ZiP Capabilities Spark Visit from Member for Paterson

Pictured: Ms Meryl Swanson with Dr Riikka Arpe-Tabbara and Mr Rock Wilkins (ZiP research and development staff). Photo curtesy of DMTC Limited.

Defence and health applications for our innovative point-of-care diagnostic tests recently sparked the interest of Ms Meryl Swanson MP, Federal Member for Paterson, who toured our facility to view our latest projects.

Ms Swanson, who is the Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, met several ZiP team members who showcased our cutting-edge production equipment to manufacture the tests.

Discussed during the tour was our collaboration with DMTC Limited which involves developing a multiplexed, point-of-care test for mosquito-borne diseases of priority in the Indo-Pacific region. This product would have dual use for defence and health applications.

ZiP’s tests for emergency livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease were also of interest to Ms Swanson. These exotic diseases are not currently present in Australia, but should an incursion occur, we want to have sovereign manufacturing capability in order to support a national biosecurity response.

During the visit, discussions about water quality and environmental tests for infectious agents and markers of faecal contamination – important for management of waterways, stormwater and urban infrastructure – also took place.

Pictured: Ms Meryl Swanson with Ms Ezgi Donmez (ZiP quality control technician). Photo curtesy of DMTC Limited.

Ms Swanson said she was impressed with ZiP’s defence and biosecurity capabilities and mission as an Australian manufacturer.

“Innovative point-of-care diagnostic tests like ZiP’s could enhance industrial capability in areas identified as priorities by Defence, and boost Australian industry capacity through collaboration with DMTC,” said Ms Swanson.

DMTC’s Head of Government Relations Mr Harry Baxter said: “DMTC works collaboratively with many innovative Australian industry, research and government partners, and ZiP’s work underscores the importance of local manufacturing in delivering enhanced defence and national security capabilities and strengthening Australian industrial capacity.”

ZiP Diagnostics Scientific Director Dr Jack Richards said: “Our rapid tests play a crucial role by providing valuable information for disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment decisions. Our tests are essential tools in aiding in the early detection, prevention, and management of diseases.”

Ms Swanson holds a federal parliamentary seat in the northeastern Hunter Region. She is also Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Defence Industry Group. Prior to the last election, Ms Swanson was the Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence.

We are proudly Victorian medtech manufacturers and gratefully acknowledge the Government for their support!