The state policy may conflict with recommendations from the Australian government, which is also reviewing care and treatment guidelines for trans and gender diverse children, and planned to release interim advice on the use of puberty blockers by mid-2026.
“We’re prepared to observe and watch and wait what happens in the United Kingdom,” Nicholls said.
“In Queensland, we’re not prepared to go down that pathway of trialling unproven drugs on children.
“When that [UK] trial is completed, that will then be an opportunity for the government, at that time, to reconsider the pause.”
Patients who were receiving care through public services before the ban was implemented would continue to receive treatment from Children’s Health Queensland, Nicholls said.
He added that all children with gender dysphoria would continue to have access to non-medical interventions, including mental health and wellbeing support.
Hormone therapies will also continue to be available through the private sector, though their cost is prohibitive for most.
The Vine report is expected to be released in full on Friday.
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