Call to Action – Enhancing ADHD Support as an Election Promise

We have a canvas of opportunity

12/09/2024

Dear Members and Friends,

Over the past several months, ADHD WA has been actively engaging with the State government to improve support services for the ADHD community in Western Australia. Our discussions have centred around five (5) key government recommendations aimed at enhancing outcomes for everyone in our community.

With the upcoming state election in March 2025, now is a critical time to raise our collective voice and address the ongoing lack of support for individuals and families impacted by ADHD.

Our goal is to ensure that all members of the ADHD WA community feel safe, empowered, equipped, and connected. With over 30 years of experience in WA, we understand the landscape and are best positioned to advocate for the ADHD community. However, we cannot do this alone. We urge you to join our efforts by writing a letter to your local Member of Parliament and urging them to bring this to the attention of the Department of Health and Minister Amber Jade Sanderson. The more voices that join us, the stronger our impact will become.

Additionally, while we are advocating for these recommendations, we recognise the persisting issues that remain unaddressed. These include the collaborative care and GP co-prescription model, reduction in waiting times, public services for adults, changes to the Education Act, and the recommendations from the 2023 Federal Senate Inquiry into ADHD support services.

Outlined below are our five (5) key government recommendations for your reference. Each recommendation is unique and addresses various needs within our community. We ask that you use these recommendations to inform your letter to the government.

For your convenience, we have prepared a letter template and a list of all Members of Parliament.

If you require further support or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Thank you for your support in advancing these much-needed changes in WA.

Kind regards,

Ms Antonella Segre
Chief Executive Officer
T: (08) 6255 8880 | M: 0431 944 050 | E: ceo@adhdwa.org

Download the Letter Template

List of all Members of Parliament


Recommendation 1: Supporting Individuals Through Advocacy

  • Funding will provide services that empower individuals with ADHD to confidently advocate for themselves, ensuring their voices are heard regardless of location or circumstances.
  • Funded services will educate those impacted by ADHD about their rights and equip them with the tools and knowledge to be treated fairly in their place of work, educational setting, and community.

Recommendation 2: Telephone Information Line

  • We believe that all people across WA should have equitable access to ADHD resources and support regardless of location to ensure that no one is left behind.
  • Funding a WA based Telephone Information Line will provide individuals and families impacted by ADHD access to crucial information and support networks to create informed decision-making throughout their ADHD journey.

Recommendation 3: Expanding Regional Outreach

  • We strongly believe that regional families should not be forgotten. It is therefore crucial to build ongoing partnerships with regional services to ensure adequate support and sustainability throughout the whole of WA.
  • Funding to increase a state-wide understanding of ADHD to cultivate better understanding and reduce stigma in the far reaches of WA.

Recommendation 4: Deliver Affordable Wrap Around Services for Adults

  • We firmly believe that cost of living pressure should not prevent someone from accessing strategies to support their life and wellbeing.
  • Funding will ensure that adults impacted by ADHD have the tools for life, and that support is continuous, affordable and ongoing, regardless of diagnosis.

Recommendation 5: Deliver Affordable Wrap Around Services for Children and Families

  • There is an increasing number of WA children with ADHD excluded from schools and other social settings. We see this is a vital issue and strive to ensure that no child falls through the cracks.
  • Funding will directly support families by delivering affordable and ongoing support that helps keep children in school, while educating and empowering families with practical tools and strategies.