More than 200 doctors, academics, lawyers, parents and advocates gathered in Adelaide over the weekend for the Coalition for Advancing Scientific Care (CASC) Gender Healthcare Summit.

The conference brought together Australian and international experts to examine the evidence behind medical treatments for children experiencing gender distress, and the importance of protecting parental rights and clinical independence.

As reported by Rachel Baxendale in The Australian, speakers raised serious questions about current medical practices.

Family law expert Professor Patrick Parkinson warned of potential legal consequences for doctors treating children without the agreement of both parents. Neuropsychologist Professor Sallie Baxendale raised concerns about the effects of puberty blockers on adolescent brain development, while psychotherapist Stella O’Malley questioned the evidence supporting medical gender transition.

But a particular highlight of the conference was the recognition of HRLA client Dr Jillian Spencer, who received CASC’s annual award for her courage in speaking out about the treatment of vulnerable children.

Presenting the award, CASC board member and member of Jillian’s legal team Christopher Brohier compared her courage to that of the biblical Queen Esther, who risked her position to defend her people.

Like Esther, Jillian chose to speak up when remaining silent would have been easier.

As Brohier explained, Jillian became concerned about the treatment of children experiencing gender distress and began questioning the prevailing approach.

“And so she started asking awkward questions and she was shut down,” he said.

Jillian was suspended from the Queensland Children’s Hospital in 2023 after raising concerns about its gender treatment model. What followed was more than three years of disciplinary proceedings and legal battles, during which HRLA proudly represented her.

In July, that long fight ended in a favourable settlement.

All disciplinary proceedings against Jillian were discontinued, and AHPRA closed its investigation.

Significantly, Children’s Health Queensland also publicly acknowledged that Jillian’s concerns were grounded in her clinical experience, and that treatment must be guided by evidence and the best interests of each child, rather than a predetermined pathway.

“That was what Jillian had been saying for years,” Brohier told the conference.

Jillian’s award is a fitting recognition of the courage it takes to challenge powerful institutions and defend professional conscience.

Her story is also a reminder that good medicine depends on the freedom to ask difficult questions, scrutinise evidence, and raise concerns without fear of punishment.

HRLA congratulates Jillian on this well-deserved honour. We are proud to have stood beside her, and proud to see her courage publicly recognised.