Onshore manufacturing of life-saving mRNA vaccines took a major step forward today, with the Australian Government, Moderna and the Victorian Government finalising all arrangements for the 10-year partnership.

Under the agreements, an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility will be built at Monash University, helping protect Australians against future pandemics, supporting local industry and creating highly skilled local jobs.

Moderna will also establish its headquarters and a Regional Research Centre in Victoria.

Once operational, the facility will be able to produce up to 100 million vaccine doses every year.

Once this critical onshore mRNA capability is established, Australia will reduce its dependence on imported mRNA vaccines and our vulnerability to supply disruptions or delays.

It will give Australians local and ongoing access to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine – Spikevax – and give us an onshore mRNA manufacturing capability in the event of a new pandemic, such as avian influenza or another new pathogen, vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variants or a global resurgence of infections.

The partnership will lead to a world-class mRNA ecosystem based in Melbourne, attract highly skilled staff and expand local capability through joint ventures with leading Australian research organisations.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a once in a generation challenge that gives us a once in a generation opportunity to come back stronger and better than ever.”

“The pandemic has shown us how important local manufacturing capability is to our security and to our health.”

“This significant deal will protect Australians and Australian sovereignty.”

Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews

“This agreement means that Victoria will be home to Moderna’s only mRNA manufacturing and finishing centre in the Southern Hemisphere.”

“We have the skills and the equipment needed to deliver this vital onshore capability – it will save lives, create jobs and strengthen Victoria’s position as a national leader in medical manufacturing.”

“The pandemic has shown us how important it is to have strong sovereign capacity – we’re not wasting a second in making sure we have access to the vaccines we need to keep Victorians safe.”