Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 2 November 2026:

The suitability of current Commonwealth Government guidelines regarding gender dysphoria for minors, with particular reference to:

(a) the science behind medical intervention;

(b) alternative treatments including counselling;

(c) international trends in treatment;

(d) lived experience of transitioners;

(e) other reviews that may be underway or recently completed; and

(f) any other related matters.

Jane Hume (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jane Hume (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Protecting the welfare of young Australians is possibly the most important role we have in this place, and I respect the positions of colleagues across the chamber. I agree with Senator Roberts that we should be looking at the suitability of current Commonwealth guidelines. The coalition supported the Albanese government's decision to task the medical experts at the NHMRC to develop new national clinical practice guidelines for the care of people under 18. We await the public release of its interim advice, due in the middle of this year. However, I oppose the motion for the simple reason that I do not believe that a Senate committee is the appropriate place for the discussion to take place at this time in the absence of that interim advice from the NHMRC. I call on the government to expedite the final guidelines to ensure the welfare of vulnerable Australians. I call for respect for those colleagues who are exercising their conscience, and I am grateful to my party for allowing a conscience vote on this matter.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a statement of no more than one minute.

Leave granted.

Colleagues may or may not know that today is the Trans Day of Visibility. It's a day when we ask our community to celebrate trans folks, to show our love for trans people and to show our support for trans people. That we would have to, on this day of all days, vote down yet another attempt by One Nation to create a platform for transphobia, using the Senate to provide parliamentary privilege for people to pile on to trans kids and trans people yet again and cause them even more suffering and pain, is beyond the pale. Trans rights are human rights. Trans people deserve our love and support, not being piled on in a culture war. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1 be agreed to.