mRNA

14 Dec 2021

In a great win for the state of Victoria and Australia, the Morrison Government has entered an in-principle agreement with global mRNA company Moderna and the Victorian Government to establish a manufacturing facility in Australia.

This announcement is excellent news that reaffirms the Morrison Government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of our population and security of our nation. We've seen throughout this pandemic that our economic and national security are inextricably linked to our health security.

Over the past 12 months I have been working closely with Victorian institutions such as Monash University, University of Melbourne, the Peter Doherty Institute and mRNA Victoria to promote the development of a mRNA facility in Victoria.

“Going beyond the current pandemic, mRNA has the capability to be translated into broad therapeutics and vaccines for diseases like cancer, HIV, the flu and cardiovascular disease. This announcement is about ensuring Australians have access to the most advanced medical technology” said Senator Van.

“However, as I said a sovereign mRNA capability can’t just be about Covid-19, we need this capability to put Australia in the lead of developing other mRNA vaccines and therapeutics,” said the Senator.  “Think of it as building a new capability such as the internet for example as it is an enabling platform not just a stand-alone technology product in itself.”

“The development of a sovereign capability to create mRNA technology will create the potential for thousands of associated jobs and for great benefits to our economy.”

“Having the sovereign capability to produce mRNA in Australia will ensure Australians will be in one of the best positions in the world if we are faced with another pandemic.”

“This will allow Australia to play a leading role in the region giving us the ability to help our friends and allies”

ENDS