Copyright smh
“[I have] done that quite thoroughly and in all instances it’s a case of weighing up competing rights and interests of parents to understand what their children are asking and seeking,” Nicholls said. “I believe it is in the public interest to continue the pause [on puberty blockers and hormone therapy] and the pause continues until the end of January next year.” Under law, Nicholls may give a written direction to hospital and health services relevant to the performance of their functions if he is “satisfied it is necessary to do so in the public interest”. In a statement on Wednesday, LGBTI Legal Service president Ren Shike – whose organisation backed the initial challenge – said they hoped the government would engage in meaningful consultation with parents after the ruling. “We are reviewing the [ministerial] directive and exploring options on behalf of our clients,” Shike said. “The LGBTI Legal Service will continue to explore all legal options to support trans and gender diverse young people to access the life-affirming healthcare they need.”
