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

  • The Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) has joined calls for Australia’s business community and all levels of government to adopt ‘buy Australian first’ procurement policies, to help fast-track the country’s resurgence as it plans its recovery from the impact of COVID-19. australianmade.com.au
  • The Industry Capability Network (ICN) reported that it had received more than 600 expressions of interest through its COVID-19 Response Portal in just four weeks since its launch. The COVID-19 Response Portal was launched on 23 March to help businesses keep the supply chain wheels turning during the coronavirus pandemic. To visit the ICN COVID-19 Response Portal, go to: https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4531/covid-19-response
  • The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC)’s Manufacturer Response Register has also received over 2,100 submissions from organisations and individuals willing to support all levels of governments in response to the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.amgc.org.au/covid-19-manufacturer-response/
  • The NSW Government is calling on local manufacturers to help supply medical equipment and hygiene products to essential services workers. If your business can manufacture the critical supplies required, you can sign up to the COVID-19 Emergency Supplies register, at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/call-for-local-manufacturing-of-medical-supplies
  • South Australian small businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions have rushed to register for the State Government’s $10,000 cash grants. For more information and to register your interest, businesses are urged to visit: https://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/COVID-19

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.