Victoria passes health safeguards legislation
The Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to protect people with innate variations of sex characteristics from harm in medical settings.
Page last reviewed 30 June 2026
19 February 2026 was a. special day. Health safeguards for people with innate variations of sex characteristics have passed in the Victorian Parliament. Thanks to the politicians, community, allies, and staff who all played a part in getting this across the line.
The legislation is notable in receiving support from across the political spectrum, including from parties like the Hunters Shooters and Fishers and One Nation, as well as Labor, the Greens, Animal Justice and Legalise Cannabis. The passing and enactment of this legislation is also notable for the lack of any media backlash, and for passing in an election year. In a media statement I commented:
“It is such a powerful moment for the bill to pass with such broad support. Thank you to the members of the Legislative Council, and thank you to the Victorian government for bringing the bill before parliament in an election year. This shows that intersex issues need not be controversial, and need not imply a loss of political capital. It is time for other jurisdictions to introduce and enact the same protections.”
The day was a day to feel pride, especially in Tony Briffa, the Victorian government and our teams in InterAction for Health and Human Rights and Equality Australia, and in all the people that actively engaged in this process.
What did I do? I worked over many years with the Department of Health and helped shape the legislation. I developed and shared expertise, research and analysis that underpinned the legislation and contributions to reform processes. I wrote to many parliamentarians and spoke with some. I also run the major Australian intersex community controlled organisation, run our policy program, fundraise, develop our theory of change, and help hold community and staff teams together.
Onward now, to implementation!
Find out more about the bill
Links to the text of the bill and supporting documents, transcripts of debates and our joint briefing paper.
Government documents on the bill:
- The Victorian government web page on the bill, including text of the bill, amendments and other documents including a second reading speeches
- Victorian Department of Health resources: a short report on the consultation process and a brief note on the bill itself.
Read the Hansard transcript of the debates:
These are currently links to early, proof versions of debate transcripts. We will update the links when the final versions are available):
- Legislative Assembly debate (6 February 2026)
- Legislative Council debate (19 February 2026)
Find support and help
InterLink is a professional and peer-led psychosocial support program for people with intersex variations and their families. The InterLink website also contains resource hub for individuals and families: ilink.net.au / info@ilink.net.au and 07 3017 1724
Intersex Peer Support Australia provides life-changing support and community connections for people with innate variations of sex characteristics and our families: isupport.org.au / info@isupport.org.au and 0498 396 038
Media reports
Arcuri, D. (2026, February 19). Victorian Parliament passes intersex medical intervention reform. QNews. https://qnews.com.au/victorian-parliament-passes-intersex-m-edical-intervention-reform/
Donovan, S. (2026, February 19). Victoria bans unnecessary intersex surgeries. ABC Listen. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/pm/victoria-bans-unnecessary-intersex-surgeries-/106365514
Lenton, P. (2026, February 19). New Laws Protecting Intersex People From Unnecessary Medical Procedures Pass In Victoria. Star Observer. https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/intersex-bill-passes-victoria/240949