Senator Louise Pratt has come out in support of a petition for transgender surgery to be funded by Medicare.

“Labor understands the critical importance of ensuring that the LGBTIQ+ community has equal access and opportunity to healthcare, and appreciates the need for specialist programs, support and funding for this unique community,” Senator Pratt said.

“Trans people, just like every other Australian, deserve comprehensive healthcare. Many of the costs of gender affirming surgeries are already covered by Medicare.”

A health department spokesperson indicated that as yet, no application has been made to have other transgender treatments approved for Medicare.

Binary spokeswoman, Kirralie Smith, said it should not be covered by tax-payers.

“Access to mental health initiatives and treatments are essential for all Australians,” she said.

“Plastic surgery to appropriate the appearance of being something a person can never be is not.

“If an individual wants to appropriate the opposite sex it must be at their own expense. The Australian public should not have to foot the bill.”