Family First MLC Sarah Game has given notice of a motion to establish a parliamentary select committee examining the treatment and support provided to young South Australians experiencing gender dysphoria or other gender identity-related concerns.
The proposed inquiry would examine assessment and treatment pathways, clinical governance, parental rights, public funding, co-occurring mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions, medical interventions, long-term outcomes, detransition support and the transparency of publicly funded services.
“This inquiry is about ensuring vulnerable young people and their families receive safe, evidence-based care supported by appropriate clinical oversight,” Ms Game said.
“Children experiencing distress deserve compassion and support. They also deserve rigorous assessment and healthcare based on the best available evidence.”
“Parents, clinicians and the broader South Australian community should be able to ask legitimate questions about these services without being dismissed or silenced.”
The motion follows revelations in 2025 that 22 children and adolescents treated through the Women’s and Children’s Hospital had not received the psychiatric assessment required under SA Health’s Statewide Gender Diversity Model of Care before commencing treatment.
The Women’s and Children’s Health Network apologised and conducted an internal review. SA Health subsequently advised that 21 patients were reassessed, their diagnoses were confirmed, and no harm was identified, while one family declined reassessment.
However, documents concerning what went wrong and what changes were recommended have not been made publicly available in full.
“If the system failed to follow its own safeguards, Parliament has a responsibility to understand how that happened and whether sufficient protections are now in place,” Ms Game said.
The Parliamentary inquiry would also consider international developments, including major evidence, reviews and decisions by several jurisdictions to restrict or reconsider the routine use of puberty blockers and other medical interventions for minors.
Ms Game said the select committee would provide an opportunity for clinicians, researchers, parents, young people, detransitioners and other stakeholders to present evidence directly to Parliament.
“This is not about denying care or compassion to anyone. It is about ensuring that care is cautious, accountable and supported by reliable evidence, particularly where children and potentially life-altering interventions are involved.”
“The wellbeing of young South Australians must come before ideology, institutional defensiveness or political convenience.”
The motion is expected to be moved in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
