The announcement, part of a 10-year strategic partnership between the Morrison government, Moderna, and the state of Victoria will also see Australia become a regional biotech hub.The Daily Telegraph understands that the government is keen to get the facility up and running as soon as possible, with construction expected to begin before the end of this year and with the first vaccines anticipated to roll off the production line as soon as 2024.Moderna is one of only two companies with an approved mRNA product in the world, and its jab can be relatively easily modified to target new coronavirus variants. “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,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.“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.”“Moderna is backing the development of a world class mRNA industry in Australia,” said Michael Azrak, Moderna General Manager Australia and New Zealand.“In addition to local manufacturing, we’re going to partner with local researchers and institutions to deliver collaborative R & D that will develop the next generation of mRNA treatments.”Energy Minister Angus Taylor said, “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.”“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.”
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