- Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade
The Victorian Government is supporting local industry to produce ventilators to help equip our healthcare system as it deals with coronavirus, with a key international licensing agreement secured.
Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula today announced that with the backing of a $500,000 government grant, local company Grey Innovation is well advanced in establishing a local consortium to manufacture the life-saving machines.
The Victorian Government intends to order 2,000 locally made ventilators, with the first Victorian-produced machines potentially available in June.
Grey Innovation has secured a licence from a leading global manufacturer to develop the ventilators in Australia and is now working with local suppliers and a network of world-class engineering and advanced manufacturing operators to advance the project.
Richmond-based Grey Innovation is a leading technology commercialisation and engineering company with expertise in the health, environment and defence technology sectors.
Separately, the Government is supporting other Victorian manufacturers, including Ballarat-based Gekko Systems, to advance plans to produce ventilators.
Once established, the fast-tracked local industry stands to provide a material boost to Victoria’s, and potentially Australia’s, supply of ventilators, which are a vital part of the intensive-care treatment in acute coronavirus cases.
Victorian hospitals currently have about 1000 ventilators, with thousands more on order from overseas following the Victorian Government’s $1.3 billion funding injection to buy medical equipment and consumables, including oxygen units, dialysis machines, patient monitors and millions of gloves, masks and gowns.
This funding also includes $65 million for capital works and workforce training, strengthening Victoria’s healthcare sector and improving our ability to actively respond to coronavirus.
As noted by Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula
“We’re moving to fast-track the local production of ventilators, so that hospitals and health-care workers can continue their extraordinary efforts in caring for those of us who need it most.”
“A local manufacturer of these life-saving machines will help us respond to coronavirus cases and help save Victorian and Australian lives.”
As stated by Grey Innovation executive chairman Jefferson Harcourt
“Victoria’s high concentration of engineering and manufacturing companies means we’re well placed to develop the ventilators quickly, and Grey Innovation is proud to be leading the effort.”
