Re: Hudson

In the matter of *Re: Hudson*, Forrest J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application made by the parents of a child named Hudson. The proceedings concerned the medical treatment of Hudson, specifically the administration of testosterone to achieve male puberty.

The court was required to determine whether to grant leave for Hudson to swear an affidavit and to be present in court during the hearing of his parents' application. Furthermore, the court needed to decide whether to authorise the parents to consent to testosterone treatment for Hudson, in consultation with his treating medical practitioners, and to consider the publication and identification of Hudson and the proceedings.

Forrest J applied section 100B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to grant leave for Hudson to swear an affidavit and to be present in court. The court also granted leave for the parents to consent to the administration of testosterone treatment for Hudson, specifying that this was to be done under the guidance of Hudson’s treating medical practitioners to achieve male puberty. Significant orders were made regarding the anonymisation of the proceedings and the publication of information to protect Hudson’s privacy, while also allowing Hudson and his parents to identify him as the subject of the proceedings to relevant parties, such as treating health practitioners. Leave was also granted for parties to obtain full copies of the orders and reasons for judgment, and access to the court file was restricted.