Australian Immigration Daily News

Businesses in Victoria's Great South Coast region will receive the boost they need with the Morrison Government finalising a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with Warrnambool City Council.

The Great South Coast joins the Northern Territory, South Australia, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Orana among the first regions in Australia to enter a five-year agreement enabling designated regions to respond to their unique workforce shortages.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman said the Federal Government is working to address the skills needs of regional Australia.

"The Morrison Government is working to support the growth of regions and match our migration program with labour market needs, particularly in regional Australia," Mr Coleman said.

"Our first priority is always to fill jobs with Australians, but the immigration system can play an important role in helping to address regional skills gaps.

"We have seen the success of the DAMA arrangement in the Northern Territory and the Government is committed to supporting the skills needs of regional Australia where Australian workers are not available to fill those jobs.

Source: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidcoleman/Pages/five-year-great-south-coast-migration-agreement-begins.aspx