Families across New South Wales are saving an estimated $10 million each year on ADHD medication costs after changes allowing general practitioners to issue repeat prescriptions, according to new analysis from the Royal College of General Practitioners.
The reforms introduced by the New South Wales Government mean patients can now access repeat scripts for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder through their GP rather than a psychiatrist, cutting out-of-pocket costs by between $250 and $670 per visit.
Nearly 10,000 people have avoided long wait times and specialist fees under the changes, which have also reduced pressure on the specialist system by shifting routine care into primary care settings.
There are now more than 1,100 GPs across NSW authorised to prescribe repeat ADHD psychostimulant medications, with 44 per cent based outside metropolitan Sydney. The expansion has improved access for patients in rural and regional areas, where specialist services are often limited.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the reforms were easing cost-of-living pressures while improving access to care.
“Our landmark ADHD reforms are helping NSW families right when they need it. As cost-of-living pressures eat into household budgets, this reform is putting money back in people’s pockets,” he said.
“These reforms make sense, we’re making it easier for people to access healthcare.
There are now more than 1,100 GPs across NSW authorised to prescribe repeat ADHD psychostimulant medications, with 44 per cent based outside metropolitan Sydney
“Importantly, the reforms improving access for our regional areas too, access to essential healthcare should be available to everyone, regardless of where they live.”
Health Minister Ryan Park said the system was seeing growing participation from GPs.
“The health system’s capacity to support people with ADHD continues to go from strength to strength, as more GPs come on board as part of our reforms.
“We know that more than 9,800 people have now avoided the long waits, high costs, and stress associated with accessing a specialist to get their scripts filled.
“This is a win for everyone, and I am so pleased to see our rural and regional GPs embracing these reforms. We heard people in those areas loud and clear when they said they needed another option and we have delivered.”
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said more than 37,900 prescriptions had already been issued by GPs.
“We’re changing the way people access ADHD care—more than 37,900 prescriptions already issued by GPs, getting people the care they need, faster.
“That is literally millions of dollars back in the pockets of hardworking families, who can now access scripts from their family GP for a fraction of the cost.
“We’ve been told that these reforms are life-changing and this is why. This reform is improving options for people, saving families time, money, and heartache.
GPs are the right place for ongoing ADHD care for many patients. This reform has eased pressure on an overstretched specialist system while ensuring care remains coordinated, evidence-based and centred around the patient.
“It’s also freeing up waiting rooms so that the people who actually need to see those specialists can get a spot. This is exactly the kind of common sense reform that Labor is delivering to improve access to healthcare in our state.”
The RACGP said the changes show how primary care can manage ongoing ADHD treatment within a structured framework. NSW Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said the shift had reduced costs and improved access, especially for younger patients.
“These reforms show what’s possible when governments trust GPs to deliver ongoing, high-quality care within a safe and structured framework.
“Allowing appropriately trained GPs to prescribe ADHD medication has reduced costs for families, cut wait times, and improved access to care, particularly for children and young people.
“GPs are the right place for ongoing ADHD care for many patients. This reform has eased pressure on an overstretched specialist system while ensuring care remains coordinated, evidence-based and centred around the patient.
“We’re particularly encouraged to see the strong uptake in rural and regional NSW. For families outside metropolitan areas, these changes are genuinely life-changing, removing expensive travel, long waits and unnecessary barriers to care.
“The RACGP supports reforms that improve access while maintaining patient safety. Continued investment in GP training and clear clinical pathways will be essential to ensure these reforms remain sustainable and deliver long-term benefits for patients and the health system.”
A further 311 GPs have begun training to diagnose and treat ADHD, with participants based across the Central Coast, Far West NSW, Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast, Nepean and Sydney. Applications remain open for future training rounds as the program expands.
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