The clinical practice guidelines for the care of trans and gender diverse people under 18 with gender dysphoria (Gender Guidelines) are being developed in accordance with NHMRC’s rigorous guideline development process. This includes involvement of a multidisciplinary guideline development committee, feedback from a reference panel, evidence review, public consultation and declaration and management of interests.
On 31 January 2025, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler, requested NHMRC develop national clinical practice guidelines for the care of trans and gender diverse people under 18 with gender dysphoria.
The use of puberty suppression has been identified as a priority in the guideline development process. Interim advice on its use will be released for public consultation in late 2026.
NHMRC guideline development process
NHMRC develops clinical practice guidelines through a rigorous, evidence-based process designed to ensure recommendations are trustworthy and relevant to the Australian context. This process typically involves comprehensive reviews of current scientific research, consultation with relevant experts and engagement with key interest holders, including people with lived experience of accessing gender services, healthcare professionals, and support organisations.
The guidelines will be developed in line with NHMRC’s Standards for Guidelines and Guidelines for Guidelines, and the internationally recognised GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.
Draft guidelines are subject to public consultation, allowing for feedback and transparency, before final recommendations are approved and published. This approach ensures the guidelines are both scientifically sound and practical for implementation within Australia's healthcare system.
For more information, visit the How NHMRC develops guidelines webpage.
Timeline
An indicative timeline for the development of the Gender Guidelines is provided below. Please note these timelines are dependent on the evidence review process and the availability of the committee to meet and, as such, are subject to change. NHMRC’s priority is to ensure the advice is evidence-based and developed in accordance with best-practice guideline methodologies. Updates will continue to be provided on this webpage as the project progresses.
| Development stage | Expected dates | Expected timing |
|---|---|---|
| Planning, governance, establishing committee and initial communications | February 2025 – July 2025 | 6 months |
| Scoping and targeted stakeholder engagement | June 2025 – December 2025 | 7 months |
| Evidence reviews (including engaging reviewers)* | September 2025 – January 2027 | 16 months |
| Development of interim advice for public consultation on the use of puberty suppression | February 2026 – October 2026 | 9 months |
| Public consultation on draft interim advice on the use of puberty suppression | November 2026 – December 2026 | 45 days |
| Development of other recommendations and drafting full guideline | September 2026 – September 2027 | 12 months |
| Public consultation on draft guidelines | September 2027 – November 2027 | 2 months |
| Review of comments and draft finalisation | November 2027 – February 2028 | 4 months |
| NHMRC Council consideration | March 2028 | 1 month |
| NHMRC issue of final guidelines | April 2028 | 1 month |
*Puberty suppression will be prioritised