Australia’s health ministers are trying to align prescribing regulations between states and territories, including for GPs treating ADHD.

The states and the Commonwealth announced the National Advisory Group on Drugs and Poisons Legislation Reform to plot a path towards consistent medicines laws, which have become increasingly disjointed amid ADHD changes and the rise of prescribing pharmacists.

For example, Queensland GPs can now initiate ADHD drugs without any extra training, while NSW GPs can extend scripts for children if they have completed a short online course and will be able to commence treatment for all patients from 2026 if they complete more intensive training.

The new advisory group will include officials from each government and AHPRA, with representatives from peak health bodies likely to be invited to meetings on topics relevant to their members.