The dispute between Jillian Spencer and Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQ HHS) has settled this week, with CHQ HHS acknowledging in a statement published on Friday the legitimacy of Dr Spencer’s concerns about gender treatment of minors.

This is a significant statement, and marks an important step forward to have a public health authority acknowledge this.

It also marks the end of years of stressful litigation, negotiations, and professional challenges for Dr Spencer.

In the statement, issued as part of the settlement, CHQ HHS accepted that Dr Spencer’s concerns about gender treatments were grounded in her expertise and training, acknowledging that:

“Dr Spencer has been a strong advocate for change in Queensland in the model of care for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.”

The statement also expresses what has long been the central concern raised by Dr Spencer and many other professionals, that children experiencing gender confusion should not be pushed down a single pathway towards medical intervention.

It is a significant moment to have a public health institution acknowledge that:

“... health practitioners must take a clinical approach to the treatment of gender dysphoria that focuses on the best available research and the child’s best interests rather than directing a child down a pre-determined treatment pathway.”

CHQ HHS also noted the 2025 policy change from the Queensland government which paused the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.

The terms of the settlement are confidential but are satisfactory to all parties involved.

While this is a good outcome for Jillian and she can move on from the long legal process, it remains the case that many other Australians risk similar legal action if they express similar concerns, especially in other states.

HRLA is cognisant of the ongoing threats to professionals like Jillian who speak the truth when it goes against popular ideology and we remain committed to defending their right to freedom of speech.

HRLA is grateful to have had the privilege of supporting Dr Spencer and acknowledge this significant victory.