Penny Allman-Payne (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak against this motion. This divisive, cynical and hateful exercise ignores reality and it throws mud onto kids, their families and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We have seen, time and time again, the hateful minority that beats the drums of transphobia outclassed and outnumbered. They have no home in this parliament, and they have no home in the Australian community.

Access to health care for young people who are suffering gender dysphoria and an increase in them accessing those services is a good thing. It means that young people are getting the medical care and support that they need. We know that young people who suffer gender dysphoria are at extremely high risk of suicide. Why would we want to stop those young people from accessing good-quality medical care that keeps them safe? I didn't hear a story before about a family torn apart by a young person accessing gender-affirming treatment. What I heard was a horrible story about a young person who was seeking treatment whose family couldn't or wouldn't accept them for who they were.

We don't need an inquiry for young people and their families to get the information that they need about this type of health care. That is a matter for the young person, their family and their doctors. If we adhere to the principle 'do no harm' then we won't subject young people who are suffering from gender dysphoria to an inquiry that will give space for people who are filled with hate and bigotry to politicise them and who they are.

I stand here with the Greens because we believe that better things are possible. We believe that this community cares about other people and that, outside this place, people have genuine empathy for and care about the experience of others. We believe that better things are possible, because there is no future in hate. We will continue to fight for and defend those marginalised by this rhetoric that only seeks to divide. We know that the majority of Australians support trans people and support trans kids. As allies, the Greens will continue to stand up and show up for trans kids and trans people of all ages. In the face of this hatred, trans campaigners and allies still outnumber the bigots. Trans kids unequivocally deserve our love and support. As a teacher, I know kids. I appreciate their wit and their humour. I understand their fears and their anxieties. I know that they can and should be trusted. We must continue to affirm and celebrate trans kids, ensuring that they feel loved, supported and safe in our schools, our workplaces, our parliaments and our community.