Greens MP Michael Berkman says the LNP must stop its program of political interference and stop trying to control people’s healthcare choices, after Justice Callaghan’s ruling in the Supreme Court today found Queensland’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender patients was unlawful.
Quotes attributable to Greens MP for Maiwar Michael Berkman:
“Governments of all stripes should take this as a warning: you are not above the law.
“Premier Crisafulli’s cabinet overrode Queensland Health by directing it to ban gender affirming healthcare for young people, after just 22 minutes of so-called “consultation”. From its jobs for mates to blocking board appointments for its opponents, the LNP’s program of political interference must end.
“Perhaps the government should learn how to do its own job properly before telling healthcare professionals how to do theirs.
“If the LNP has any respect for healthcare professionals and patient autonomy, they’ll drop its political fixations and get on with funding our public healthcare system properly.
“Restricting trans healthcare was just a consolation prize for the ideological conservatives in the LNP who didn’t get their way on abortion.
“The LNP was so desperate to appease its conservative wing that it illegally rushed through this ban - unlawfully and at the expense of Queensland children.
“The LNP needs to learn that healthcare is a choice for an individual, their family and their healthcare team, not for politicians.”