28. ADHD Meds, Access & Equity — What Families Need Policymakers to Hear

With Special Guest: NSW Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson 💬 “It shouldn’t cost thousands of dollars and 12 months on a waitlist just to feel like a functioning parent.” For years, ADHD families have been begging for change — and this time, someone in government actually listened. In this landmark conversation, Jane is joined by NSW Minister Rose Jackson to talk about what’s finally shifting in ADHD healthcare access — and why it matters for every overwhelmed family, not just those in Sydney. They cover everything from GP prescribing reforms to the national medication shortage, and what’s really happening behind the scenes on the ADHD policy agenda. This isn’t just a political update — it’s the emotional and systemic reality check that neurodivergent families deserve. 🔥 WHAT’S INSIDE THIS EPISODE 🧠 Diagnosis Access is Changing Why NSW is opening up ADHD diagnosis + prescribing to GPs (finally) — and what that means for you. 💊 The ADHD Medication Crisis Where things stand with the stimulant shortage, and what states are (and aren’t) doing about it. 📍 Rural + Regional Families How these reforms are finally recognising the postcode penalty for ADHD care. 📉 Breaking the Specialist Bottleneck Why removing repeat script requirements from psychiatrists could free up the whole system. 🧾 The Cost of Getting Help The quiet injustice of being forced to ‘start from scratch’ (and pay for it) every time you change providers. 🏫 Support in Schools Why we can’t keep waiting for kids to ‘fail badly enough’ before they get help — and what’s changing in NSW classrooms. 💭 FOR YOU IF:– You’ve been stuck on a 12-month waitlist and wondering if anyone in power actually understands– You’ve had to choose between groceries and an ADHD consult– You want policy change that’s built on lived experience — not more red tape 📢 WE NEED YOUR VOICE Jane and Rose talk openly about how real change doesn’t start in Parliament — it starts in platforms like this. If this episode fired you up, share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone in the fight for accessible ADHD care. 📢 Advocacy + Petitions • 🏫 Schools in Crisis Petition – Sign here • ⚖️ NDIS Cuts Petition – Sign here 👊 Because families shouldn’t have to burn out just to access basic care. 🧰 RELATED RESOURCES ADHD Medication Advocacy Guide ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook Find an ADHD-affirming paediatrician or psychiatrist TGA Medication Shortage Portal Blog Version JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format! FOLLOW FOR MORE: Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube LEAVE A REVIEW: Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together. COLLABS: For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.   🧠 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: ADHD medication access, stimulant shortage Australia, ADHD mums, GP prescribing reforms, ADHD diagnosis barriers, rural healthcare inequality, mental health policy, Rose Jackson, neurodivergent families, ADHD advocacy, government reform, school support for ADHD, medication equity, ADHD specialist bottleneck, parenting burnout, invisible disability, ADHD and cost of living, PBS restrictions, TGA stimulant updates, accessible diagnosis, ADHD health crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.