RACP meets with Victorian Minister for Health on ADHD reforms, workforce and community care

RACP representatives met with the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, Victorian Minister for Health, to discuss key health system priorities including ADHD reforms, workforce sustainability and collaborative community-based care. The meeting was attended by Dr Niroshini Kennedy, President of RACP's Paediatrics & Child Health Division, and Dr Linda Lin, Co-Chair of the Victorian and Tasmanian Trainees’ Committee.

The conversation outlined our support for improving access to ADHD care, while emphasising the need for safe and nationally consistent frameworks for diagnosis, prescribing and ongoing management. The complexity of ADHD care was discussed, with particular emphasis on children. We called for GP training to be comprehensive, accredited and co-designed with specialists, with clear escalation and referral pathways available to support GPs. We look forward to contributing to the upcoming consultation in Victoria to ensure reforms are safe and equitable for all children and adolescents.

Our discussion reinforced the need for sustainable, collaborative community-based models of care, including physician-led services that support prevention and chronic disease management. We shared the importance of secure funding for integrated community healthcare services, particularly for populations with complex health needs, and the broader system impacts when access to local primary care is reduced.

Workforce issues were also raised, including the need to support rural and regional training pathways. We reiterated that high-quality training environments are integral to a safe and sustainable healthcare system.

The meeting follows recent Victorian Government announcements on expanding GP involvement in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. We welcome the opportunity to contribute its expertise and we look forward to ongoing engagement with the Minister and her office as reforms progress.