Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Intersex health services

Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:10): (1038) My question today is to the Minister for Health. The government committed to an intersex protection system following the (i) Am Equal report in 2021. This scheme is planned to improve supports, laws and regulations to ensure that people living with intersex variations are empowered to make their own decisions about their own bodies. This includes but is not limited to protecting children from deferrable medical interventions which modify their sex characteristics. Public consultation was undertaken, and a listening report was due to be released in early 2024, which would include information on next steps for this work. There is strong support, I would say, in this chamber for progression of this work going forward. Minister, I ask: do you have a copy of this summary report, and will it be released publicly?

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:11): I thank the member for the question. I will certainly refer that to the Minister for Health, who will be very happy to outline the significant work that is happening in this area and provide a written response in accordance with the standing orders.

Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:11): Thank you, Minister, for referring that on for answer. Reviewing the relevant Victorian government website in relation to these matters, the timeline indicates that submission of a draft bill to Parliament was expected for late 2024. Can I confirm: is this legislation set to be introduced this year?

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:11): Again, I will refer your supplementary question to the Minister for Health for a written response.