We are delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural 2025 Law and Religion Essay Competition. The judges were thoroughly impressed with the exceptional quality of submissions received, noting the creative approaches and thoughtful topic selection demonstrated by all participants.
‘The competition was remarkably close, with only a few points separating our top three winners. Students were creative in their approach and topic selection, making this an encouraging beginning to the competition.’
Competition Winners
1st
First Place
Jacob Carson
Newcastle
2nd
Second Place
Jashan Singh
Queensland University of Technology
3rd
Third Place
Ruairi Grant
Queensland University of Technology
🏆 Prize package
All winners receive:
💰 Cash prize | 📚 Publication in the Australian Journal of Law and Religion
The judges commended all participants for their creativity and analytical rigor in exploring the intersection of law and religion. The narrow margin between first and third place speaks to the impressive caliber of work submitted.
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who participated in making this competition such a success. We look forward to reading these exceptional essays in the upcoming issue of theAustralian Journal of Law and Religion.
Stay tuned for next year’s competition announcement!
In 2014, my then 13-year old child came to me and told me they did not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth. I had never heard the word ‘transgender’ before, and my first thought was that my child had jumped on the latest bandwagon. My child assured me they had never identified as being female and that it had become progressively distressing to feel like a boy while being known to everyone else as a girl.
When you witness your child suffer with the painful blisters from wearing a chest binder, cry when they cannot go swimming with their friends, and become increasingly depressed, it is easy to support the decision.
My child gave me several online links and I went down the wormhole. I signed up for a Gender Studies course and volunteered for several events put on by the Edmonton Pride Centre for youth. At 15, my child wanted to begin hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known in Australia as gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).
The Legal Framework: How ‘Mature Minor’ Rights Work
Treatment was accessible with a medical diagnosis of ‘transgenderism’, or gender dysphoria. We were only required to obtain authorisation signed by their endocrinologist stating my child was fit to be deemed a mature minor and capable of making their own informed medical decisions. This authorisation granted access to ‘top surgery’ when my child was 16.
I risk judgment by parents who may not agree with my decision to support what my child wanted. When you witness your child suffer with the painful blisters from wearing a chest binder, cry when they cannot go swimming with their friends, and become increasingly depressed, it is easy to support the decision to undergo a procedure that is, in a way, reversible.
It wasn’t relevant that their father did not approve; indeed, it wasn’t relevant whether I did either. The ‘mature minor principle’ which developed in Canada means there is a rebuttable presumption that a child over the age of 16 has capacity to understand the implications of their own medical decisions (Alberta College of Social Workers, 2015). Unless there is doubt of the child’s capacity, a court will not intervene. Children under 16 will ‘have the right to demonstrate mature medical decisional capacity’: AC v Manitoba (Director of Child and Family Services) [2009] 2 SCR 181, 184. Such a determination is made by a medical practitioner (College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, 2015, 7). This is a strict application of Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority [1986] AC 112 where Lord Scarman stated that ‘parental right[s] to determine whether or not their minor child below the age of 16 will have medical treatment terminates if and when the child achieves a sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable him or her to understand fully what is proposed’ (1986, 189[H]–190[A]).
The Policy Reversal: 2024’s Dramatic Changes
Policy Timeline
Policy Evolution Timeline: 2013–24
2013
Re Jamie (Australia) opens door for hormone blockers without court approval
2017
Re Kelvin (Australia) eliminates court approval for GAHT with consent
2024
Alberta implements complete ban on hormone therapy
2024
Queensland follows with Health Service Directive ban
Although the common law respecting minors in both Canada and Australia developed from the Gillick decision in the United Kingdom, both countries differed in its application.
In Australia, there has been a slow transition from mandatory court approval for gender-affirming care. Re Jamie [2013] FamCAFC 110 opened the door for children’s access to hormone blockers without the need for court approval and Re Kelvin [2017] FamCAFC 258 eliminated the need for court approval for GAHT — so long as there existed the mutual consent of the child, their medical practitioners, and their parents.
Alberta’s Ban: From Access to Prohibition
On 31 January 2024, the United Conservative Party of Alberta announced changes to legislation that would undermine Canada’s mature minor doctrine. In less than a year, amendments to the Health Professions Act, RSA 2000, c H-7 prohibited children’s access to ‘hormone therapy’ for the treatment of gender dysphoria (which includes hormone blockers and GAHT).
News sources repeated the government’s assurances that a Ministerial Order would be made excluding children over 16 from the ban, so long as there was consent from parents and a medical team. Thus far, there have been no Ministerial Orders made. As of today, all children under age 18 remain prohibited from any hormone therapy whatsoever for the treatment of gender dysphoria (Health Professions Act, ss 1.91–1.93).
Queensland Follows Suit
Within two months of Alberta’s legislative changes, the Liberal National Party of Queensland similarly announced a new Health Service Directive prohibiting treatment of gender dysphoria in children by putting a halt on the distribution of hormone blockers and GAHT. Equally similarly, Queensland’s ban also completely undermines what has been established at common law.
