New State-Wide DAMA for Western Australia

The state of Western Australia faces critical skills shortages in industries like health and aged care, building & construction, tourism & hospitality, and agriculture. In July, Roger Cook – Premier of WA – and the Albanese Labor government have established a new state-wide Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) which will now see 10,000 skilled migration places for 2024-25 creating more opportunities for the state’s economy.

This initiative complements existing DAMAs in the region and provides up to 10,000 migration places annually. This will be split between the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) with 5000 migration places and a newly established WA Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with another 5000 migration places allocated equally between metropolitan and regional employers, enabling employers to attract and retain skilled workers.

Key Highlights:

• Broader Occupation List: Access to a wider range of occupations and concessions.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: A shorter route to permanent residency for skilled migrants.
• Economic Impact: Supports industries like construction, healthcare, tourism, and agriculture.

What is a DAMA?

A DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state or territory government or regional authority. It aims to offer more access to overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program, tailored for unique economic & regional labor market needs.

Key Features:

• Two-Tier Framework: Comprising a five-year head agreement with the region’s representative and individual labor agreements with employers.
• Occupations and Concessions: DAMAs cover a range of occupations with agreed terms and concessions to skilled visa eligibility criteria.

How DAMAs Work

Head Agreements:

• Established between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative (DAR), usually regional bodies such as Chambers of Commerce or Shire Councils.
• Outline occupations and concessions tailored to regional needs.

Labor Agreements:

• Between the Australian Government and endorsed employers in the region.
• Valid for five years, utilizing the subclass 482 (TSS), subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), and subclass 186 (Employer Nominated Scheme) visa programs.

Existing DAMAs

There are currently 13 DAMAs in place across various regions in Australia, each addressing specific local labor market needs. Some notable DAMAs include:

• Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA
• Far North Queensland, QLD
• Northern Territory, NT
• South West, WA
• Townsville, QLD

Evaluation of Regional Migration Settings

The Australian Government’s Migration Strategy, released in December 2023, includes a commitment to evaluating regional migration settings. This includes DAMAs, regional visas, and occupation lists to ensure they meet community and workforce needs while preventing migrant worker exploitation.

Conclusion

DAMAs are essential for addressing regional labor shortages and supporting economic growth in Australia. By providing tailored solutions, these agreements help regions attract and retain skilled workers, fostering sustainable development.

For further assistance or personalized advice on DAMAs and migration options, please contact our team of immigration experts. We’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you make the most of these opportunities.

Amitava Deb

• Amitava is a gold medallist from India’s premier technical institute, IIT Kharagpur.
• He has worked with some of the world’s top companies such as Sony Australia Pty. Ltd., Siemens AG Germany, Clarity International Ltd., Reliance Communications and Optus Sydney.
• Amitava is a Chartered Professional Engineer accredited by Engineers Australia. He is a full member of this esteemed association.
• He is a member of the Australian Computer Society, Tele Management Forum and Worldwide Institute of Software Architects.
• Amitava is a well-recognised name in the ICT Professional Community in Australia.