Public hospitals in Queensland have been banned from initiating puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to under-18s amid concerns about prescribing practices in one of the state’s gender clinics.

The move is meant to allow for a wider review into the treatment protocols for gender dysphoria in children and adolescents.

“This pause is necessary to ensure public confidence in Queensland’s health services,” Minister for Health Tim Nicholls said in a statement this afternoon.

“We need a robust, independent review of the evidence and best practices.”