From 1 July 2024, a new state-wide Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) will be implemented in Western Australia. This initiative aims to tackle the state’s critical workforce shortages by allowing up to 10,000 overseas workers to settle in WA annually.
WA Employers will benefit from continued access to occupations and concessions offered by existing DAMAs. Additionally, the new WA DAMA expands this access to a broader list of occupations and concessions, providing more flexibility to meet the state’s unique economic and labour market needs.
Understanding DAMAs
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a state or territory government or regional authority. It offers more access to overseas workers compared to the standard skilled migration program, allowing regions to respond effectively to specific workforce demands.
DAMAs operate under a two-tier framework:
- Head Agreement: A five-year deed between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative (DAR). This tier outlines the occupations, terms, and concessions agreed upon for the region.
- Labour Agreements: Individual agreements between the Australian Government and endorsed employers within the designated region. These agreements, effective for five years, use visa programs such as subclass 482, subclass 494, and subclass 186 to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
Employers must secure endorsement from the DAR before submitting a labour agreement request online. Approved businesses can then nominate overseas workers for specific occupations covered under the DAMA head agreement.
Existing DAMAs in Australia
Currently, there are 13 DAMAs across various regions, each managed by a DAR. Some notable DAMAs include:
- Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA
- East Kimberley, WA
- Far North Queensland, QLD
- Pilbara, WA
- Northern Territory, NT
- South West, WA
- The Goldfields, WA
Each DAR collaborates with local employers and stakeholders to address regional labour needs, reviews DAMA terms annually, and endorses individual employer requests before submission to the Department of Home Affairs.
The Government has stated that the new WA DAMA is set to significantly boost the state’s ability to attract skilled labour, ensuring a robust response to its workforce demands and supporting economic growth in the region.
For more information and assistance with DAMA applications, contact Stone Group Lawyers today to book an initial consultation.
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