Stood-down child psychiatrist Dr Jillian Spencer still employed by Children’s Health Queensland

A senior child psychiatrist who was stood down from clinical duties remains employed by Children’s Health Queensland, the Health Minister has confirmed.

Dr Jillian Spencer was stood down from clinical duties in April.

A senior child psychiatrist who was stood down from clinical duties following a complaint about her treatment of children with gender dysphoria remains employed by Children’s Health Queensland, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has confirmed.

Dr Jillian Spencer, a specialist at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, was stood down from clinical duties in April.

Asked whether would consider an inquiry into the state’s treatment of gender dysphoric children, Ms Fentiman said she understood a complaint had been made about Dr Spencer.

“(This is) subject to a number of HR processes within Children’s Health as well as referrals to Ahpra and the Health Ombudsman,” Ms Fentiman said.

“It is obviously not appropriate for me to go into detail on Dr Spencer’s employment, but I can advise … Dr Spencer has been stood down from clinical duties; however, she is still employed by Children’s Health Queensland.”

The Health Minister also said while the best way to treat children with gender dysphoria was an emerging field globally – saying “no-one shies from that” – “the evidence base is sound”.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman confirmed Dr Spencer is still employed by Children’s Health Queensland.

“Like any health system, the service continuously reviews its model of care and monitors clinical outcomes,” she said.

“In addition, the service has actively contributed to the evidence base and research around gender-affirming care for children and young people.”

Ms Fentiman made the comments in response to Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter, who had highlighted some doctors – such as Dr Spencer – were rejecting the “gender affirmation” model of care for kids experiencing gender dysphoria which was supported by Children’s Health Queensland.

“(Some Queensland doctors) are claiming they are forced to use the gender affirmation model even when they do not believe it to be medically appropriate,” he said.

“In some cases, that model might be the right thing, but doctors should be able to use their professional discretion. We train doctors to use their judgement and their professional skills, looking at all of the evidence.

“The whole point is that we want those kids to have the best outcome, not just for now but right through adolescence and adulthood. We cannot encroach on our doctors in this space.”

Mr Katter also said “I cannot impose my ideologies. I might want to but I cannot and nor can (the government).”

“However, that is exactly what is happening, evidenced by the fact that Dr Jillian Spencer is no longer able to practice here by virtue of the fact that she expressed her professional opinion on what was best for patients, which was not accepted by or consistent with the agenda or the ideology of the government of the day,” he said.