2026 - ADHD Assessment and Prescribing laws changed!

On the 18th of March 2026, our ADHD assessment and prescribing laws were officially legislated in Victorian Parliament! A massive thank you to Sarah Mansfield (deputy leader of the Greens) for her sponsorship and commitment to my ADHD advocacy. There has been so much incredible support, encouragement, and dedication to creating ACTUAL change that will help children and adults access ADHD assessments and treatment without spending thousands of dollars.

My name is Jess Kennedy, and I am a passionate advocate for mental health, ADHD advocacy, and addiction. As a public speaker and occasional MC, I’m reaching out to highlight a parliamentary petition that has been gaining momentum regarding Victoria’s lack of progress in ADHD assessment and prescribing reforms. While every other state has moved forward with reforms in line with the RANZCP and AADPA guidelines, Premier Jacinta Allen has ignored the issue—despite multiple emails from federal MPs requesting an explanation. The petition reads as follows: Issue: This petition from residents in Victoria draws the attention of the Legislative Assembly as we call on the Victorian Government to allow GPs to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD after announcements in Western Australia, the ACT, and New South Wales. ADHD is within the scope of general practice, supported by education available for GPs through the current curriculum for RACGP GP training and ADHD modules in the College’s gplearning platform. Specialist GPs often serve as the first point of contact for ADHD assessments and manage patients’ ADHD treatment in shared care arrangements with psychiatrists and paediatricians. However, in Victoria, GPs are not authorized to diagnose ADHD or initiate patients on stimulant medication, needing a permit to prescribe stimulant medication for each patient under Victorian regulations. Like other jurisdictions, GPs must also receive authorization for each prescription under Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme rules. Around 1 million Australians are delaying or skipping specialist appointments due to high costs and a lack of availability, with psychiatrists charging fees that are inaccessible to many Victorians. There are no public ADHD diagnostic services available, and most patients must pay over $1000 for a private ADHD assessment, with some costs reaching up to $2000. GPs already play a crucial role in supporting patients with ADHD and are well-positioned to take on the responsibilities of assessment and treatment. This would ensure that individuals have greater access to potentially life-changing ADHD care. Action: The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly call on the Labor Government to implement reforms that allow GPs to diagnose and prescribe medication to treat ADHD. (There is currently an active petition in the Legislative Assembly – you can see that here: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/train-gps-to-diagnose-and-treat-adhd?fbclid=IwY2xjawMBRQ9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHs205hzA384SHqTmlgh9hm3fy7wvo4WRlHfzPgkpbA2fIYjuWSwjYVrNa2l7_aem_HM0cGM2wGS99ytY1Ysr5Gw) The Human Impact: Currently, many individuals are forced to rely on costly telehealth clinics that charge over $1,000 for a single ADHD assessment report—without any prescribing or follow-up care. These clinics exist solely because our mainstream system is failing. A personal example: a friend was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Like many, she felt grief for the years lost without support and hope for the future. However, when she returned to her long-term GP in Eltham, she was told the entire clinic refuses to prescribe ADHD medication—even with the required authority in hand. We contacted nine other GP practices between Eltham and Doreen, all of which refused. Only my GP in Croydon, who already manages my ADHD care, agreed to take her on—but most people don’t have that option. This barrier would disappear if Victoria followed other states and trained 1,000 GPs in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Why This Matters: As someone who has lived with ADHD and worked in the mental health sector for years, I’ve witnessed the real impact—especially in workplaces. I’ve faced discrimination, burnout, and being pushed out of lived experience roles. Now, I’m fortunate to work at the Yarra Ranges Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub—a workplace that embraces diversity and neurodivergence. (In fact, 90% of our staff have ADHD, which creates a dynamic and creative team!) We currently have children as young as five and adults well into their fifties unable to access care. Without reform, we are creating a preventable healthcare crisis. Victoria can choose to be a leader—not because it’s forced to act, but because it values its people. I would greatly appreciate any publicity that can be offered to this issue. I am aiming for 10,000 signatures to trigger a debate in parliament if the Labour Government continues to ignore the importance of this change. I’m happy to answer any questions or discuss further. My contact details are below, and I’ve attached a case study graphic showing current costs and wait times. Kind regards, Jess ______________________________ Jess Kennedy www.jesskennedy.com.au contact@jesskennedy.com.au 0422 682 302 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia