Western Australia’s Liberal Party leader, Basil Zempilas, is under scrutiny regarding his stance on the party’s controversial policy aimed at restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare for young people diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The policy, which includes a ban on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, was initially launched by former leader Libby Mettam during the last state election. Zempilas’s recent comments have raised questions about whether he fully supports this position.
Mettam, now serving as deputy leader and shadow health minister, has advocated for the Cook government to implement similar restrictions as those seen in Queensland and the Northern Territory. In an interview with The Australian conducted by journalist Bernard Lane, Mettam expressed her concerns about the current treatment model for gender dysphoria in Western Australia. She noted that the model permits medical interventions, such as the fast-tracking of puberty blockers, while lacking comprehensive psychotherapy options.
“Children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria are often highly vulnerable,” Mettam stated. “Their care is too important to be driven by ideology or treated as a political football.” She urged for an immediate ban on the current treatment approach while a review of all evidence surrounding the issue is conducted.
Zempilas’s position on this matter remains ambiguous. When he assumed leadership in March 2025, he was asked whether he would uphold the party’s policy on restricting treatment for young people with gender dysphoria. His team did not provide a definitive answer at that time. Instead, a spokesperson commented that the Liberal Party’s policies for the 2029 election would be developed and announced later.
Unlike Mettam, who has faced criticism for her refusal to engage with parents of transgender youth and LGBTIQA+ community leaders, Zempilas has a history of interaction with various community members. His previous tenure as Lord Mayor of Perth included both public outreach and controversy. He faced backlash for offensive remarks made on radio regarding transgender individuals but later apologized and took steps to educate himself on the issues faced by the LGBTIQA+ community.
In light of his past engagement, questions arose regarding Zempilas’s willingness to meet with parents of transgender youth or engage with organizations such as Rainbow Futures, the peak body for LGBTIQA+ communities in Western Australia. His spokesperson did not clarify Zempilas’s intent to hold discussions on these critical issues.
Another point of contention is the party’s reliance on the findings of the Cass Review, a UK-based report that has been criticized by some experts. Inquiries about whether the party considered newer reports from Australian or international experts, which challenge the Cass Review’s conclusions, went unanswered.
The differences in views between Zempilas and Mettam are not limited to healthcare. They recently clashed over surrogacy legislation, with Mettam opposing changes to the laws while Zempilas supported them. This divergence highlights the ongoing tensions within the party regarding LGBTIQA+ issues.
As Zempilas navigates his leadership, the broader implications of the Liberal Party’s stance on trans healthcare will likely continue to be a focal point of discussion, particularly among advocates for LGBTIQA+ rights and affected families in Western Australia.
