On Tuesday, 29 July 2025 during Estimates hearings in relation to the Department of Premier and Cabinet, I asked Premier Crisafulli about his involvement in the ban on gender-affirming healthcare for young people in Queensland's public health system.
You can read my question and the Premier's response in full below, or in the official Parliamentary record of proceedings (Hansard) here.
Mr BERKMAN: I have a few questions, Premier, specifically about your involvement in the ban on gender-affirming care for young people in Queensland’s public health system. You would be aware that the relevant directive was issued by the director-general of Queensland Health, Dr Rosengren, and that happened five days after your diary records a meeting with him about portfolio matters. Premier, did you discuss the proposed ban during that meeting?
Mr SPEAKER: Premier, I will just make you aware that this session expires in three minutes.
Mr CRISAFULLI: Let me give the member an answer. Member, let me seek information on that. I want to make this observation: I was absolutely aware of what had occurred because of the issues that had been raised in the Far North. I am mindful about some of those. Some of those allegations were really troubling, which is why the government took the decision that we did to take that action and, indeed, make sure there was an independent review of the process.
I am mindful that we might share different views on that approach, but I will say this: the minister has not sought to make this an issue about anything other than the care of kids. Our public commentary reflects that and I was very strong on that. It is obviously a really difficult issue for young people and people who might be under care, and that is why we took the decision about young people who are under care, and that is why we took the decision about the future stages of that. It was done with one thing in mind: the safety of kids. All of our public commentary reflects that as well.
Mr BERKMAN: Mr Speaker, may I ask a follow-up question, please?
Mr SPEAKER: Yes, member for Maiwar.
Mr BERKMAN: I am still waiting for any clarity on whether or not you discussed that proposed ban during the meeting. Further to that, did Dr Rosengren show you a draft or a copy of the directive before it was released and did you provide any direction or input in relation to its contents?
Mr CRISAFULLI: I cannot say to the member whether we discussed that or not because I cannot recall. I will say this to the member, just so the member is under no illusions about my role in that: that was a decision taken by cabinet so, ultimately, I accept that decision. Whether or not I discussed that with the director-general, I am not certain—I genuinely am not—but that does not change the fact that the decision, ultimately, was one by cabinet and therefore I accept the decision. I accept the decision and I accept the reasons for the decision. I reflected on some of the allegations, particularly in the Far North, and they led us to a very firm view that we had to take a course of action, but we did it—
Mr BERKMAN: Premier, can I ask one quick question—
Mr CRISAFULLI: Member, if I might: we did it in a way that reflected the seriousness of what was presented to us and the difficulty for families who were confronted with that decision, and our private and public commentary reflected that. That is a matter on the record.
Mr BERKMAN: But I would ask, Premier: why did that decision not take account of last year’s independent expert review?
Mr SPEAKER: Member for Maiwar, the time is now 11 o’clock. The committee will take a short break and the hearing will resume at 11.15.