The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having significant implications across Australian society – including for individuals and businesses in the manufacturing sector. Here is a round-up of some of the key developments this week for Australian manufacturing.

  • The Federal Government has announced plans to pass legislation to introduce the JobKeeper payment, intended to provide wage subsidies to businesses significantly affected by COVID-19. Businesses can register their interest at: ato.gov.au/Job-keeper-payment
  • The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) has received more than 1,000 responses via its COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register. Established only last week, the Register allows manufacturers to register their interest in helping Australia meet the national challenge of fighting COVID-19. Find out more about the COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register at: amgc.org.au/covid-19-manufacturer-response
  • The Federal Government has announced a range of measures to assist businesses affected by the crisis, including assistance for small businesses regarding cash flow, and measures to support investment. Information on the measures can be found at: australia.gov.au/#information_for_businesses_and_employees
  • The Federal Government has released an official “Coronavirus Australia” app, which can be download from in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Further news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia can also be found at australia.gov.au. Further information can also be found at all State and Territory Government websites.
  • With many businesses having had to instruct some or all staff to work remotely from home, the Australian Information Industry Association has launched a portal offering a suite of free service offerings, advice and tools designed to support business continuity: australianbusinesscontinuity.com.au/aiia

AMTIL is regularly updating its dedicated Coronavirus page on the AMTIL website, with an extensive listing of the most reliable, authoritative sources of information, advice and support for manufacturers. Access it here: www.amtil.com.au/coronavirus

In addition, several of AMTIL’s Corporate Partners have created dedicated resource pages offering information and advice on various aspects of the crisis:

We are also posting frequent updates on our AMT News pages, as well as to our social media feeds (see the links at the bottom of our website).

The COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve rapidly with new information emerging all the time. AMTIL strongly advises all our members and the wider manufacturing community to monitor events closely, and take the appropriate measures to stay safe.