The Government has today released a Department of Industry, Science and Resources discussion paper on Australia’s RNA (or RiboNucleic Acid) technology industry.

The Understanding our RNA potential discussion paper and stakeholder survey will help DISR better understand the opportunities for growth and gain a clearer understanding of the technologies currently under development across the country.

As the global RNA sector continues to grow, DISR’s discussion paper also outlines challenges Australia faces in developing an RNA industry.

Australia’s RNA sector was recently bolstered by the Government’s 10-year strategic partnership with Moderna and the Victorian Government to establish an onshore mRNA manufacturing facility in Melbourne.

The Victorian, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian governments are also actively investing in the RNA sector.

The Government is also targeting $1.5 billion through the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) for medical manufacturing, $1 billion for advanced manufacturing and a further $1 billion for critical technologies – sectors that can include biotechnologies.

Biotechnologies are also one of the seven key enabling technologies in the Australian Government’s Critical Technologies List.

DISR’s consultation is open until 16 October 2023, and the discussion paper is available at https://consult.industry.gov.au/rnaplan

Quotes attributable the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic:

“Australia has an impressive track record, overseeing some of the key breakthroughs that led to the development of mRNA vaccines globally.

“RNA technologies offer opportunities for Australia, from rebuilding onshore advanced manufacturing, boosting sovereign capability and creating highly skilled local jobs.

“Australia could be a global producer of new RNA vaccine treatments for conditions ranging from COVID-19 to cardiovascular disease and influenza in humans, as well as vaccines for animal illnesses.

“We’re backing the development of RNA technology with billions of dollars of support for medical manufacturing and critical technologies through the National Reconstruction Fund.

“We’re also providing further support through the new $392 million Industry Growth Program to help start-ups and small-to-medium businesses commercialise their ideas.