Next step towards improved access to ADHD care in the ACT

Source: Australian National Party




Next step towards improved access to ADHD care in the ACT – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















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Released 15/08/2025

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for General Practitioners (GPs) working in the ACT who are interested in managing and prescribing medications and diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The EOI will help shape the pilot program, which aims to improve affordability and support timely access to assessment and treatment for patients, while supporting GPs to work to an expanded scope of practice.

This announcement builds on the ACT Government’s election commitment to expand the role for GPs in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and will help deliver a more integrated healthcare system for Canberrans.

This program will expand on the ACT’s existing continuation prescribing provisions, which enable a paediatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist to hand over prescribing to a GP for a period of two years for patients over the age of four.

Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said calling for EOIs for the pilot marks an important step in the program and in improving access to care in the ACT.

“The ACT Government acknowledges the pressures and barriers patients and families can sometimes experience when accessing treatments for ADHD. Expanding GP scope of practice in this space is a priority for us,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“This pilot program will help make health care more accessible, timely, and equitable for individuals and families navigating an ADHD diagnosis.

“By expanding the scope of practice for GPs to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD, we’re empowering them to play a more significant role in treatment and care for those with ADHD and making it easier for people to access the support they need sooner.”

In addition to identifying GPs who are interested in the diagnosing or prescribing streams of the pilot program, the EOI process is also seeking information on what care GPs already provide for patients with ADHD and their preferences on specific training delivery to help inform the pilot. Stakeholder engagement and consultation on the pilot program will continue over the coming months and will help shape the pilot framework.

To ensure the safe and effective implementation of this expanded scope of practice, participating GPs will be required to complete specific further training.

The ACT Government is also working closely with the Federal Government and other jurisdictions towards a nationally consistent approach to expanding GP scope of practice for ADHD diagnosis and medication management.

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

NAB warns Swifties as showgirl scammers try to take the stage

Source: Premier of Victoria

With The Life of a Showgirl confirmed and pre-orders now live, NAB is warning Taylor fans to watch out for scammers hoping to cash in on the hype.

From fake pre-order pages and dodgy merch sites to bogus “leaked track” downloads, criminals are looking to turn Taylor-mania into quick cash.

On average, NAB stops and recovers close to $2m in scam payments each month*. NAB Head of Security Culture and Advisory Tessa Bowles said when excitement is high, criminals know fans will rush to make purchases, reminding people to stop, check and protect.

“Before you hand over your payment details, make sure you’re paying for the real thing, not some imitation of a showgirl,” said Ms Bowles.

Common scam red flags to watch out for:

  • Fake pre-order sites: copycat websites mimicking Taylor’s official store to steal payment details or deliver nothing
  • ‘Leaked track’ links: promising early songs but hiding malware
  • Social media giveaways: impersonators offering “exclusive access” in exchange for personal details or a fee
  • Hijacked friend social media accounts: selling “spare” merch or pre-order access codes that don’t exist
  • Ms Bowles suggests the safest way to enjoy the album build-up is to stick to official sources.

“Stay in your Safe-Ty Era by going official,” said Ms Bowles.

“Only use links from verified pages or trusted retailors. And get there by typing the website address yourself instead of clicking on a link sent to you by someone claiming to a retailor.

“Criminals also thrive on urgency and fear. If you see ‘get in quick’ or ‘last chance offer’ on something that sounds too good to be true, pause and double-check it first.

“Buying items through social media or online marketplaces always comes with a risk. If you decide to proceed with the purchase, do so with caution, checking whether the seller has a legitimate profile, other listings and reviews.

“Using PayID can also help reduce the risk of fraud or payments being sent to the wrong account as you can see the name of the person or business when paying. Be cautious of sellers asking you to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrencies.”

NAB will always do whatever it can to get stolen money back, but once you’ve hit send it can be challenging as scammers often send funds overseas or to cryptocurrency platforms.

Australians should also make sure to update software on all their electronic devices, use strong unique passwords, and turn on multi-factor authentication when it’s available.

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank right away. And always report it to Scamwatch so others don’t get caught out.

If you’re a NAB customer, you can call 13 22 65 and ask for the Fraud team. Stay up to date with the latest scams and fraud advice available on NAB’s Security Hub.


Notes to the Editor:

  • *In the six months between October 2024 and March 2025

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Arrests – Aggravated robbery – Woodroffe

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested two 16-year-old male youths in relation to an aggravated robbery in Woodroffe early this morning.

Around 1:10am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that two people with face coverings entered a residence on Troughton Court allegedly armed with edged weapons.

While inside the premises it is alleged that the offenders threatened the 62-year-old male occupant, demanding he hand over his car keys, phone and wallet. The offenders subsequently fled the scene, stealing the victim’s vehicle and other personal items.

The victim was not physically harmed during the incident.

