A parliamentary report into ADHD services in Tasmania has been tabled, with 48 GPs now trained to diagnose and manage the condition as part of a 2025 election commitment.
The inquiry was driven by former state Liberal MP Simon Behrakis, who was diagnosed with ADHD in grade eight but faced significant barriers when seeking re-diagnosis and treatment as an adult.
Behrakis said today was “a very proud day seeing it get tabled in Parliament” and described it as the culmination of extensive work.
“There are a lot of findings, a lot of it’s confronting and a lot of recommendations to government,” he told Pulse.
“Some of those have already been implemented or in the process of being implemented, such as allowing GPs to prescribe ADHD medication.”
Behrakis said key recommendations included removing the stigma around people seeking medication and bringing back dual prescribing so GPs and psychiatrists can both prescribe.
He said this would free up psychiatrists to diagnose people who have been waiting in line for a long time.
Without easier access, some Tasmanians face waits of nine to 11 months or longer, while private diagnoses can cost upwards of $3,000.
“For a lot of people, that just simply isn’t an option, let alone a feasible option,” Behrakis said.
He also stressed the importance of early identification in children to avoid them going through their formative years without understanding or support.
Labor MP Ella Haddad, who was a member on the inquiry committee, said the process had been “a powerful opportunity to listen to Tasmanians with lived experience and better understand the challenges they face across diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support.”
“The report tabled today is the result of so many individuals, health professionals and organisations who generously shared their stories with us, to help improve the system,” she said.
“This Inquiry led to tangible policy commitments from both major parties during the 2025 State Election and we hope the government will fully endorse this report and implement our recommendations swiftly.”
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the government was delivering on its commitment to enable GPs to diagnose, treat and manage ADHD for both children and adults.
“This will mean faster access to medication, reduced costs for patients and better continuity of care,” she said.
