JOINT STATEMENT: RESPONSE TO THE PETITION TO BAN GENDER AFFIRMING CARE IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY.

Date: 18/10/2024

As a collective of organisations representing LGBTQIASB+ communities across the spectrum of health and wellbeing, we stand firmly opposed to any motion aimed at denying access to gender-affirming care in the Northern Territory. Rooted in evidence-based practices and backed by a large and growing body of research, gender-affirming care is known to improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life. It significantly improves mental health by reducing suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety rates, and allows for congruent and authentic gender expression.

There is powerful evidence that gender affirming support, including affirming medical care, when required, protects the mental and physical wellbeing of transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary individuals. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists acknowledges the evidence that human gender diversity has long existed in many parts of the world, civilisations, and cultures. The World Health Organisation similarly stresses that being Trans or Gender Diverse does not represent a mental health condition. Political interventions directed towards hindering access to these essential services strip individuals of their basic human right to equitable healthcare. 

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) ‘Cass Review’, published in April 2024, has flaws that require careful consideration in the Australian context. Amongst the rife of issues, is the absence of medical practitioners with experience in gender-affirming care or individuals with lived experience in the review. In response to concerns raised by numerous UK doctors, the British Medical Association has initiated an independent evaluation of the 'Cass Review'. In July 2024, an independent review of the Queensland Children’s Gender Service was released. Instead, its recommendations took a different direction, advocating for the expansion of gender services and an increase in staffing. The review confirmed that the Queensland service provided safe, evidence-based care aligned with both national and international guidelines. Within days of the report’s release, the Queensland Government accepted its recommendations and doubled funding for gender services in the state. Following informed professional advice, several Australian state Health Ministers have expressed opposition to applying the ‘Cass Review’s’ findings to the Australian context. We agree that further longitudinal research is essential in this field. Rather than restricting access, the priority should be on improving and enhancing the quality of care available and further strengthening Australia’s contribution to research directed towards improving health outcomes for gender diverse people.

While the lack of inclusive census data presents challenges, it is estimated that 2-3% of young people in Australia identify as transgender, gender diverse, or non-binary, and that a far smaller proportion are seeking or gaining access to any form of affirming medical care. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that in 2023, there were 3.3 million young Australians aged between 15-24, meaning that approximately 66,000 to 99,000 young Australians may identify as gender diverse. As a significant population, there is an urgent need to preserve the wellbeing of these people, which includes ensuring access to gender-affirming medical care.

Gender-affirming care has been endorsed by leading Australian medical peak bodies and authorities, including the Australian Medical Association, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the Australian Endocrine Society, and the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH), alongside many other international bodies. 

In Darwin, Northside Health has for 8 years provided a monthly fully bulk-billed LGBTQIA+ Health Clinic which supports individuals seeking gender-affirming care. The service is funded by the NT Primary Health Network based on a 2018 independent needs assessment of the Health Needs of the Northern Territory’s LGBTIQA+ Communities. This assessment is currently being updated and is expected to show the same conclusion, that there is a clear and valid need for gender-affirming services in the Northern Territory and that we only risk losing families to other states if we fail to provide it.

Jeremy Wiggins, CEO of Transcend Australia said: “Calls for inquiries from extremist lobby groups with an ideological agenda to block access to essential healthcare services should be ignored. Families and their trans young people have a right to medical privacy and to have access to the healthcare they need.”

“The thousands of families we support deserve to know that their healthcare will continue to be available. This is not an area for religious or politically motivated intervention, particularly when there is significant evidence locally and globally to demonstrate the benefits of gender affirming healthcare on the physical and mental health of trans young people.”

Gender-affirming care is not optional, dismissible, or removable—it’s essential. Denying access risks deepening stigma and marginalisation, and we vehemently condemn this. 

Signed, 

Dr David Toro M.D 

Chairperson, Top End Pride

Dr Danielle Stewart MBBS FRACGP

Practice owner of Northside Health NT

Mark Halton

Acting Executive Director NTAHC 

Board Director NAPWHA 

Jeremy Wiggins

Chief Executive Officer, Transcend Australia

Nicky Bath

Chief Executive Officer, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia 

Dr Eloise Brook

Chief Executive Officer, Australian Professional Association for Trans Health

Dr Bhushan Joshi, MBSS, MRCP (UK), FACEM

Director, GLADD - The Association of LGBTQIA+ Doctors and Dentists (Australia)

Stella Schneckenburger 

Chair, AMSA Queer (Australian Medical Students’ Association's Queer representative group)