CHA supports children and young people having access to evidence based, non-judgemental and supportive gender affirming healthcare services. We acknowledge research findings that gender affirming care during childhood and adolescence can significantly improve the mental health and wellbeing of trans or gender diverse people.
We welcome the Australian Government’s statement on 31 January 2025 that young people and their families accessing gender affirming services should receive the best health care, led by the best available evidence and wrap-around support. The NHMRC review will provide national guidelines to ensure consistency in evidence-based healthcare for trans and gender diverse children and young people across Australia.
Studies have shown trans and gender diverse individuals are at increased risk of harm from discrimination, social exclusion, bullying, and physical assault, as well as being more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, traumatic stress disorder and other mental health concerns.
We acknowledge the statement of the National Children’s Commissioner, that equity of access to safe contemporary care, including specialist clinical services and mental health care for gender diverse children should be enhanced across Australia.
It is further important we provide support for the skilled and dedicated workforce delivering clinical care and support to these children, young people and their families.
Children’s Healthcare Australasia is a non-profit organisation of more than 90 children’s hospitals and paediatric units across Australia and New Zealand, and is recognised as a trusted champion for children and young people’s health and healthcare.
We strategically connect our members to improve the safety and quality of healthcare for children and young people through sharing the best available evidence, data and information. We help to grow and share the body of evidence about what works best to improve safe models of care for children, young people and families.
We look forward to contributing to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) comprehensive review of the Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents in Australia, and the development of new national best practice guidelines.
First drafted: 21 February 2025
Date draft received by board: 26 March 2025
Date endorsed by board: 26 March 2025
Date for review: March 2025
