On 19 June, the RANZCP Tasmania Branch held two successful events, with expert guest Professor Dave Coghill presenting on ADHD, a topic of high interest. On the same day, the Tasmanian Parliament established a Committee Inquiry into ADHD, in large part due to advocacy by the Tasmania Branch.

 The first event was a full day workshop on Evidence-Based Approaches to the Assessment and Management of ADHD. The event was co-organised by the Tasmanian Psychiatry Training Program and the Tasmania Branch. 50 RANZCP Fellows and trainees, GPs, and psychologists were in attendance, with support funding for trainees attending via the RANZCP managed Australian Government Specialist Training Program (STP) funding.

 The second event was held in partnership between the Tasmania Branch and Primary Health Tasmania. The evening involved presentations and discussions on ADHD in the Tasmanian context with the launch of the new Tasmanian HealthPathways for ADHD, the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association Prescribing Manual, and Tasmanian ADHD prescriber resources. Professor Dave Coghill and Professor David Castle led a compelling discussion with psychiatrists, GPs and other mental health clinicians around access, diagnosis and awareness of contemporary Australian evidence-based prescribing and management guidelines. The event was attended by 80 RANZCP and RACGP members, with support for RANZCP trainees to attend from the Australian Government STP funding.

 The Branch appreciates the high attendance within a small jurisdiction, and the importance of the positive feedback received. We are keen to host further joint events to provide education on contemporary topics and foster collaboration across the mental health sector. 

Of significance, on the same day, Mr Simon Behrakis (Parliamentary Secretary, Tasmanian Government), moved a motion on ADHD in Parliament. This followed a meeting with Tasmania Branch members Dr Anil Reddy and Dr Lev Fridgant on 27 May. The key areas discussed included barriers to identification, treatment, and management of ADHD in Tasmania. Mr Behrakis presented the recommendations made by the Branch, which resulted in unanimous approval to conduct a Committee Inquiry into ADHD in Tasmania.

 Following the Parliamentary sitting, Mr Behrakis attended the Primary Health Tasmania event with Professor Dave Coghill. Mr Behrakis announced the Committee Inquiry, and his enthusiasm and willingness to work with the Branch and primary health system to address the issues. The Branch is currently drafting a submission to the ADHD Committee Inquiry following an invitation from the Tasmanian Parliament has since invited the Branch. The final report and recommendations are due to be tabled in Parliament by 31 March 2025.

 Read more about the Parliamentary committee to review ADHD services.