ADHD WA Media Release
A MISSED OPPORTUNITY: THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S LACKLUSTRE RESPONSE TO THE ADHD SENATE INQUIRY
The Australian Government has missed a critical opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of Australians by supporting timely access to equitable care for people with ADHD.
ADHD WA is disappointed with the Australian Government’s mediocre response to the Senate Inquiry into ADHD, which comes more than 12 months after the Community Affairs References Committee published its report ‘Assessment and support services for people with ADHD’.
The Report provided 15 recommendations, ranging from national prescribing rules, funding a National Framework for ADHD, improving access to healthcare and support, improving specialised health services in institutional settings, better training for healthcare professionals and a review of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
The Australian Government’s response does not clearly address the key issues evidenced in the Report. Of the 15 recommendations just one has been ‘supported’, with nine receiving ‘in-principle support’ and five being ‘noted’. There is little tangible action to provide additional support to people with ADHD.
ADHD WA encourages further action from the Australian Government to drive real change to support equitable care for people with ADHD.
“With a Federal election planned for 2025, ADHD WA calls on the Australian Government to provide further details about what ‘in-principle support’ entails,” says Dr Michele Toner OAM, Board Chair of ADHD WA.
Dr Roger Paterson, ADHD WA Board Director and ADHD WA Professional Advisory Body Chair, asks what’s next.
“What actions, if any, are planned? What is the Government’s timeline for further evaluation and implementation? What factors might influence a shift from ‘in-principle support’ to ‘supported’?” he says. One bright note was the 1 supported push to standardise national psychostimulant prescribing regulations which would make it easier for prescribers treating interstate patients, thus improving ADHD treatment access for new and follow-up patients. But the government response is light on detail as to what action they are going to take to get this ball rolling.
For the past 30 years, ADHD WA has provided a vital service across Western Australia, offering advice, assessment and advocacy.
ADHD WA remains dedicated to supporting the WA community. We look forward to collaborating with the third sector and all tiers of government to drive positive impact for Australians with ADHD.
Contact: media@adhdwa.org
