Victorian Health Minister Harriet Shing confirmed Cohealth receives substantial state funding, while neatly sidestepping responsibility for the future of its Collingwood site.
Victorian Health Minister Harriet Shing has confirmed in today’s budget estimates hearing that Cohealth receives significant funding from the Victorian government.
She was questioned about how the 2026/27 budget will support community health organisations around the state, including Cohealth.
“In 2024 to 25, the Victorian government allocation for co-health was just over $68 million. So they received the largest envelope of funding, and they also get substantial funding year on year,” Ms Shing said.
“They are anticipated to get around $80 million for 25-26 and 26-27 in the aggregate,” she told the hearing.
“They do an incredible power of work in making sure that some of the members of our communities with the most complex care needs are given the care, treatment, and whole person support that they need.”
However she clarified that the concerns about GP funding for the service primarily sit with the Commonwealth. She admitted that there had been significant publicity over the Cohealth review recently.
“We did have a review commissioned by the Commonwealth and Cohealth that has provided some opportunities for improvement, sustainability, accountability, and transparency.
“The Commonwealth has ensured that ongoing operations for Cohealth can continue to deliver that care with $1.5 million to enable them to do that,” she said.
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However, when questioned about the future of the Hoddle St Collingwood site, Ms Shing was more circumspect.
“The Hoddle Street building is owned by Cohealth, so decisions about its long-term future are a matter for the Cohealth board,” she said.
Discussions about health infrastructure sit with the minister for health infrastructure Melissa Horne, who is appearing at budget estimates late on Thursday afternoon.
“The government will continue to work really closely with Cohealth to make sure that their needs are understood and that we can assist them and assist communities to continue to receive that care that they need,” Ms Shing concluded.
