Victorian GPs have praised commitments to protect young people from deadly meningitis and give more patients access to ADHD care from their GP in the state's 2026–27 budget.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has long said free vaccination against the meningococcal B strain for babies and teens will save lives, and advocated for free vaccines for all infants and children aged under two years old and healthy adolescents aged 15–19, as recommended by the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
While the vaccine for meningococcal A, C, W, and Y strains is free under the National Immunisation Program for all children and young people, the vaccine against the B strain is not provided for all children and generally requires an out-of-pocket payment of $110–150 per dose.
"Meningitis isn't predictable, but it is preventable. Free MenB vaccinations will be lifesaving," RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said.
"We're pleased the Victorian Government has listened to GPs and implemented public health recommendations.
"But no one has been more instrumental in making this change than Norliah Syer-Peterson, who has campaigned for this since her 16-year-old son, Levi Syer, died due to a meningococcal B infection last September.
"No one should have to experience what Norliah and her family have. She made it clear how fast, brutal, and unforgiving meningococcal B is, and the Government has responded.
"It's appropriate for an essential vaccine like MenB to be part of a national approach, but this should be implemented as soon as possible so all babies and teens are immunised, including catch-up MenB vaccinations for those who should have received a vaccine already."
Four cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in Victoria already this year, and 18 in the past 12 months.
Reforms to allow specialist GPs with appropriate training to safely diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD will be introduced by September, and Dr Muñoz emphasised the readiness of Victorian GPs to support more accessible and affordable care.
The Victorian Government has committed an initial $750,000 to support accredited training for an initial group of 150 GPs to accurately assess and provide evidence-based diagnosis for ADHD.
"For too long, too many patients have been left without appropriate care by our health system," Dr Muñoz said.
"Your postcode currently determines your access to ADHD care. Patients in the most disadvantaged areas shouldn't have access common ADHD medications at less than half the rate of those in our most advantaged areas.
"This has real effects. Patients with ADHD die almost seven years sooner. ADHD is around five times more prevalent among youth prisoners, and 10 times higher among adults. People with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
"Ensuring all patients who need it can access timely, accurate, and affordable ADHD assessments and ongoing care from their GP will change lives, and likely save lives too."
