Queensland GPs will be able to diagnose ADHD in adults from December 1
Elara lived in a regional part of Queensland, and for years, she suspected she had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder estimated to affect between two and six per cent of adults in Australia. Under the system established by the former Labor Government, accessing care meant facing long specialist waitlists for formal diagnosis and treatment. This problem was amplified because specialist roles were left vacant in rural and regional Queensland.
Elara’s long wait finally seemed to be over when the Crisafulli Government announced an Australian first.
From December 1, general practitioners (GPs) in Queensland would be able to diagnose ADHD in adults and prescribe medication. This change built on the existing authorization allowing specialist GPs to prescribe ADHD medication for children aged 4 to 17 years. Minister Tim Nicholls championed the move, stating it would be a “gamechanger” for many adults, especially those in remote and regional areas, offering more affordable care closer to home with a trusted professional.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Chair, Dr. Cath Hester, supported the reform, applauding the Crisafulli Government for backing high-quality, GP-led ADHD care. Dr. Hester noted that general practice is the “natural home for the care of chronic conditions like ADHD,” highlighting the crucial role of a GP who knows the patient and their medical history.
However, the path to reform was carefully watched by specialist organizations. Just days after the ministerial announcement (which was published on November 15, 2025), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) released a new Position Statement on ADHD care on November 21, 2025.
The RANZCP called for clinically led reform that expands access while ensuring safety, comprehensive assessment, and clear referral pathways. While supporting easier access, the RANZCP emphasized that changes must be matched with additional qualifications and training for healthcare professionals. Specifically, the RANZCP position statement calls for mandatory accredited training for GPs in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including ADHD assessments.
Elara knew that her diagnosis required a thorough evaluation. The RANZCP affirmed that accurate diagnosis requires thorough evaluation. Dr. Hiran Thabrew, Chair of Tū Te Akaaka Roa, the New Zealand National Office of the RANZCP, explained that without a thorough evaluation, there is a risk of missing critical co-occurring issues like mood and anxiety disorders, trauma related symptoms, autism, or substance use issues, which could completely change the diagnosis or make stimulant use unsafe.
Should Elara begin treatment with her specialist GP after December 1, the sources noted that stimulant prescribing must be based on diagnostic confidence, careful monitoring, and shared care arrangements. Dr. Thabrew also stressed that psychostimulants are not a standalone treatment. Safe prescribing requires integration with nonpharmacological psychosocial supports. Furthermore, the RANZCP called for clear guidelines and robust ways for GPs to be able to source help from psychiatrists when needed.
For Elara and thousands of Queensland adults, December 1 represented a crucial step forward—a moment when new rules promised easier and more equitable access to services. Yet, the experts agreed that for the reform to deliver consistent, high-quality support, it had to be implemented carefully, with robust governance, accredited training, and adequate resourcing. The Crisafulli Government confirmed that safeguards would be in place to ensure patient safety and quality of care.
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