Project 491 is an initiative led by AusPATH in response to the Queensland Government’s unacceptable restrictions on gender affirming care (GAC) for trans and gender diverse (TGD) children. This includes blocking access to both stage one (puberty blockers) and stage two (hormone therapy) treatments for patients under 18 in QLD public health system. This decision has left at least 491 children stranded without access to care.  

Despite the Federal Health Minister’s request for Queensland to lift their indiscriminate ban, along with a commitment for NHMRC to review the Standards of Care, the Queensland Government has refused to lift these restrictions. The Queensland ban is contrary to the current best evidence-based guidelines, and represents political interference in healthcare. The troubling politicisation of essential healthcare for TGD young people in Queensland is demonstrated at the 2024 Liberal National Party (LNP) conference in Rockhampton, where a motion was passed to ban puberty blockers.

The impact of these restrictions is significant. While private healthcare providers continue to offer care, the public system is no longer providing access to treatment, which disproportionately affecting lower-income families and those young people with more complex health needs. Given the 48.1% suicide attempt rate among TGD youth, the lack of access to care has serious health implications.

AusPATH will use funds raised, in collaboration with care providers in Queensland and across Australia, to establish multi-disciplinary pathways to ensure affected young people receive timely, evidence-based care.