Applications open for businesses in Bonner to help strengthen Australia’s supply chains

Businesses across Bonner are encouraged to apply for the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative grant to help strengthen Australia’s supply chain capabilities and access to critical products in times of crisis.

Applications have now opened for manufacturers– a key part of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

Matched grants of between $50,000 and $2 million are on offer for local businesses which can help address supply chain vulnerabilities across medicines and agricultural production chemicals –which were identified as sectors of focus in the Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said businesses across the electorate with project ideas are encouraged to apply for funding.

“The Morrison Government is working to not only strengthen our ability to access critical products for the health and wellbeing of all Australians, but also to grow our manufacturing sector and create new jobs,” Mr Vasta.

“This initiative enables vital opportunities for businesses in Bonner to be part of important efforts when it comes to shoring up the nation’s supply chains.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter, said projects could include scaling up existing manufacturing and workforce skills capability or increasing supply chain transparency through technology.

“COVID-19 has taught us that we need to be able to have access to critical products in times of crisis and that’s why we’re investing in projects to strengthen our supply chain resilience,” Minister Porter said.

“Our initial analysis identified medicines, agricultural production chemicals – such as fertilisers – and personal protective equipment (PPE) as key sectors of focus.

“The Morrison Government has already worked side-by-side with industry, offering significant investment to scale up Australia’s ability to make PPE locally when we needed it most.

“Now we want to drive the same success for medicines and agricultural production chemicals.”

Investing in manufacturing projects to support our resilience through the $107.2 million Supply Chain Resilience Initiative is part of a range of measures the Morrison Government is delivering to bolster Australia’s supply chain resilience. This includes the establishment of the Office of Supply Chain Resilience to provide ongoing capacity to monitor vulnerabilities and coordinate whole-of-government efforts to boost supply chain resilience. It also includes the Government’s ongoing commitment to open trade and open markets, which drive our resilience by making our own economy more competitive and able to handle change.

To find out more or apply for a grant under the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative visit business.gov.au/scri

To read more in the Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan visit industry.gov.au/smcp