Thomas supported a Bill introduced by the Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith, in relation to prohibiting the use of unapproved medical interventions for people born with innate variations in sex characteristics.

The Bill is an amendment that grandfathers the arrangements established by the original Bill, postponing provisions for patients already receiving ongoing treatment under a plan agreed with their clinician.

Thomas spoke to the amendment and emphasised concerns raised by clinicians regarding the need for more guidance around exactly which treatments are covered by the original legislation and called for Canberra Health Services to invest more resources in finalising the general treatment plans intended to cover a range of common conditions.

Doctors have raised pressing concerns with Thomas about the practicalities of the legislation, with criminal penalties for not complying with the legislation coming into effect this month.

Video: Legislative Assembly - Wednesday, 4 December 2024

Thomas’ Speech: 1 hr 26 mins, 18 secs