InterAction: The Missing Voice Report Launched!

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Michael Barnett OAM

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Dec 3, 2025, 7:31:27 AM (4 days ago) Dec 3

to AusQueer, Queer Melbourne News

https://interaction.org.au/44575/the-missing-voice-report-launched

The Missing Voice Report Launched!

Margie McCumstie

Date Posted

3 Dec 2025

Date Revised

3 Dec 2025

Text: The Missing Voice A thematic analysis and stories of ongoing medical interventions on intersex children in Australia

Equality Australia today launched The Missing Voice, a groundbreaking report that shines a light on the medical interventions still being performed on intersex children in Australia. The report, developed in collaboration with InterAction for Health and Human Rights, is the result of a three-year investigation and includes Freedom of Information (FOI) data from major children’s hospitals as well as the personal stories of eleven intersex individuals.

Opening Remarks

Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown opened the launch by congratulating everyone involved in producing the report, including the Equality Australia team, the InterAction team, and the three expert reviewers who analysed FOI materials: Dr Morgan Carpenter, bioethicist and Executive Director of InterAction, Dr Arlene Baratz, medical doctor and interACT liaison (US), and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria. Anna also paid tribute to the courageous intersex individuals who shared their stories, and offered special thanks to Equality Australia patron (and InterAction co-chair) Tony Briffa for her guidance and support and Dr Morgan Carpenter for his substantial contribution.

Anna Brown stands at a lectern. Anna is a pale skinned woman with short brown hair, glasses and is wearing a white blouse and black vest and trousers.

Legacy of Advocacy

Tony Briffa spoke about the long history of intersex advocacy in Victoria, concluding with a powerful message: “The time for consultation is over. Now is the time for legislative change.”

Tony Briffa is speaking at a microphone. Tony is a pale skinned, middle aged woman with short grey hair. She is wearing a pale blue blouse and grey suit.

Leadership in Change

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas shared her emotional response to the report, describing the tears she shed while reading its contents. She promised to see legislation through: “It has taken a long time, but I’m determined we will get it done.”

Mary-Anne Thomas is speaking at a microphone. She is a pale skinned middle aged woman with brown shoulder length hair and wears glasses with fark frames. She is holding a copy of The Missing Voice report. She is wearing a multicoloured blouse and black jacket with white speckles.

Findings of the Report

Equality Australia’s Legal Director Heather Corkhill outlined the report’s key findings, reinforcing the urgent need for reform. Heather shared how the report reveals that intersex children in Australia remain at risk of medical interventions that could safely be delayed until they are old enough to participate in decisions about their own bodies. Equality Australia has called for urgent reform, including Independent oversight bodies to safeguard autonomy and rights, Consistent clinical documentation across hospitals, and Laws prohibiting unnecessary medical procedures on children too young to provide consent.

Heather Corkhill speaks at a microphone. She is a pale skinned middle aged woman with ginger shoulder length hair. She is wearing a vintage floral inspired dress and black jacket, black tights and shoes.

Voices of Community

Two intersex contributors also spoke, including Stephanie Saal, who shared her moving personal story of undergoing surgical interventions without informed consent. Stephanie called for legislative change to ensure future generations of intersex children are protected. A second youth voice prefers to stay anonymous at present; both their stories are included in The Missing Voice report.

Stephanie Saal is speaking at a microphone. She is a pale skinned young woman with shoulder length brown hair and wearing a black tee with black trousers and black belt. She has a yellow and purple heart brooch on. She has her hand on her heart.

A Powerful Launch

The event was a powerful moment in the ongoing struggle for intersex rights in Australia. By combining lived experiences, expert analysis, and political commitment, The Missing Voice report clearly shows the urgent need for legislative action to protect the autonomy and dignity of intersex children. Launched on the day Victorian parliament tabled a bill for legislative change to occur, the report is both a call to attention and a promise: that the voices of intersex people will finally be heard, and that the time for change has arrived.

This launch marks a turning point. With the courage of those who shared their stories, the dedication of advocates and experts, and the commitment of lawmakers, Australia has the opportunity to end decades of harmful practices and enshrine protections that honour the rights of every child. The message from the launch was clear- consultation has run its course. The report holds the facts and the reality of the impacts. The future must be one of legislation, accountability, and respect.