Skilled Workers Now Easier to Hire in Australia: More Opportunities for Employers

Introduction

The Australian Government has introduced a new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Northern Territory (NT), ensuring that local employers can continue accessing skilled workers from overseas until 30 June 2030. This renewed agreement marks the third iteration of DAMA in the NT, building on the success of the previous agreements while introducing several key enhancements.

With a focus on addressing persistent workforce shortages and supporting economic growth, the new DAMA introduces a wider range of occupations and increases the annual nomination cap, providing businesses with more opportunities to secure skilled workers in critical sectors.

Expanded Occupations and Increased Nominations

The newly established NT DAMA offers a significantly expanded list of 325 occupations, allowing businesses across various industries to access a broader talent pool. This is a notable increase from the 135 occupations previously available, ensuring that employers have greater flexibility in recruiting workers to fill in-demand roles.

In addition to expanding the occupation list, the agreement raises the annual nomination cap from 625 to 1,500 nominations per year, providing more avenues for employers to sponsor overseas workers through either the Skills in Demand visa or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. This increase will enable businesses to respond more effectively to labour shortages and meet their long-term workforce needs.

Addressing Workforce Shortages in the NT

The establishment of the new DAMA is based on extensive labour market analysis conducted by Jobs and Skills Australia, which highlighted sustained workforce shortages in the Northern Territory across various sectors. By addressing these gaps, the new agreement ensures that NT businesses can recruit the skilled workforce they need to thrive and grow.

This data-driven approach reinforces the NT Government’s commitment to filling critical skill shortages while ensuring that businesses maintain fair wages and conditions for their workforce.

Flexibility and Customisation for NT Employers

Since its inception in 2015, the NT DAMA has empowered local employers to address their unique economic and labour market needs by offering a level of flexibility that standard skilled migration programs do not provide. DAMA III continues this tradition by introducing greater flexibility in sponsoring workers across multiple sectors, helping businesses remain competitive in a dynamic economy.

The agreement also includes provisions that allow for concessions on salary, English language requirements, and age limits, ensuring that a wide range of skilled workers can participate in the NT labour market. These concessions are tailored to meet the specific workforce demands of the Territory and enhance the attractiveness of the NT as a destination for skilled migrants.

Alignment with State and Territory Migration Plans

DAMA III also introduces a more structured alignment with state and territory migration plans to ensure that long-term workforce planning models are integrated effectively. By aligning the DAMA with NT migration strategies, the government aims to create a more sustainable and responsive migration framework that caters to both immediate and future labour market needs.

Key Enhancements in DAMA III

• Expanded Occupation List: 325 occupations available across various sectors, up from 135
• Increased Nomination Cap: 1,500 nominations annually, offering more opportunities for overseas workers
• Flexibility for Employers: Greater customisation and concessions to address workforce demands
• Alignment with NT Migration Plans: Strengthened integration with regional migration planning models

Benefits for NT Businesses

The new DAMA brings several advantages for NT businesses:

Increased Workforce Access: Access to a broader range of skilled workers to address critical shortages.
Improved Flexibility: Tailored concessions on language, salary, and age requirements.
Higher Nomination Quota: More nomination spots to sponsor skilled migrants each year.
Sustained Economic Growth: Enhanced support for business growth and workforce stability.

Why the New DAMA is Crucial for NT Growth

By enhancing access to skilled migrants and offering greater flexibility in workforce planning, the new DAMA ensures that NT businesses remain resilient and competitive. Employers in critical sectors such as health, hospitality, agriculture, and construction will particularly benefit from this agreement, enabling them to meet operational demands and foster sustainable business growth.

Supporting Fair Wages and Worker Conditions

A core focus of the updated agreement is maintaining fair wages and working conditions for overseas workers. The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that all workers are compensated fairly and treated with dignity while contributing to the growth of NT communities.

Historical Success and Continued Growth

The NT pioneered the first DAMA in 2015, demonstrating a successful model for addressing regional skill shortages. Since its inception, the DAMA has played a critical role in helping local employers meet their unique economic and labour market needs. The introduction of DAMA III further reinforces this commitment, ensuring that the NT continues to attract and retain a skilled workforce.

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