Federal funding for cohealth comes with conditions but details remain unclear

Federal funding for cohealth comes with conditions but details remain unclear

08 May 2026

Cohealth operates GP clinics across Victoria and Tasmania, mainly supporting disadvantaged communities. Some of its inner-Melbourne clinics were at risk of closure last year due to funding pressures.

The Government says the new funding will help maintain GP services while cohealth works through recommendations from an independent review. However, the review has not been made public.

The review reportedly found cohealth services are highly valued but need changes to governance, management, and how care is delivered. It also recommended stronger leadership and a more sustainable, integrated GP model.

The funding will be provided for up to 12 months and is described as “time-limited and conditional”. It will be delivered through the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.

However, key details about how the money will be used and what future services will look like have not been released. There is also no clear public commitment on whether current services will remain the same.

cohealth Board Chair Sam Sondhi said the funding would help keep services operating and support future changes.

He said the organisation will now work with government, staff, clinicians, and communities to design a more sustainable, multidisciplinary model of care.

He also said the focus will be on improving continuity of care and building a stronger community health system.

Earlier funding of $1.5 million was provided in November to support the review process, which was due to finish in July.

Community advocacy group Save Our Community Health has called for the full review and its findings to be released publicly, saying local communities want transparency and stronger management of services.

Maribyrnong MP Jo Briskey said the funding is aimed at keeping GP services open and supporting reform.

She said the community has strongly supported cohealth services and wants lasting improvements to ensure they remain sustainable in the future.

https://www1.racgp.org.au/
 
 

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