The Victorian government will allocate $50 million to kickstart the establishment of onshore manufacturing of MRNA vaccines in Victoria.

Acting Premier James Merlino today announced the Commonwealth had recognised it as a “national priority” and would collaborate with the state government, universities and research institutes on the development.

“What we have seen through the course of the pandemic has been benefits of MRNA vaccines, low-cost, rapid development, high efficacy, safe administration,” he said.

“What we have also seen … are the challenges of global insecurity of supply, that is why it is a national priority to establish production right here in Australia.”

Mr Merlino flagged the development would take at least 12 months, “but we do not know what the future holds”.

“We may well need booster vaccines yearly.

“12 months ago would have the best time to have done this but the next best time is right now.

“When it is established it will be the first in the Southern Hemisphere.”