Politics · Australia · 1 hr ago
Former health minister’s adviser joins government-funded provider cohealth
Melissa Arch, a former chief of staff to Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, has joined community health provider cohealth.
Before leaving government in July, Arch attended two meetings with cohealth executives and Thomas about the organisation’s issues, including funding.
In May, while Arch was still in government, the state helped secure a $1.5 million federal bailout for cohealth.
A June independent report identified serious failures at the provider, which serves low-income residents mainly in Collingwood, Fitzroy and Kensington.
A transparency watchdog chief said Arch’s move could create a perceived conflict of interest, while cohealth rejected that suggestion.
Victoria has no general required cooling-off period for senior government staff, apart from some lobbying activities.
Cohealth is recruiting for a new executive role in client participation and partnerships, but the sources do not say what happens next with Arch’s appointment.
Melissa Arch, former chief of staff to Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, has joined government-funded community health provider cohealth.
Arch left government in July and was appointed to a client participation and partnerships executive role at cohealth.
Before joining the provider, she attended two meetings with cohealth executives and Thomas about issues including funding.
The appointment has raised questions about a possible perceived conflict of interest.
Cohealth rejected the suggestion of a conflict, while a governance expert said a cooling-off period should apply to senior government staff.
- Who
- Melissa Arch, former chief of staff to Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, joined cohealth.
- What
- She was appointed to a client participation and partnerships executive role. The appointment raised questions about a possible perceived conflict of interest.
- When
- She finished working for the government in July and joined cohealth shortly afterward; the article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Victoria, Australia. cohealth operates services primarily across Collingwood, Fitzroy and Kensington.
- Why
- Not stated.
cohealth
Clancy Moore, Transparency International Australia
Conflict concern
cohealth
cohealth rejected the suggestion of any conflict of interest in Arch’s interim appointment.
Clancy Moore, Transparency International Australia
Moore said there was potential for a perceived conflict of interest because of Arch’s former government role.
Safeguards
cohealth
cohealth said Arch followed the professional, ethical and confidentiality obligations applying to its executives.
Clancy Moore, Transparency International Australia
Moore recommended a minimum three-year cooling-off period for senior public servants, chiefs of staff and ministers.
We always suggest there should be a cooling-off period for senior public servants, chiefs of staff, or ministers particularly to prohibit post-parliamentary employment in lobbying roles. This should be for a minimum of three years to stop unfair influence and access,
rejects the suggestion of any conflict of interest in relation to Melissa’s interim appointment
Since joining cohealth, Melissa has adhered to the same professional, ethical and confidentiality obligations that apply to all cohealth executives,
Arch attended a meeting involving Thomas and cohealth executives, where discussions included engaging with the federal health minister’s office about funding issues.
Arch attended another meeting involving Thomas and cohealth executives.
Thomas stepped down as health minister after announcing she would not recontest her seat at the November 28 election.
The state government helped secure a $1.5 million federal bailout for cohealth while Arch was still working for the government.
An independent report identified a “litany of failures” at cohealth.
Arch finished working for the government and shortly afterward joined cohealth.
- New employer
- cohealth
- Former role
- Chief of staff to Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas
- Government departure
- July 2026
- Federal bailout
- $1.5 million, secured in May 2026
- Earlier meetings
- October 30 and November 11, 2025
- Role remuneration
- Approaching $300,000 annually including tax offsets, according to internal correspondence in the article
Sources
Related news
ABC union challenges possible discipline of senior journalist
Campaign seeks easier way to turn off social media algorithms
WA education minister and universities disagree over merger plan
Nearly 78,000 older Australians may drop private cover by 2030 under proposed cuts
Inquiry hears students shared beds with teachers at Sydney school
Frydenberg says the Liberal Party must change under Taylor
Greens seek stronger digital safety laws, including right to sue tech firms
Available text contains no details on tax surcharge reversal
National Trust of South Australia CEO resigns as inquiry resumes
WA plans to limit screen use in early primary classrooms
Australia delays ATO credit card payment ban until June 2027
