2026 GPADD Conference
In-person 28 Aug, 9:30 AM - 29 Aug, 6:00 PM (AEST)
The General Practice in Addiction (GPADD) Conference continues to stand as a pivotal gathering for clinicians committed to improving care for people impacted by alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. The conference brings together GPs, health professionals, researchers, and community advocates to deepen understanding, exchange knowledge, and strengthen the role of primary care in addiction management. The event has become a meaningful platform for tackling the complex realities of addiction, reducing stigma, and elevating the visibility of vulnerable populations—an approach highlighted in recent discussions about the conference’s focus on compassionate, whole-person care.
Theme for 2026: The Bread and Butter of AOD in General Practice
This year’s theme, “The Bread and Butter of AOD in General Practice,” reflects the essential, everyday role that GPs play in addressing AOD concerns. Addiction medicine is not only a niche specialty—it is deeply woven into routine primary care. GPs often serve as the first point of contact for individuals navigating substance use challenges, whether related to alcohol, prescriptions, or illicit drugs. The theme captures this reality, emphasising practical skills, foundational knowledge, and evidence‑based approaches that support effective intervention in standard consultations.
Friday, 28 August – Pre‑Conference Workshops
Day One features hands‑on, in‑depth workshops held at RACGP House. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with practical skills and insights ahead of the main program.
Saturday, 29 August – Main Conference and Gala dinner
Day Two is the highlight of the conference, held at the RACV City Club, Melbourne. The day features inspiring keynote speakers, engaging presentations, and valuable opportunities to connect with peers. The program concludes with a gala dinner.
For details on sessions, speakers, and timings, access the conference program here - GPADD26 - Conference Program
Educational
Activities
11.0
hours
Measuring
Outcomes
5.0
hours
Reviewing
Performance
2.5
hours
Speakers
Dr Wei-May Su
Chair, RACGP Specific Interests Abuse and Violence in Families
Dr Wei-May Su, is an academic GP and supervisor with specific interests in mental health, complexity, and abuse and violence. She continues part time clinical alongside academic roles. She is Academic Lead (GP), facilitating the multidisciplinary Master of Psychiatric Medicine and the Master of Applied Mental Health Studies at HETI Higher Education, Australia, and is Higher Degree Research Candidate at the Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney Uni on the topic of abuse and violence. She is co-author of the Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP) Guideline of Abuse and Violence (White Book).
Dr Paul MacCartney
Victoria Chief Addiction Medicine Advisor
Dr Paul MacCartney is the Chief Addiction Medicine Advisor in Victoria . He is a General Practitioner and addiction medicine specialist with 25 years of experience in community health
public advocate for the care and treatment of people who use drugs. Member of the expert advisory committee on opioids
developer of a multidisciplinary AOD treatment model in regional Victoria and contributor to public health responses to high-potency synthetic opioids trainer and supervisor for colleagues and registrars in opioid and alcohol dependence treatment.
Dr Hester Wilson
BMed(Hons) FRACGP FAChAM MMH
Dr Wilson is a GP, Chief Addiction Specialist for NSW Health, Clinical Director for Murrumbidgee Drug and Alcohol and Clinical Advisor to Population and Community Health in South East Sydney LHD. She is chair of the RACGP Addiction Special Interest Group, a clinician with many years clinical and teaching experience, she is currently undertaking a PhD focused on GPs’ experience of patients with chronic pain and prescription opioid use disorder.
Dr Susan Barnett
General Practitioner Psychotherapist | Medical Educator | Advocate for Emotional Wellbeing
Dr Susan Barnett is a highly experienced GP Psychotherapist who has dedicated her career to supporting individuals, couples, and families in navigating life’s complexities. With a holistic approach that integrates the mind and body, Susan brings her extensive experience as a GP since 2003, combined with her specialized training in Focused Psychological Strategies (FPS) completed in 2014, to provide practical, empathetic, and evidence-based care.
Dr Barnett holds a special interest in eating disorder management and is ANZAED credentialed, offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to explore challenges and foster emotional growth. Her therapeutic work focuses on helping clients connect with their inner wisdom and compassion, empowering them to reduce suffering and build stronger, healthier relationships.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr Barnett is a respected leader in medical education. She is the Education Chair and Vice President for the Australian Society for Psychological Medicine (ASPM), where she plays a key role in advancing psychological education for GPs.
Dr Anne Saunders
Immediate Past Chair - RACGP Victoria AOD Committee
Dr Anne Saunders is a dedicated and experienced General Practitioner with a rich background in both emergency medicine and primary care. Originally from Melbourne's inner east, Dr Anne began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne before pursuing her medical degree at Flinders University in South Australia.
After returning to Melbourne, she honed her skills working at Southern Health and St. Vincent’s hospitals, where she trained extensively in emergency medicine. This foundation has provided her with a robust approach to managing acute and chronic conditions in general practice.
Dr Anne's areas of clinical interest include musculoskeletal medicine, family medicine, women’s health, fertility management, and family planning. She is deeply committed to delivering holistic and compassionate care to her patients, supporting their health and well-being across all life stages.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr Anne contributes to the broader medical community as a GP Consultant in Emergency at Austin Health and serves as the Chair of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Subcommittee with the RACGP Victoria Faculty.