Jurisdiction Comparison: Alberta vs Queensland
🇨🇦 Alberta, Canada
COMPLETE BAN
All children under 18 prohibited from hormone therapy for gender dysphoria. Undermines mature minor doctrine established in Canadian law.
31 January 2024
🇦🇺 Queensland, Australia
SERVICE DIRECTIVE BAN
Health Service Directive halts distribution of hormone blockers and GAHT. Overrides common law established through Re Jamie and Re Kelvin.
Directly after the amendments to the Health Professions Act were implemented in December 2024, a civil suit was filed by advocacy groups on behalf of five children, seeking interim injunctions on the grounds that Alberta’s ban on gender-affirming care is unconstitutional, contrary to the province’s Bill of Rights, and ‘takes important health care decisions out of the hands of gender diverse young people, their parents and guardians, and places these decisions in the hands of the state’ regardless of the ‘due care and skill and … professional judgment’ exhibited by their health care practitioners acting in consideration for the child’s best interests (Egale Canada, 2024).
In Queensland, it seems the government has preempted the possibility of legal action because it has expressly permitted infringement of a child’s best interests and ‘right of access to health services’ (Queensland Government, 2025). While the legislative changes in Alberta do not expressly permit such infringement, it is possible a favourable court decision could be circumvented by the Notwithstanding Clause, which prevents court interference (Ashley, 2024, p 89).
What This Means for Families Today
Transgender children are already prone to overwhelming depression often accompanied by self-harming tendencies and suicidal ideation where gender-affirming care is unavailable or impossible (Coleman et al, 2022; Grant et al, 2025).
The fallout from Alberta’s and Queensland’s bans on gender-affirming care will no doubt include an increase in the number of children seeking care outside of these jurisdictions, and an uproar made by health care practitioners who feel helpless to assist a group of very vulnerable youngsters. There has already been a petition started to remove state interference with access to gender-affirming healthcare.
Looking Forward: Hope and Advocacy
We can only surmise why today’s conservative governments would have any interest in disregarding decades of case law which would permit children to be at peace with themselves. As I watch with hopeful anticipation the changes will soon be reversed, I am relieved that my child was able to receive the care they needed a decade ago.
About the Author
Nicole C McWha is a Canadian resident and has just recently become a UniSQ graduand having completed her Juris Doctor degree. She has also been a family law legal assistant for nearly 15 years. Passionate about both the justice and political systems, Nicole has always been an advocate for reform where there still exists a failure to ensure basic human rights. She is excited to begin the next chapter of her legal career. Away from the law, Nicole enjoys spending time with her two young adult children and with all their fur-babies.
The past year has seen multiple high-profile incidents of violent religious hatred in Australia. What influences hatred of religious groups, and how should the legal system respond to it?
The School of Law and Justice at the University of Southern Queensland is addressing these critical questions through an upcoming scholarly colloquium.
About the Colloquium
The School of Law and Justice is hosting an interdisciplinary scholarly colloquium exploring what motivates religious hatred in Australia and how it could be addressed through legislative reform. This important event brings together academics from various disciplines to examine both the sociological factors behind religious hatred and potential legal frameworks to address these challenges.
Event Details
📅 Date
Friday 28 November 2025
📍 Venue
UniSQ Toowoomba Campus, Q Block (Room TBD)
🔄 Format
Physical attendance encouraged; Zoom option available
🎤 Keynote Speaker
Dr Kathryn Benier (Monash)
Call for Presentations
Academics are invited to provide scholarly presentations addressing:
Antecedent factors for tension and violence motivated by religious hate in the Australian context
Suggested legal responses to religious hatred in Australia
Presentations should be 15–20 minutes in duration, with time for questions to follow. All presentations must be supported by a completed paper or work-in-progress suitable for distribution to other participants.
Following the colloquium, presenters may have the opportunity to contribute to a special journal issue or edited book collection.
Submit Your Proposal
If you’re interested in presenting at the colloquium, please register your interest by contacting Dr Jeremy Patrick with the following:
A current CV
A brief abstract of the planned paper (100-250 words)
The University of Southern Queensland is committed to the values of diversity, multiculturalism, and gender equity by fostering an inclusive environment that embraces difference and supports, values, and respects the unique perspectives and approaches of all individuals.
We’re pleased to announce the second installment in our School of Law and Justice Research Seminar Series for 2025. Associate Professor Andrew Hemming will be presenting on one of Australia’s most pressing energy policy debates: the role of nuclear power in achieving our carbon zero emissions targets by 2050.
This timely seminar will examine the conflicting cost assessments between CSIRO’s GenCost report and Frontier Economics’ analysis, addressing whether Australia can maintain reliable baseload power without nuclear energy as coal-fired power stations are retired.
For full details including date, time, location, Zoom access, and registration information, please refer to the seminar flyer below. Both in-person and online attendance options are available, but registration by the deadline is required.
We encourage all students, university staff, and community members interested in energy policy, climate change solutions, and the intersection of science and law to attend this thought-provoking presentation.
