Country Liberal Party remain tight lipped on gender therapy petition table to NT Parliament

Despite having six months to weigh-up the issue, the CLP is yet to reveal where it stands on a petition calling for gender transition treatments on children to be banned. With the petition now being considered by a CLP-majority committee.

Opposition leader Selena Uibo says "lack of transparency" and "secrecy" are becoming hallmarks of the CLP.

As a parliamentary committee deliberates on a petition calling for gender transition treatments on children to be banned, the Finocchiaro Government’s position on the sensitive matter remains unclear despite having six months to consider the petition’s requests.

Health Minister Steve Edgington says the Country Liberal Party remains focused on tackling crime and “restoring our lifestyle”.

In October, Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley presented a petition to parliament on behalf of the Australian Christian Lobby concerning “gender care provided to Territory children”.

Signed by 463 people, the petition called for the immediate suspension of all medical and surgical transitioning treatments concerning kids, as well as calling for an independent inquiry into gender care with a view to finding a “better and more scientific” alternative in treating gender dysphoria among children.

At the time, Health Minister Steve Edgington said the government would continue to focus on rolling out its crime strategy and that the petition would instead be addressed by the Public Accounts Committee.

Six months after the petition was first tabled, Health Minister Steve Edgington is yet to reveal the government’s position on the matter. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Opposition leader Selena Uibo said her team would not support the petition.

Gender therapy for minors has been hot topic interstate, cultiminating last month when the Queensland Government put an immediate pause on new patients under the age of 18 from accessing hormone therapies in the state’s public health system.

The Queensland Government also announced the pause would remain in effect until a review into hormone therapies for children was completed.

This week, Mr Edgington was asked whether the CLP would follow the Queensland Government’s example, which the Health Minister did not answer.

“The government’s focus is on rebuilding the economy, reducing crime and restoring our lifestyle,” he said.

“Any petitions read in the chamber are referred to the Public Accounts Committee to determine if they should be debated at a later date.”

Member for Drysdale Clinton Howe is chair of the Public Accounts Committee, which could decide whether the petition is advanced this month. Source: Facebook.

The five-person committee includes CLP members Clinton Howe, Brian O’Gallagher and Laurie Zio, as well as Labor’s Manuel Brown and Independent Justine Davis.

It is understood the committee will reconvene this month to decide whether the petition is brought to the assembly for a parliamentary-wide debate.

With only a committee majority required to push the petition onwards, the CLP is primed to advance or bury the matter however the party desires.

Opposition leader Selena Uibo says the government should more transparent on the issue. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Uibo said she was concerned by the fact the government was yet to disclose its position.

“Lia Finocchiaro and the CLP ran on a platform of restoring transparency to government, yet six months later they still refuse to tell Territorians where they stand on a petition brought to Parliament,” she said.

“Lack of transparency and secrecy are becoming hallmarks of this CLP government.”

The criticism follows Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour’s accusation last month, when she accused the Territory Government of setting up a “wall of silence” between themselves and the public.