The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement to expand access to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and treatment through additional GP training.
RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said the initiative is a positive step towards improving timely, affordable access to care for patients and families across the state.
“For too many Victorians, accessing ADHD assessment and treatment has meant long waits, high out-of-pocket costs, and significant barriers to care,” she said.
“General practitioners are highly trained specialists in whole-person, continuous care, and with the right additional training and support, they are well placed to safely diagnose and manage ADHD in collaboration with specialist colleagues.”
The program, with training delivered by the RACGP from September, will enable participating GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and children aged six years and over.
Dr Muñoz said expanding the role of GPs will help reduce pressure on non-GP specialist services while ensuring patients receive care sooner.
“We know demand for ADHD assessments is increasing, and specialist services are under strain. Empowering specialist GPs to work to their full scope is critical to improving access and easing system bottlenecks,” Dr Muñoz said.
“This model will help patients get the support they need earlier, improving outcomes at school, in the workplace, and across their lives.”
The RACGP emphasised that strong clinical governance, clear guidelines, and ongoing collaboration with psychiatrists and paediatricians will be essential to the program’s success.
“High-quality, evidence-based care must remain at the centre of any reform,” Dr Muñoz said.
“GPs will continue to work closely with specialist colleagues to ensure patients with complex needs receive appropriate multidisciplinary support.”
The College also highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to training opportunities, particularly for GPs in rural and outer metropolitan areas where specialist services are often limited.
“This initiative has the potential to deliver real benefits for communities that currently face the greatest barriers to care,” Dr Muñoz said.
The RACGP looks forward to working closely with the Victorian Government to support implementation of the program and ensure it delivers safe, accessible, and patient-centred ADHD care.
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