Senate debates

Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Committees

Community Affairs References Committee; Reference

4:19 pm

Photo of Jordon Steele-JohnJordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by

27 September 2023:

Barriers to consistent, timely and best practice assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and support services for people with ADHD, with particular reference to:

(a) adequacy of access to ADHD diagnosis;

(b) adequacy of access to supports after an ADHD assessment;

(c) the availability, training and attitudes of treating practitioners, including workforce development options for increasing access to ADHD assessment and support services;

(d) impact of gender bias in ADHD assessment, support services and research;

(e) access to and cost of ADHD medication, including Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme coverage and options to improve access to ADHD medications;

(f) the role of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in supporting people with ADHD, with particular emphasis on the scheme's responsibility to recognise ADHD as a primary disability;

(g) the adequacy of, and interaction between, Commonwealth, state and local government services to meet the needs of people with ADHD at all life stages;

(h) the adequacy of Commonwealth funding allocated to ADHD research;

(i) the social and economic cost of failing to provide adequate and appropriate ADHD services;

(j) the viability of recommendations from the Australian ADHD Professionals Association's Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for ADHD;

(k) international best practice for ADHD diagnosis, support services, practitioner education and cost; and

(l) any other related matters.

Question agreed to.