South-West DAMA
DAMA Overview
The South-West region has entered into a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the Commonwealth as a way to address the current skills shortages affecting the region.
The South West DAMA was signed in December 2021 and took effect from January 2022. An updated agreement with an expanded list of occupations was signed and took effect in August 2024.
It is accessible for businesses operating within the designated South-West region that have advertised but been unable to source skilled workers locally to fill nominated positions within their workforce. Under the terms of a DAMA, businesses operating within the South-West area may be able to access a broader range of occupations as well as concessions not generally available through the standard skilled visa programs.
Employers who have an interest in accessing the DAMA are required to first submit an application to the Shire of Dardanup, who are the appointed Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the South-West DAMA. A positive endorsement then allows you to request a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
Businesses operating within the following local government areas will be eligible to apply for endorsement to access the DAMA and apply for a South-West DAMA Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs:
- City of Bunbury
- City of Busselton
- Shire of Augusta Margaret River
- Shire of Boyup Brook
- Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
- Shire of Capel
- Shire of Collie
- Shire of Dardanup
- Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
- Shire of Harvey
- Shire of Manjimup
- Shire of Nannup
Why DAMA?
While priority will always be offered to Australian workers first, there is currently a skills shortage being experienced in the South-West region and employer-sponsored workers from overseas can be an avenue to addressing these shortages.
The South-West DAMA exists to provide businesses in South-West region with a mechanism to address its current workforce shortages and to support future workforce planning. It allows employers to access a wider range of occupations, as well as concessions for those employers who are unable to find a suitably qualified Australian to fill a role within their company. As the overseas worker is being sponsored through a Labour Agreement, it ensures the terms and conditions a prospective applicant receives are no less favourable than those provided to Australian workers, providing protection for both employers and employees.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) conducted a Business Confidence Survey to find out the concerns towards the growth of Western Australian (WA) businesses. Skills shortages was the greatest concern for most of WA businesses.
As reported by the CCIWA, 31% of businesses identified skilled labour shortages as one of the largest barriers towards the growth of the business over the coming years. Skills shortages outweighed other issues as the top barrier to growth.
Furthermore, the promotion and training of Australians by employers entering into a Labour Agreement is sustained by the inclusion of the Skilling Australians Fund levy.
Occupations in demand
Please find below the following occupations that have been recognised as in demand within the South-West. Only the below occupations can be nominated in an application for endorsement under the South-West DAMA.
Please note that thorough evidence of your advertising attempts to recruit a suitably-qualified Australian must be accompanied by any application for endorsement, as well as provided to the Department of Home Affairs in the Labour Agreement and Nomination stages.
For further details on Labour Market Testing requirements, see Department of Home Affairs: Labour Market Testing - Department of Home Affairs
Table 1- South West DAMA Occupation List - (Updated August 2024)
|
|
|
ANZSCO or 6 digit Code |
Occupation |
Skill Level |
TSMIT Concession Available (10%) |
English Language Concession Available |
Age limit (SESR and ENS only) |
|
Skills Assessment Authority (subject to change - check Migration Legislation) |
Agriculture |
|
|
721111 |
Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
841511 / (84231) |
Beef Cattle Farm Worker |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
842299 |
Crop Farm Workers nec* |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
841512 |
Dairy Cattle Farm Worker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
831114 |
Dairy Products Maker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
841211 |
Fruit or Nut Farm Worker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
841212 |
Fruit or Nut Picker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
841217 |
Mushroom Picker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
841214 842218 |
Vegetable Farm Worker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
841215 842221 |
Vegetable Picker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
Allied Health |
|
|
311211 |
Anaesthetic Technician |
2 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
411711 |
Community Worker |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ACWA |
251111 |
Dietician |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
DAA |
411712 |
Disabilities Services Officer |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ACWA |
411713 |
Family Support Worker |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ACWA |
251511 |
Hospital Pharmacist |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
APharmC |
252411 |
Occupational Therapist |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
OTC |
252511 |
Physiotherapist |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
PBA |
272511 |
Social Worker |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
AASW |
251214 |
Sonographer |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ASMIRT |
252712 |
Speech Pathologist |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
SPA |
272613 |
Welfare Worker |
1 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ACWA |
411716 |
Youth Worker |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ACWA |
Aquaculture |
|
|
121111 |
Aquaculture Farmer |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
842111 |
Aquaculture Worker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
399911 |
Diver |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
839312 |
Product Grader |
4 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
831313 |
Seafood Process Worker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
Automotive services |
|
|
899412 |
Autoglazier |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
321111 |
Automotive Electrician |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
321212 |
Diesel Motor Mechanic |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
321211 |
Motor Mechanic (General) |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
899411 |
Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General) |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
321213 |
Motorcycle Mechanic |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
324111 |
Panelbeater |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
321214 |
Small Engine Mechanic |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
899415 |
Tyre Fitter |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
Carers |
|
|
423111 |
Aged or Disabled Carer |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
ACWA |
421111 |
Child Care Group Leader |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ACECQA |
421111 |
Child Care Worker |
3 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ACECQA |
411715 |
Residential Care Officer |
2 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
ACWA |
Construction/Building |
|
|
232111 |
Architect |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
AACA |
