More informationFor more information about the range of solutions available to support regional industry and businesses visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au

Migration agreements for regional Australia Regional employers may access a range of visa options in circumstances when Australian workers are not available to meet local labour market shortages. This includes the use of designated area migration agreements (DAMAs).

How is the business case assessed?The business case to establish a DAMA will be assessed against a number of factors. The Department will consider all information and evidence to ensure it demonstrates:

• that genuine efforts have been made to recruit and employ Australian workers

• commitment by employers to build their Australian workforce capacity by transferring skills and knowledge from overseas workers, and providing training and development

• Australian workplace obligations and laws have been and will continue to be upheld

• education and support is available for employers and employees

• evidence of engagement between the DAR and stakeholders

• settlement support is available in the regional community

• that the views of stakeholders have been collected.

How do I establish a designated area migration agreement?A DAR may be someone from a state, territory or regional authority or local council who engages with employers and stakeholders in the region and works to understand the area’s workforce needs, issues and broad community views. Based on this engagement, the DAR will create a business case that includes:

• Objectives that will be achieved through a DAMA

• Region specific information (e.g. skill gaps, demographics, unemployment statistics)

• Labour market situation and analysis• A list of occupations required and

maximum number of positions sought per year (an agreed maximum number of overseas workers nominated each year)

What is a designated area migration agreement?DAMAs enable regions to respond to their unique workforce shortages using experienced, skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers. A DAMA is a formal agreement between a Designated Area Representative (DAR) and the Australian Government, authorised by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.

The Government seeks to ensure employers recruit Australians as a first priority. Where Australian workers are not available, a DAMA may assist employers to recruit experienced, skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers. A DAMA allows employers in the region to sponsor overseas workers in a broader range of occupations than are available through the standard skilled migration program.

Once a DAMA is in place, local employers that have been assessed and endorsed by the DAR can apply to enter into individual labour agreements under the conditions of the DAMA. Labour agreements use the Temporary Skill Shortage and the Employer Nomination Scheme programs.

• Unique occupation requirements (for example, skills and experience or English language level) supported by a clear rationale, evidence and sound management strategies

• Information on settlement support for overseas workers and their families in the region including housing, education, health and other community services

• Any supporting data or evidence.

The Department and the DAR will work together to find a flexible labour solution for a defined geographic region.