ADHD care set for reform in NSW as GPs gain authority to resupply medication from September

Access to ADHD care in New South Wales will become faster, simpler and more affordable from September, with general practitioners (GPs) authorised to resupply medication without a formal arrangement with a specialist, under a major reform by the Minns Labor Government.

The announcement was outlined in a media release from the Central and Eastern Sydney PHN (CESPHN), detailing the phased rollout and its impact on patients and the healthcare system, which have long created barriers to diagnosis and treatment particularly for children and adults in regional, rural and low-income communities.

NSW Health has now opened an expression of interest (EOI) process, inviting GPs to undertake the necessary training. The government will cover the costs of training and provide resources to support the transition.

Health Minister Ryan Park described the reform as a “welcome milestone” that will deliver tangible benefits for patients and the health system alike.

“These reforms will have a positive impact on patients both in terms of saving them time and money while accessing care that they need, but we also know the flow-on effects will be huge,” Minister Park said.

Initially, the changes will focus on children already stabilised on medication. GPs who complete the training will be able to manage prescription renewals directly, reducing the burden on specialist services.

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the policy addresses long-standing inequities in ADHD care.

“Your ability to get help for ADHD shouldn’t depend on how much money you have or whether you can afford a specialist appointment,” she said.

“For too long, families and particularly women diagnosed later in life have faced stigma, long waits and high fees just to maintain their treatment.”

Further reforms are expected later in the year, with expanded training enabling GPs to initiate diagnoses and prescribe medication from the outset a move welcomed by general practice leaders.

Dr Rebekah Hoffman, RACGP Chair for NSW and ACT, said the change reflects the core role of GPs in providing long-term, holistic care.

“This reform recognises our role and strengthens the continuity of care for people living with ADHD,” Dr Hoffman said. “It also brings ADHD into mainstream care and ensures all patients can access the support they need.”

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said NSW Health will support doctors through the rollout, noting the reform creates “another avenue for patients to receive the care they need.”

Implications for early childhood education and care

The changes are likely to ease pressure on families navigating ADHD diagnoses and management during the early years, where behavioural challenges often intersect with early learning environments. Educators frequently play a key role in identifying developmental concerns and supporting inclusion, but inconsistent access to diagnosis and treatment has historically complicated collaborative care.

Faster, more affordable access to prescriptions could help stabilise care plans earlier, supporting continuity for children attending ECEC services and strengthening relationships between families, GPs and educators.

Additionally, the reforms may reduce the administrative and emotional burden on families who have previously struggled to manage appointments and costs, leading to more consistent support strategies across health and education settings.

The ADHD reform package aims to create a more equitable, needs-based model of care and is part of broader efforts to modernise the state’s approach to mental health and neurodiversity.

Source: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN ADHD reforms to make care cheaper, faster and easier to access from September. 

Read the full media release here.