Government departments won't be directed to provide gender-neutral toilets to public servants, a Senate committee has heard.
Transgender people who don't identify as men or women fear criticism or abuse if they use either gender's toilets.
The federal environment department has become the first major government agency to provide non-gendered toilets.
Australian Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd said his agency had not only men's and women's toilets but a single-occupant toilet which could be used if someone felt uncomfortable using the other rest rooms
He said no guidelines would be issued across the public service but he recognised everyone had a right to be treated with respect.
"My sense is there is the capacity to cater for that," he said, when quizzed by Greens senator Janet Rice on gender-neutral facilities.
"The accessible, single-occupant toilet would be an opportunity if they were not inclined to go to the regular type male or female toilet."
Deputy commissioner Stephanie Foster said specific policies about building facilities were the responsibility of each agency head in consultation with staff.
