Australian Immigration Daily News

The Australian Government today took a key step towards further strengthening the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (the Act) by announcing a statutory review of the landmark legislation. The review will consider the operation of the Act over its first three years and whether further measures to improve the Act and improve compliance are necessary.

Professor John McMillan, AO, will lead the review, which will be completed within 12 months before a final report is tabled in Parliament. Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP, said Australia has set the benchmark internationally for transparency frameworks of this kind.

“This review provides an opportunity to further improve this landmark piece of legislation,” Assistant Minister Wood said.

East Kimberley businesses will have access to additional workers across more than 100 occupations following the signing of the East Kimberley Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said attracting workers to relocate to regional areas is a priority for the Australian Government.

“The provisions afforded under the agreement, including permanent residency pathways, provide a significant incentive for overseas skilled workers to consider making the East Kimberley region their home,”Minister Hawke said.

The Australian Government is making key changes to ensure the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) remains fit for purpose as the regional labour market has evolved throughout the pandemic. Changes to the Far North Queensland DAMA include updating the range of occupations across which businesses can source workers.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said these changes come at a critical point, as the region experiences an increase in vaccinated overseas visitors. “The positive economic impact on a number of sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, has been strongly felt across Far North Queensland,” Minister Hawke said.

Source: Joint-media-release-FNQ-DAMA.pdf

The city of Karratha and town of Port Hedland are the latest areas to benefit from the introduction of a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the signing of the new Pilbara DAMA.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said the establishment of the Pilbara DAMA will play a significant role in building the region by drawing on highly skilled workers who will reside locally and support the local economy.

"The Pilbara region has $170 billion worth of investment proposed in the resource industry in the near future, according to the Pilbara Development Commission. This investment will create more employment opportunities that need to be filled by skilled workers”, Minister Hawke said.

A new Work and Holiday Maker (WHM) arrangement will allow up to 100 young Mongolians and 100 young Australians each year to enjoy a 12-month holiday in each other’s country, during which they may undertake short-term work and study.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, signed WHM agreements with Mongolia and Brazil today, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Working holiday makers support regional Australia by providing local businesses with access to more workers.

Working holiday makers often fill labour gaps in agriculture, hospitality and healthcare, supporting critical industries and contributing to the Australian economy. “This reciprocal visa arrangement with Mongolia highlights the vibrant relationship between our two countries,” Minister Hawke said.