312113 |
Building Inspector |
2 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
|
312211 |
Civil Engineering Draftperson |
2 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
EA |
312212 |
Civil Engineering Technician |
2 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
EA |
821211 |
Concreter |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
133111 |
Construction Project Manager |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
712211 |
Driller |
4 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
721211 |
Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) |
4 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
721214 |
Excavator Operator |
4 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
333111 |
Glazier |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
(362213 ) 362711 |
Landscape Gardener |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
821511 |
Paving and Surface Labourer |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
711913 |
Sand Blaster |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
821713 |
Steel Fixer |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
821714 |
Structural Steel Erector |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
333411 |
Wall and Floor Tiler |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
Education |
|
|
241111 |
Early Childhood Teacher (Pre-primary School) Teacher |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
AITSL |
Food preparation/retail |
|
|
351111 |
Baker |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
431112 |
Barista |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
351311 |
Chef |
2 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
351411 |
Cook |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
351112 |
Pastrycook |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
Health |
|
|
272311 |
Clinical Psychologist |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
APS |
253912 |
Emergency Medicine Specialist |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
MedBA |
411411 |
Enrolled Nurse |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
253111 |
General Practitioner |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
MedBA |
251211 |
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ASMIRT |
253999 |
Medical Practitioners nec* |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
MedBA |
254111 |
Midwife |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254411 |
Nurse Practitioner |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
423312 |
Nursing Support Worker |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
254412 |
Registered Nurse (Aged Care) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254413 |
Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254414 |
Registered Nurse (Community Health) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254415 |
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254416 |
Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254417 |
Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254421 |
Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254418 |
Registered Nurse (Medical) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254422 |
Registered Nurse (Mental Health) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254425 |
Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254423 |
Registered Nurse (Perioperative) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254424 |
Registered Nurse (Surgical) |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
254499 |
Registered Nurses nec |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
ANMAC |
Hospitality and Tourism |
|
|
141999 |
Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
070499 |
Bar Attendant (Supervisor) |
4 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
141111 |
Cafe or Restaurant Manager |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
811411 |
Commercial Housekeeper |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
431999 |
Hospitality Workers nec |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
149999 |
Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers nec |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
141311 |
Hotel or Motel Manager |
2 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
431411 |
Hotel Service Manager |
3 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
431511 |
Waiter |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
070499 |
Waiter (Supervisor) |
4 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
Metals and Engineering |
|
|
322311 |
Metal Fabricator |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
312912 |
Metallurgical or Materials Technician |
2 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
322312 |
Pressure Welder |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
322313 |
Welder (First Class) |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
Operators |
|
|
721212 |
Backhoe Operator |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
399212 |
Gas or Petroleum Operator |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
721216 |
Loader Operator |
4 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
721112 |
Logging Plant Operator |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
Professional Engineering |
|
|
233211 |
Civil Engineer |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
EA |
233513 |
Production or Plant Engineer |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
EA |
233215 |
Transport Engineer |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
EA |
Professional services |
|
|
251311 |
Environmental Health Officer |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
WAEHPRB |
135112 |
ICT Project Manager |
1 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
ACS |
312911 |
Maintenance Planner |
2 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
232611 |
Urban and Regional Planner |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
Retail |
|
|
621511 |
Retail Supervisor |
4 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
Services |
|
|
391111 |
Hairdresser |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
899311 |
Handyperson |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
711211 |
Industrial Spraypainter |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
541211 |
Information Officer |
4 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
312611 |
Occupational Health and Safety Inspector |
3 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
452215 |
Outdoor Adventure Instructor |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
542111 |
Receptionist (General) |
4 |
Yes |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
711516 |
Rubber Production Machine Operator |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
399611 |
Signwriter |
3 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
TRA |
Timber Industry |
|
|
839412 |
Sawmill or Timber Yard Worker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
Transport Industry |
|
|
721911 |
Aircraft Baggage Handler and Airline Ground Crew |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
733111 |
Truck Driver (General) |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
Wine Industry |
|
|
363117 |
Vineyard Supervisor |
3 |
No |
Yes |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
841216 842222 |
Vineyard Worker |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
50 |
|
VETASSESS |
234213 |
Wine Maker |
1 |
No |
No |
55 |
|
VETASSESS |
Concessions available
See below for an overview of concessions available with a Labour Agreement under the South-West DAMA:
For detailed information on concessions and pathways
The Schedules are a direct extract from the written agreement between the Commonwealth and the Designated Area Representative (Shire of Dardanup) and may help with interpreting requirements.
