Australian Immigration Daily News

South Australian State Government published further information in relation to their Designated Area Migration Agreements, both of which are due to commence on 1 July 2019.

Briefly, the designated area migration agreement (DAMA) programme has been developed to supplement the workforce strategies of states, territories and regions, to support economic performance and help them adjust to changing economic conditions.  The DAMA is a two-tier agreement: the first tier consists of an overarching five-year deed of agreement with a designated area representative setting out occupations, ceilings and concessions; and the second tier comprising individual labour agreements with direct employers.

The overarching nature of a DAMA allows employers streamlined access to a broader range of overseas workers than available through the standard subclass 482 visa programme (as well as permanent residency in some cases), without the need to individually negotiate terms and conditions. DAMAs are attractive to small businesses which may not have the resources to develop a labour agreement directly with the government.

South Australia

According to South Australian government website, The South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) provides a framework for local employers to sponsor overseas workers in skilled and semi-skilled positions which are experiencing skills and labour shortages.

Concessions such as English language, salary, skills and experience and age to facilitate pathways to permanent residency are offered in a range of selected positions.

There are 60 occupations on the Adelaide Innovation and Technology Agreement which supports the Adelaide City Deal. These occupations provide employers in the defence, space, and advanced manufacturing and technology industries with the ability to access and retain a highly-skilled workforce.  The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement covers the Adelaide Metropolitan region only.

There are 114 occupations on the South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement which provide employers in key regional growth industries of agribusiness, health and aged care, hospitality and tourism, mining and construction sectors with the ability to access and retain a skilled workforce. 

The South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement covers the entire state of South Australia.

Applications will open on 1 July 2019 and full occupation lists can be obtained here:

https://migration.sa.gov.au/local-employers/designated-area-migration-agreements/dama-occupation-lists

Western Australia

Western Australia’s Goldfields region is set to receive an economic boost with the Morrison Government signing a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

The new arrangements will assist a range of industries including mining, engineering, construction, childcare and health among others helping to drive economic growth and fill critical employment gaps.

Covering 73 occupations, up to 500 people per year will be able to be sponsored over the five-year agreement through the Kalgoorlie-Boulder DAMA.

Far North Queensland DAMA Update 

Negotiations for DAMA in far North Queensland will be underway.  Migration Alliance will be monitoring the progress and provide you with updates as they arise.

DAMA CPD Sessions

In light of these events, Legal Training Australia will be hosting a number of Category A online workshops to assist Migration Agents in understanding DAMA framework.  The following dates are available:

1. 6:30PM to 8:30PM: Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) Intensive - 2 Category A CPD points - 23rd May 2019

2. 1:30PM to 3:30PM:Current and Upcoming Designated Area Migration Agreements (Guest presenter from Goldfields, WA) – 12 June 2019

3. 6:30PM to 8:30PM: Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) Intensive - 2 Category A CPD points - 4th July 2019

To book into any of these sessions, visit: https://legaltrainingaustralia.com/webinar-cpd/