Australia ADHD diagnosis and treatment reforms

Australia is implementing initiatives to broaden access to ADHD diagnosis and medication. At a national level, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended expanding the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to include subsidized access to non-stimulant medicines, specifically atomoxetine and guanfacine, for patients who cannot use stimulants.

In New South Wales, specific healthcare reforms are increasing capacity by training general practitioners (GPs) to assess, diagnose, and prescribe ADHD medication for both adults and children. Approximately 300 GPs have completed specialized training, with plans to train an additional 300 practitioners. To mitigate long specialist wait times, these GPs are supported by a network of psychiatrists and pediatricians via the Virtual Psychiatry Hub and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

The NSW government is supporting these reforms with an $11.7 million package in the 2026-27 budget. This funding allocates $2.7 million for GP training, $1.5 million for up to 2,500 free assessments, and $5.7 million for specialist clinical support services.