New ADHD reforms put patients first
02 Sep 2025
GPs in New South Wales can now take part in major reforms that will make it easier for people with ADHD to access care.
From this week, specially trained GPs are able to prescribe ongoing ADHD medication for patients who already have a diagnosis. Until now, this work was mostly managed by psychiatrists and paediatricians.
NSW Premier Chris Minns called the change “a really important milestone,” and the state government says 1330 GPs have already expressed interest in joining the program. Training for GPs is fully funded by the NSW Government.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman, said the reform is a big step forward.
“It’s really exciting,” she said. “We have strong support from the Premier, the Health Minister, and from non-GP specialists like psychiatrists and paediatricians who have backed this rollout. The benefit for patients is phenomenal.”
The next stage of reform, due later this year, will allow trained GPs to start patients on ADHD medications, not just continue existing prescriptions.
Health Minister Ryan Park said the changes will improve access to care for people with ADHD. Dr Hoffman added that she hopes this model will become consistent nationwide, so patients can rely on their usual GP for ADHD treatment alongside other care.
She encouraged GPs who haven’t signed up yet to take the training, which is freely available through the RACGP. “The training is excellent and not onerous. It’s a skillset we already have,” she said.
Dr Hoffman also highlighted that the changes reduce unnecessary paperwork for GPs. “As of this week, prescribing for ADHD involves far less red tape. It makes the work more streamlined and efficient.”
Queensland introduced similar rules earlier, but NSW stands out for its government funding and strong backing from health leaders. Other states, including Western Australia and South Australia, are now working on their own reforms.
The RACGP has called for a nationally consistent approach, where GPs across Australia can both initiate and manage ADHD treatment for children and adults.
Source RACGP