Government rolls out an Economic Resilience Program aimed at supporting manufacturing and logistics businesses, with a focus on businesses operating in freight, fuel, fertiliser, and plastics critical supply chain sectors

The Australian Government has announced a $1 billion Economic Resilience Program to be drawn from the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund.

Through the Economic Resilience Program, eligible Australian businesses will have access to zero interest loans to support identified industries impacted by market disruptions, or help maintain and build national strategic and economic resilience

Support provided through the Economic Resilience Program is designed to assist logistics and manufacturing businesses in areas such as freight, fuel, plastics and fertiliser who are materially impacted by market disruptions related to current conflicts and global price rises for key inputs.

Applications for loans through the program open on April 20, 2026. 

There are two parts to the program:

• Zero interest loans administered directly by a participating bank to a  customer who has annual turnover of up to $100 million and seeks a loan of up to $5 million.
• Zero interest loans administered by the NRFC for companies with turnover in excess of $100 million or who are seeking a loan of more than $5 million.

The ABA said "This will be important support for impacted businesses in areas such as freight and logistics, fuel, fertiliser and plastics manufacturing.

"Business customers are urged to get in touch with their bank to discuss eligibility for these loans and how they can apply."

While not all businesses would be eligible for these government supported loans, other forms of temporary assistance was available.

"Banks have specialist teams ready to support customers across the country who may be struggling with a variety of challenges such as higher loan repayments, cost pressures or supply chain disruptions" the ABA said.

"Whether you are an individual customer or a business, banks stand ready with practical support measures to help you navigate this difficult period.

"You don’t have to tough it out on your own. Get in touch with your bank to discuss what support options might be available to you."

Depending on individual circumstances, temporary assistance may include:

• Moving a customer to interest-only payments for a period.
• Deferring payments temporarily.
• Reducing or waiving fees for customers in hardship.
• Restructuring the length of a loan to lower monthly repayments.
• Providing flexible access to savings and term deposit products to support short term cash flow needs.
• Emergency credit limit increases or temporary overdrafts.

Banks initially participating in the $1 billion Economic Resilience Program include ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Westpac, Bendigo Bank and Bank of Queensland. More lenders are expected to be added to the program over time.