Kat Theophanous to ask the Minister for Health —
(1469) My question is to the Minister for Health. How will families in Northcote benefit from the Allan Labor government’s reforms to enable trained GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD in children and adults? In the inner north, particularly in school circles, people often share with me their struggles on the journey to diagnosis for either themselves or their children: months of waiting and angst to see a specialist, costs upwards of $2000 for psychiatrist assessments and the pain of seeing a child struggle when they could be getting help. The current system is locking too many local families out of care when we know what a difference early intervention and support can make. That is why our Labor government is changing the system so GPs can train to expand their scope of practice to safely diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD. It makes life that little bit easier for people just wanting the best for themselves and their families.
Answer - 13 March 2026
Families across the state, including those in Northcote, will benefit from the changes the government is introducing through no longer having to face lengthy wait times or spend thousands of dollars to access quality assessment and care for ADHD for themselves or their children.
Under the changes, the government is investing in GPs to undertake training to expand their scope of practice, so they can safely diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD in both adults and children over 6 years old.
Commencing with a cohort of 150 GPs, the training will be open to GPs in all parts of the state, making access to ADHD care more equitable across Victoria.
This is all part of Labor’s plan to make health care work better for families, so it’s easier and cheaper to access.
The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP
Minister for Health
Minister for Ambulance Services
Minister for Women
