy debates on gender-affirming treatments; and

(h) any other related matters.