Thursday, 5 March 2026

 David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (10:02): During the COVID dystopia we saw a really alarming trend. Not just in Australia but around the world there were massive efforts to silence any views and opinions that were contrary to the government’s position. This resulted in suppressing objectively reasonable discussions on how to respond to the pandemic. Unfortunately, the trend of suppression of reasonable discussion has continued with the Australian medical regulators AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia banning Queensland psychiatrist Dr Andrew Amos from posting about transgender issues. I have met Dr Amos and watched him present on these issues and have only seen him approach the issues with evidence, compassion and tolerance. There are obviously diverse views amongst health professionals on what the best approach to young people experiencing gender distress might be. Silencing the input of considerate professionals who believe that the status quo is harmful represents a completely inappropriate interference in the public discussion of important issues regarding medical treatment. The Star Observer, which reports on LGBT issues, quoted one of the apparently problematic statements:

… doctors who affirm gender delusions are liable for patient harms.

Far from problematic, this statement is just obviously true. In 2023 one of Australia’s largest medical insurers stopped covering gender-affirming care for minors out of concern for doctors being sued by their former patients. People, including detransitioners, will not be silenced from discussing these important issues, and AHPRA should immediately reverse their decision.