Tasmanians living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could soon get faster access to diagnosis and treatment if the Liberals are returned to government at the upcoming July 19 election.
Under the proposed plan, GPs across the state would be able to diagnose, treat and manage ADHD in both children and adults, cutting wait times and easing out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the initiative was a direct response to the growing demand for ADHD support across the country.
“This will be a game changer for Tasmanian families, slashing wait times for assessments, cutting medical costs and ensuring lifelong ADHD care that’s easier to access and coordinate right across the State,” he said.
The plan would see the state government work closely with general practitioners and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to deliver training and clinical supervision.
It is also, Rockliff said, expected to take pressure off overstretched specialist services.
“Every Tasmanian, young and old, deserves access to timely, high-quality ADHD support, no matter where they live or how they seek care,” he added.
The announcement builds on the opening of a dedicated ADHD clinic for children in April 2025, backed by $3 million in funding for neurodevelopmental assessments and care.
If re-elected, the Liberals say they will also introduce changes to the Poisons Act 1971 and the Poisons Regulations 2018 by the end of the year, allowing prescriptions from other states to be filled in Tasmania.
The plan includes drafting new legislation to better regulate medicines statewide and strengthening the Tasmanian Pharmacy Control Act 2001 through partnerships with community pharmacies.
Mental health advocates have long raised concerns about the difficulties Tasmanians face in getting an ADHD diagnosis, with some reporting wait times of more than 12 months just to see a specialist.
