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Federal Funding Keeps Cohealth GP Clinics Open Until July 2026

The package is conditional on an independent review, leaving counselling services and facility upgrades unfunded.

Overview

  • Health Minister Mark Butler announced up to $1.5 million to keep GP care running at Collingwood, Fitzroy and Kensington until July 31, 2026.
  • The funding triggers an independent review of cohealth’s GP model, governance and finances to determine longer‑term options.
  • The package is restricted to GP care; cohealth says generalist counselling will close next month and the Collingwood pharmacy will also shut.
  • Cohealth still plans to vacate its aging Collingwood building in 2026 over safety concerns, with no redevelopment funding in place.
  • Cohealth cites inadequate Medicare rebates and rising costs for a deficit that grew to $7.4 million, with services supporting about 12,000 patients.