Simon Behrakis, a Hobart City councillor and recently elected Liberal MP, is leading a parliamentary inquiry into the challenges faced by Tasmanians seeking support for Attention-deficit disorder (ADHD).
Behrakis, who was diagnosed with ADHD in Year 8, struggled for years with navigating the medical system and sought re-diagnosis after burnout as an adult. His personal experience of long wait times and inadequate support prompted him to push for the inquiry after being elected to state parliament in 2023.
The inquiry, which has received 60 submissions, highlights significant barriers to ADHD diagnosis and treatment in Tasmania, particularly long waitlists and high costs.
General practitioner Kate Bendall, who specialises in ADHD, said adult patients often face a shortage of available psychiatrists and must rely on expensive telehealth services, with costs ranging from $800 to $2,000.
Delays are particularly concerning for children, with many facing long waits to see paediatricians. These delays could have lasting effects on children’s self-esteem and academic performance.
The inquiry comes shortly after a federal parliamentary inquiry on ADHD services, which made 15 recommendations, including the development of uniform prescribing rules and the expansion of healthcare professionals able to provide ADHD assessments.
The federal government accepted one recommendation fully and provided in-principle support for several others.
Behrakis is optimistic that the Tasmanian inquiry will lead to meaningful change.
“I think everyone’s acknowledged it’s a genuine issue,” he said, stressing the opportunity for significant reform in ADHD support services.
Source: ABC News.
