Since releasing its ADHD position statement in November 2025, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has been a leading voice in media coverage as ADHD policy rapidly evolves across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

With jurisdictions expanding the role of appropriately trained GPs in ADHD assessment and prescribing, RANZCP has consistently shaped the public narrative by championing reforms that improve access while protecting safety and clinical standards.

College experts have been widely sought by journalists and policymakers, helping frame the debate around what good reform looks like: multidisciplinary care, strong diagnostic integrity, specialist involvement for complex cases and nationally consistent approaches.

The RANZCP has advocated for responsible change, supporting primary care involvement as part of collaborative models while calling out risks of rushed or fragmented implementation.

The shift in the public discourse is clear: ADHD is now a mainstream health policy issue, and the media narrative increasingly reflects the evidence-based principles the RANZCP has championed.

This is advocacy in action – the RANZCP is influencing headlines, informing decisionmakers and helping drive system change.

Medical Republic: QLD ADHD Reforms Kick Off

“We’re just really calling on the government to ensure that if they’re introducing this, which they are, they really need to fund an education package for GPs to acquire the required skills.”

Dr Brett Emmerson Chair, RANZCP Queensland Branch 2 December 2025

Medical Republic: ADHD scope expansion on the cards for NSW GPs

“GPs and other clinicians should manage stable cases within their scope of practice, while complex or high-risk presentations remain under specialist oversight, with clear referral and escalation pathways.”

RANZCP statement, 25 November 2025.

Radio New Zealand

“I think as well as the training, the guidelines, the support from other practitioners, it’s important that there are clear referral pathways for GPs, that if there is additional complexity, they don’t feel that they’re undertaking roles or assessments that are beyond them, and that specialists are able to fulfill that role, it’s also likely that with undertaking these assessments, additional co-occurring conditions might be recognised”.

Dr David Chin ADHD Representative, NZ National Committee, 23 November 2025

4BC 1116 News Talk

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has released a position statement warning that inconsistency has created uncertainty for patients and families. President Dr Astha Tomar says we need to prioritise safety.  “Understanding that ADHD is not a five-minute assessment. It can’t be a brief assessment. This is not safe, it’s not good clinical practice.”

22 November 2025