The federal government has committed $333 million to coronavirus...

The federal government has committed $333 million to coronavirus medical research and development, with $256.2 million of that allocated to vaccines.

The government wants to use local facilities to produce the vaccine, with auditors reviewing as many as 30 potential sites.

Mr Hunt said Australia would ideally manufacture any potential candidate onshore through domestic vaccine manufacturer CSL.

“We are very fortunately placed due to years and years of preparation, with regards to having the national reserves facility which CSL operates,” he said.

“That means it has a capacity through its vaccine secures based in Melbourne to produce vaccines, under contract from around the world.”

He said the Commonwealth had so far signed two non-disclosure deals but was unable to provide the names of the companies involved due to contractual reasons