The Cook Government’s changes to the system to support schools with this growing complex challenge
The Cook Government's major reforms to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and treatment have reached another key milestone, with the first group of Western Australian general practitioners (GPs) set to begin training. The training will help boost the well-being of Western Australians across the state by improving their access to care.
To provide further support to patients and families managing ADHD, the Cook Government has complemented the GP training program with a commitment to fund ADHD WA to expand community-based services for patients and families, including counselling, peer support and non-medication options.
In addition, families across Western Australia also have access to a suite of new online resources for children and young people, designed to support common queries around attention, regulation, and concentration challenges, including ADHD.
$40 million was delivered in the 24/25 budget to employ 100 new full-time staff in the Child Development Services to tackle the growing waitlist.
New Connected Community School trial Commencing in 2026
The Connected Community School trial - funded under the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement with the Albanese Labor Government - aims to ensure families can easily access community health and social services, while improving students' educational and wellbeing outcomes beyond the classroom.
A pilot full-service school program began last year at 4 schools in WA:
- Ashburton Drive Primary School (in Gosnells);
- Clarkson Primary School;
- Girrawheen Senior High School; and
- Roebourne District High School.
Through this training program, GPs will be equipped with the skills and support needed to diagnose and manage ADHD safely and effectively - closer to where people live.
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