Professor Michael Kidd says interim advice on the use of puberty suppression will be available soon.
Australia’s chief doctor, GP Professor Michael Kidd, told delegates at this year’s AMA conference that he hopes to see “robust but respectful engagement” with forthcoming advice on the use of puberty suppression in trans and gender diverse young people.
Early last year, following a move by Queensland to pause the prescribing of puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones in public hospital gender clinics, federal health minister Mark Butler tasked the National Health and Medical Research Council with developing national clinical practice guidelines for the care of trans and gender diverse minors.
According to the NHMRC website, the development of interim advice for public consultation on the use of puberty suppression will conclude by October.
Draft interim advice will be put to public consultation in November.
In Professor Kidd’s Friday afternoon address to AMA delegates, he made reference to the fierce, often toxic nature of the debate around young people who present with symptoms of gender dysphoria.
“Transgender people have, of course, always been a part of our communities,” he said.
“Sometimes revered and cherished, sometimes stigmatised and discriminated against.
“And as a gay man and a GP who’s worked with many wonderful transgender and intersex people throughout my 40-year career, and as a member of the LGBTQI+ community, I’ve been concerned about some of the public discourse and the impact it’s having on vulnerable people.”
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The shared objective of the NHMRC, he said, was supporting the nation’s clinicians to provide evidence-based care, to manage clinical risks and to respond appropriately to the individual needs of each patient.
“We also need to recognise that periods of heightened public debate can affect the well-being of many, especially young people and their families,” he said.
“And as health professionals, we’re uniquely placed to provide trusted information and compassionate support.
“Whatever views are expressed in public discussion, dignity, safety, and respectful care must remain at their centre.”
The “shared purpose” of medical professionals, Professor Kidd said, was “stronger than any individual difference, and is driven by our shared desire for better health and well-being for every person in Australia”.
The 2026 AMA national conference was held at Pullman East Melbourne on August 28 and 29.