They cover the following areas:
Schedule 4 Occupations not in ANZSCO
Schedule 5 Qualifications and Experience
Schedule 6 Concession to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Schedule 7 Concession to English language requirement
Schedule 8 Permanent Residence Pathway
Age Concession
An age concession is available for all occupations for a SESR (subclass 494) or ENS (subclass 186) visa, if at the time of the approved sponsor's nomination, the applicant has not yet turned;
- 55 years for overseas workers in skill level 1-4 occupations; and
- 50 years for overseas workers in skill level 5 occupations
This age concession is reflected in Table 1 above.
English Language Requirement
See Schedule 7 Concession to English language requirement for further details..
For some occupations, a concession to the minimum standard English requirements may apply. This is reflected in Table 1 above.
For more details on English language requirements, see the Department of Home Affairs: Meeting our Requirements - English
TSMIT (Salary)
Note some occupations are eligible for a concession on the TSMIT as reflected in Table 1 above.
See Schedule 6 Concession to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for further details.
For some occupations, a reduction in the current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) may apply. Where a business case can be made for the reduction, there are two concession types available:
- Type 1: Reduced TSMIT - at least 90% of the current TSMIT
- Type 2: At least reduced TSMIT and included non-monetary earnings (such as food and board) equal to no more than 10% of TSMIT
For more details on salary requirements, see the Department of Home Affairs: Market Salary and TSMIT
From 1 July 2024, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was increased from $70,000.00 to $73,150.00. All new employer nomination applications that are submitted on or after 1 July 2024 must meet the new TSMIT of $73,150.00 or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is higher.
If you have previously made an application for endorsement and now require a TSMIT concession, please email dama@dardanup.wa.gov.au to seek a variation.
Skills and Qualifications
See Schedule 5 Qualifications and Experience for further details.
Note skills assessment for DAMA purposes may differ from skills assessment requirements under the general Migration system.
Occupations not in ANZSCO
For job descriptions and requirements for the included occupations not included in ANZSCO,
See Schedule 4 Occupations not in ANZSCO
Permanent Residency Pathway
As of Augsut 2024 Skill level 1-5 occupations may be eligible for a ENS/186 visa (permanent residency) pathway after two years holding a South West DAMA TSS/482 visa.
See Schedule 8 Permanent Residence Pathway for further details.
New Application Process
Lodge your application by filling in and submitting our new web form (see below). If you have your business information, nomination details and contact information handy the form will take around 15 minute to fill in.
Sign the form electronically to secure your nominations then follow up with your supporting information to progress your application for endorsement. Further instructions are on the form.
If you have any further queries or would like to stay informed of updates relating to the DAMA, please contact the DAMA Officer on 08 9724 0000 or by email: dama@dardanup.wa.gov.au
Quick Links
Employers Guide to Accessing a Labour Agreement
DAMA FAQ
DAMA Glossary
Department of Home Affairs – Labour Agreements
Department of Home Affairs – Labour Market Testing
Department of Home Affairs – Market Salary and TSMIT