Wednesday, 4 February 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence) (12:34): I rise to update the house on further reforms to make it easier and cheaper for Victorians to get care for ADHD. I was pleased to join the Premier and the Minister for Health this morning to announce changes to enable Victorians with ADHD to obtain a one-off emergency prescription of their ADHD medication through the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department. We know that managing living with ADHD is hard. Trying to quickly replace a lost, expired or depleted prescription can make it even harder, and suddenly stopping your ADHD medication can have significant ramifications for your life. These changes are about providing a free, safe and accessible option to obtain a prescription for ADHD in an emergency situation, such as where a prescription has run out or someone cannot get to see their regular doctor or psychiatrist. Through the VVED adults and children aged six and over with an existing diagnosis and treatment plan will be able to connect with a doctor via video link. The doctor will verify their current medication and dosage, and they will receive access to clinical support and a one-off prescription of at least 30 days sent directly to their local pharmacy. It does not replace the critical role treating GPs and psychiatrists play, but it provides Victorians with ADHD another pathway. Patients will continue to receive ongoing clinical care and support through their regular clinician, and the VVED will support patients to ensure that this happens. This change will ensure that families are not caught short and help them get the critical ADHD care that they need to support their mental health and tackle the challenges of living with this condition. This is all part of Labor’s plan to make health care work better for busy families.