The School of Law and Justice welcomes you to our 2025 Research Seminar Series. Join us as academics and practitioners share their research on a range of topics including constitutional reform, Indigenous rights, legal education, and environmental policy. These monthly sessions offer a chance to engage with current issues affecting Australia’s legal landscape.
Next upcoming seminar
26 MAR
Will Australia Require Nuclear Energy to Achieve Carbon Zero Emissions by 2050?
Grace House, School of Law and Justice, Ipswich campus, UniSQ
Introduction
The School of Law and Justice at UniSQ is excited to announce a new collaboration with the Downs and South West Queensland Law Association (DSWQLA). This partnership will deliver a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars for legal professionals, law students, and academics. Our goal is to provide affordable and relevant CPD opportunities for regional lawyers. This will enhance their professional growth and foster a vibrant legal community.
Bridging the Gap for Regional Lawyers
Accessing quality CPD can be challenging for legal practitioners in regional areas due to geographical and financial constraints. Our partnership with DSWQLA aims to address these barriers. We offer in-person seminars at a reasonable cost. This ensures regional lawyers have the same opportunities for professional development as their metropolitan counterparts. This initiative supports individual growth and strengthens the legal community.
Upcoming Seminar: Mental Health Defences in Criminal Law
We are excited to start our CPD series with a seminar on “Mental Health Defences in Criminal Law.” The seminar will be presented by Matthew Le Grand, Principal Crown Prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This event promises invaluable insights into a critical aspect of criminal law. Attendees will gain knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex legal issues related to mental health and advocacy.
We invite legal professionals, law students, and academics to join us for this informative seminar. Attendees will benefit from Matthew Le Grand’s expertise. Moreover, they will have the chance to network with peers and engage with the local legal community. This event is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with others in the field, and support the professional development of regional lawyers.
Acknowledgements
We extend our thanks to Kirstie Smith for securing Matt as speaker for our inaugural seminar.
How to Purchase Tickets
Tickets can be purchased easily by scanning the QR code below (see promotional flyer) or by clicking here. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your professional skills and connect with the legal community.
Conclusion
The collaboration between UniSQ and DSWQLA marks a significant step forward. By participating in our CPD series, you are investing in your professional development. You are also contributing to the growth and vitality of our legal community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming seminar and many more to come.
Call to Action
Stay tuned for more updates on our CPD series and other exciting events. Follow the School of Law and Justice on LinkedIn or subscribe to the DSWQLA mailing list. Together, let’s continue to empower and support the legal professionals of our region.
UniSQ’s School of Law and Justice conducts an active and successful series of research seminars on a wide variety of legal topics for staff, students, and members of the legal community.
The research seminar series is convened by Dr Sarah McKibbin. The seminars are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from February to November. The seminars consist of a formal research presentation (40–45 minutes) followed by an opportunity to ask questions. The series hosts presenters from within UniSQ, from other universities in Australia, and from universities overseas.
Unless otherwise noted, seminars take place from 12.30pm to 1.30pm (Qld time). They will be presented on campus (Toowoomba and Ipswich campuses) and online (Zoom). All are welcome to attend.
Many past research seminars are recorded and available online.
Are you a law student with a passion for making a difference? Are you curious about the legal profession and eager to connect with like-minded peers? Look no further! We are thrilled to introduce you to an inspiring event that puts students at the forefront: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession. This unique gathering is designed exclusively for law students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 14 September, 2023
Time: 5.30pm to 8.00pm | Panel discussion starts at 6.00pm
Location: Bond Brisbane – 433 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane
This event is all about putting students first. As a law student of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, your journey is unique, and your perspective is invaluable. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession event offers you the chance to network with professionals, engage in meaningful conversations, and gain insights into the legal landscape that will shape your future.
Why Attend?
Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced legal professionals who share your cultural background and who are committed to supporting your journey in the legal field. This is a rare chance to establish connections that could pave the way for mentorship and future collaborations.
Interactive Discussions: Engage in panel discussions and Q&A sessions led by respected legal experts. Gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and gather advice on navigating the complexities of the profession.
Personal Empowerment: Discover stories of success and perseverance from accomplished Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal practitioners. Their journeys will inspire you to overcome obstacles and pursue your ambitions with confidence.
Community Building: Forge lifelong friendships and connections with fellow law students who share your heritage. Build a support network that will walk beside you throughout your academic and professional journey.
Your Voice Matters
At the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession event, your voice matters. This is an inclusive space where you can openly discuss your experiences, ask questions, and express your aspirations. You’ll find a community that celebrates your cultural identity and encourages you to succeed.
How to Register
Ready to be part of this transformative experience? Registering for the event is easy. Simply visit the event link and secure your spot today. Remember, spaces are limited, so don’t wait too long to secure your place among future legal leaders.
Final Thoughts
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession event is a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and education. As a student-centred event, it’s designed to uplift and inspire law students like you who have a passion for justice and equality. Join us for an evening that promises to be enlightening, engaging, and, most importantly, focused on your growth and success. We can’t wait to welcome you and witness the incredible connections and experiences that will unfold.
Mark your calendar, spread the word, and get ready to take your journey in law to the next level. We’ll see you at the event!
Recent Comments