Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham

The Morrison Government has finalised an agreement with global pharmaceutical company Moderna that secures the production of up to 100 million Australian made mRNA doses every year and hundreds of manufacturing jobs too.

The landmark agreement is part of a 10-year strategic partnership between the Federal Government, Moderna and the Victorian Government, which will help protect Australians against future pandemics while supporting local industry.

The strategic partnership will ensure Australia can meet its ongoing COVID-19 vaccine needs, and any other new and innovative respiratory mRNA vaccines.

It will also make Australia a critical regional hub for mRNA technology development and production, bolstering our local biotechnology sector.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the agreement was an important milestone in securing Australia’s future pandemic preparedness and our place among the world’s best medical researchers.

“This is an Australian made shot in the arm that will protect Australians from future pandemics and secure a new manufacturing capability right here on our shores,” the Prime Minister said.

“This landmark agreement means that Australia can make up to 100 million world-leading mRNA doses every year, which can protect against evolving strains of COVID-19 or new respiratory diseases that emerge into the future.

“This will be the first mRNA production facility in the Southern Hemisphere, and will ensure Australians have quick and easy access to these lifesaving vaccines.

“This next generation of Aussie-made, innovative health care will also support around 500 direct jobs during construction, plus hundreds of indirect jobs, with up to 200 highly skilled staff to work at the facility when it’s up and running from 2024.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said securing a sovereign on-shore mRNA technology was critical and would soon be a reality.

“This agreement and strategic partnership with Moderna and the Victorian Government is crucial insurance for the health of the Australian population,” Minister Hunt said.

“It means Australians will have access to the most cutting-edge vaccination technology available both now and into the future.”

Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the Government’s investment into the next generation of mRNA vaccine manufacturing would increase Australia’s future prosperity.

“Moderna is a global leader in mRNA technology and has an incredibly strong pipeline of innovative products,” Minister Birmingham said.

“By establishing its headquarters for Australia, South East Asia and Oceania in Victoria, Moderna will be a key player in the development of Australia’s broader RNA ecosystem which will help drive incredible economic benefits.”

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said this investment would not only protect lives, but also help further grow medical manufacturing in Australia.

“This partnership with Moderna will further strengthen our medical manufacturing sector and create high skilled local jobs, as well as provide great opportunities for the broader industry through domestic supply chains, clinical trials and research and development,” Minister Taylor said.

“The facility will make Australia one of very few countries in the world with the capability to manufacture mRNA vaccines at scale, and builds on our commitment to medical products through our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.” 

The Government will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and Moderna, which has established an Australian entity, to ensure this significant new manufacturing capability is established as quickly as possible.

Vaccine production will start in 2024, pending regulatory and planning approvals.