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	Shire of Collie
City of Busselton	Shire of Dardanup
Shire of Augusta Margaret River	Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
Shire of Boyup Brook	Shire of Harvey
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes	Shire of Manjimup
Shire of Capel	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

     

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 see Schedules 4-8

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 the South West Occupation List table 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 the South West Occupation List table 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 the South West Occupation List table 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 August 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.

Application Process

APPLY NOW!

Lodge your application by filling in and submitting our new web form (Click APPLY NOW!). 

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, please complete the 'General Enquiries' form below and a response will be sent via email.

  

General Enquiries

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