Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says businesses are encouraged to apply for a grant to help strengthen Australia’s supply chain capabilities and access to critical products in times of crisis.

He said applications are open for manufacturers under the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative – 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 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, he said.

“Projects could include scaling up existing manufacturing and workforce skills capability or increasing supply chain transparency through technology,” Mr Conaghan said.

“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.

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

“This 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.”

Businesses with project ideas in Cowper are encouraged to apply for funding.

Mr Conaghan said the 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.

“This initiative is a key way businesses in the Cowper electorate can be part of important efforts to shore up the nation’s supply chains,” he added.

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