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

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 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.

Apply Now!

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