A short time later, Strike Force Trident sighted the stolen motor vehicle travelling on Moulden Terrace. A traffic apprehension was attempted, however the vehicle failed to stop.

A short pursuit was initiated before a tyre deflation device was successfully deployed and the vehicle came to a stop.

Two males aged 16 were arrested at the scene with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25216887. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/

Have you seen this mobility scooter?

Source: New South Wales – News

Southern District police are seeking assistance from the public to locate a mobility scooter that was stolen earlier this week.

On the morning of Wednesday 13 August, a mobility scooter (pictured below) was stolen from the front porch of an Oliphant Avenue, Marion home.

Police are hoping to re-unite the scooter with its elderly owner and ask that anyone with information as to its whereabouts come forward to assist.

You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

Reference #08761

TrainLink introduces nation-leading accessible emergency information, supporting a more inclusive NSW

Source: Mental Health Australia

The state’s regional train operator NSW TrainLink is improving access to safety information with updated and inclusive materials designed to inform passengers of all abilities and needs on what to do in an emergency.

The new suite of safety materials gives updated clear, specific guidance on emergency procedures such as locating exits, using help buttons and evacuating safely. 

The materials include an animated video, audio announcements both on board and on platforms, revised onboard safety cards and information at stations including posters, digital screens and signs.

For the first time, onboard safety briefing cards on NSW TrainLink trains are available in Braille for those with vision impairment and Easy Read format which is in simplified language for people with intellectual disabilities.

For more information, read full story here (PDF, 133.34 KB)

Changed traffic conditions on the Warringah Freeway

Source: Mental Health Australia

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Warringah Freeway.

Major traffic changes include: 

  • All southbound lanes of the Warringah Freeway will be closed between the Pacific Highway, Artarmon and Ernest Street, Cammeray from 10.30pm Friday 15 August to 6am Saturday 16 August 2025. There will be no access from the Lane Cove Tunnel to the Gore Hill Freeway.  

    Alternative routes are listed below:

  • Southbound motorists from Warringah Freeway should detour via Pacific Highway and Falcon Street southbound on ramp to access the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel
  • Southbound motorists from Reserve Road, Willoughby Road and Brook Street should detour via Pacific Highway and Falcon Street southbound on ramp
  • Eastbound motorists heading to Cammeray, Cremorne, Balgowlah, Mosman and Manly should use the Pacific Highway and Falcon Street instead.

There will be no southbound access to Sydney Harbour Tunnel north of Cammeray. Southbound motorists must use the Falcon Street southbound on ramp to access Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

During this period, the Warringah Freeway will remain open northbound and the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be open in both directions all weekend.

Other traffic changes include:

  • Miller Street southbound on ramp will be closed from 10pm tonight, Friday 15 August to 8am Saturday 16 August, 7pm Saturday 16 August to 9am Sunday 17 August and 8pm Sunday 18 August to 4.30am Monday 18 August.
  • Mount Street eastern on ramp to Cahill Expressway will be closed from 10pm tonight, Friday 15 August, to 6pm Sunday 17 August. Motorists travelling from Arthur Street or Mount Street to the Cahill Expressway should use the western on ramp from Mount Street to the Bradfield Highway and detour through the CBD, via the Grosvenor Street exit, Bridge Street and Macquarie Street to the Eastern Distributor.
  • The southbound off ramp from Warringah Freeway to Falcon Street/Military Road and the Ernest Street southbound on ramp will be closed from 10pm tonight, Friday 15 August, to 5am on Monday 18 August. Detours will be in place via the Pacific Highway and Miller St respectively.
  • Alfred Street North off ramp will be closed from 10pm to 5am on Tuesday 19 August, Wednesday 20 August and Thursday 21 August. Detour via Pacific Highway.

We are also closing the Sydney Harbour Tunnel on the below dates:   

  • Northbound from 11pm Friday 15 August to 6am Saturday 16 August
  • Northbound from 11pm Saturday 16 August to 6am Sunday 17 August
  • Northbound from 10.30pm Thursday 21 August to 5am Friday 22 August
  • Southbound from 10pm Thursday 21 August to 5am Friday 22 August.

There may be changes or extensions of closures. For the latest information on road closures, visit the Live Traffic NSW App or livetraffic.com
 

Police Operation – Rosebery

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are currently responding to a serious incident in Rosebery.

Lancewood Street is currently closed, and police urge motorists to avoid the area.

There is currently no risk to the public and further information will be provided later today.

Arrests – Aggravated assault – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Seven female youth offenders have been arrested by the Northern Territory Police Force after an aggravated assault occurred in Alice Springs overnight.

At 11:35pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that two females aged 23 and 28-years-old had been physically assaulted by a group of youths in the Todd Mall.

Members from Strike Force Viper, the Social Order Team, and general duties responded, and all seven offenders were located and arrested.

The victims suffered minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.

The offenders aged 11, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14, and 15, were all dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.