Australian Weightlifting Federation chief executive Michael Keelan complained that Hubbard had an unfair advantage

Australia's weightlifting boss has slammed New Zealand's decision to select a transgender competitor for the Commonwealth Games.

Laurel Hubbard, 39, has been included in New Zealand's weightlifting squad for next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

She will compete in the 90kg-plus division and will be the first transgender athlete to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games.

Australian Weightlifting Federation chief executive Michael Keelan complained that Hubbard had an unfair advantage.

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Laurel Hubbard, 39, has been included in the New Zealand's weightlifting squad for next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast

She will compete in the 90kg-plus division and will be the first transgender athlete to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games

'We're in a power sport which is normally related to masculine tendencies… where you've got that aggression, you've got the right hormones, then you can lift bigger weights,' he said.

'If you've been a male and you've lifted certain weights and then you suddenly transition to a female, then psychologically you know you've lifted those weights before.

'I personally don't think it's a level playing field. That's my personal view and I think it's shared by a lot of people in the sporting world.'

Mr Keelan said his federation had written to the International Olympic Committee and the International Weightlifting Federation to raise concerns about transgender athletes, but hadn't heard back.

Hubbard's selection has also been questioned by New Zealand teammate Tracey Lambrechs.

Lambrechs - who won a bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games - said she would support Hubbard as a teammate but wanted authorities to give more thought to transgender competitors.

AOlympic Weightlifting New Zealand said Hubbard met IOC regulations regarding acceptable testosterone levels

'I feel there is an unfair advantage even though it is within the regulations,' she said.

'All I can hope is that they look into it and make a more educated judgement.'

Olympic Weightlifting New Zealand said Hubbard met IOC regulations regarding acceptable testosterone levels.

As Gavin Hubbard, Hubbard was a New Zealand record holder in the men's 105-kg class before transitioning in her mid-30s.

In March, Hubbard attracted criticism from Australian competitors after winning an event in Melbourne.