The RACGP is calling for federal parties to commit to changing state-level medicines regulations.
The RACGP has doubled down on its push for GP-led prescribing of “essential medicines for people with ADHD”, even as the specialist psychiatry college calls for caution.
On Wednesday, the RACGP called on all political parties to commit to allowing GPs to prescribe stimulant medicines for ADHD in the lead-up to the federal election.
The call specifically cited the federal election, although it should be noted that it is state and territory legislation that governs which prescribers are permitted to prescribe which medicines in each jurisdiction.
As such, GP prescribing powers vary across borders.
Late last year, the federal government did support a recommendation that the Commonwealth use the Health Ministers’ Meeting to expedite the development of uniform prescribing rules to ensure consistency.
The Health Ministers’ Meeting has not released any communiques or meeting minutes for 2025 so far.
“In some states, people can get treatment for ADHD from their GP, which means less frequent visits to the psychiatrist or paediatrician, while those living in other states experience delayed care due to long specialist waitlists,” RACGP president Dr Michael Wright said.
“We recently applauded the West Australian government for committing to the reforms we called for to allow specialist GPs to diagnose and prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD.
“In Queensland, skilled GPs can prescribe ADHD medications for four- to 18-year-olds, and we’re calling for better access to care for adults.”
GP care for ADHD is a move that the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists supports, up to a point.
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“The best care is shared—multidisciplinary, holistic, and tailored to the individual,” RANZCP president Dr Elizabeth Moore told The Medical Republic.
Treatment, she said, goes beyond just medication.
“This is where psychiatrists play a crucial role as they are uniquely trained to assess, diagnose, and manage the condition, especially when comorbidities like anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders are involved,” Dr Moore said.
“Given the complexity of ADHD, any move to expand prescribing must come with specialised training for GPs and ongoing clinical oversight from psychiatrists with ADHD expertise.
“That way we can ensure that people get the right diagnosis, the right treatment and the right support from their treating practitioners at all times.”
She also cited state-by-state inconsistencies in ADHD management and ongoing medication shortages as barriers to care which require considered reform.
While neither of the major parties has made a commitment on ADHD, the Greens have pledged $181 million for ADHD and autism assessment items, which would be billable by GPs.
