Australian businesses can now apply for $6.15 billion in financing through the National Reconstruction Fund, with the Federal Government accelerating access to three targeted funding streams. The package combines a $1 billion Economic Resilience Program, a $5 billion Net Zero Fund and a $150 million Forestry Growth Fund, aimed at maintaining production, supporting jobs and strengthening domestic capability.
Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres said the funding is being deployed immediately to provide certainty for businesses dealing with ongoing disruption. “From today, we’re getting $6.15 billion in capital moving quickly into Australian businesses, so industry has the certainty it needs in this time of global disruption.”
“$1 billion in Economic Resilience Program zero interest loans will help ease immediate pressures on manufacturing and logistics businesses in sectors such as fuels, plastics, fertiliser and other critical supply chains.”
Zero-interest loans target immediate pressures
The $1 billion Economic Resilience Program is built around zero-interest loans for manufacturers and logistics operators affected by market volatility, particularly in sectors such as freight, fuel, plastics and fertiliser. The program is open from 20 April 2026 for a six-month application period.
Businesses with turnover under $100 million can access loans of up to $5 million through participating banks, while larger businesses or those seeking higher amounts apply directly through the NRF Corporation. Loans are intended to cover rising input costs, support recovery from disruption and enable increased production of critical goods, with the principal repaid but no interest charged.
Net Zero Fund backs industrial transition
The $5 billion Net Zero Fund is open to support manufacturing investment and energy efficiency upgrades, particularly in sectors where emissions reduction is more complex. It includes backing for domestic production of clean energy technologies such as wind, solar and energy storage, along with low carbon liquid fuels.
Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher said the fund is intended to support jobs, capability and business investment. “The Albanese Government established the National Reconstruction Fund to ensure we have a funding vehicle that was able to back secure local jobs, strengthen sovereign capability and diversify Australia’s economy when it is needed most.”
“This decision to fast track $6.15 billion in funding from the fund for Australian businesses will help to secure Australia’s critical supply chains, with low-cost, long-term concessional finance that supports businesses to invest, grow and adapt.”
Forestry investment tied to housing supply
The $150 million Forestry Growth Fund will support timber processing capacity, including investment in mills and processing facilities. The intent is to increase domestic output for housing construction and move more activity up the value chain within the forestry sector.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the funding supports employment and output in regional areas and complements broader work on national food security.
Application process now underway
Applications for all three funding streams are now open, with the Economic Resilience Program offering the most immediate access to finance for businesses facing short-term pressure. Eligibility requires businesses to demonstrate exposure to market disruption or a role in supporting domestic industrial capability, assessed through industry classification and financial evidence.
The early focus on freight, fuel and industrial inputs places attention on sectors where supply interruptions can flow through to construction, manufacturing and agriculture, including regions where logistics, processing and project delivery remain closely connected to ongoing activity.
