South Australia has agreed two new Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) with the federal government.
The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement and Regional South Australia DAMA arrangements will assist a range of industries including agriculture, forestry, hospitality, tourism, health and construction among others help to fill critical employment gaps and drive economic growth.
Covering 60 occupations, up to 300 people per year will be able to be sponsored over the five-year agreement through the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA.
Under the Regional South Australia DAMA up to 750 people per year will be able to be sponsored over the five-year agreement covering 114 occupations.
South Australia will join the Northern Territory and Kalgoorlie-Boulder among the first regions in Australia to enter a five-year agreement aimed at ensuring skilled migrants contribute through employment in key roles where Australian workers are not available.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman said the Federal Government is working to address the skills needs of regional Australia.
“The Morrison Government is working to support the growth of regions and match our migration program with labour market needs, particularly in regional Australia,” Mr Coleman said.
“These agreements with South Australia follow the success of the Northern Territory DAMA and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to supporting skill needs across Australia where Australian workers are not available to fill those jobs.”
South Australia Premier Steven Marshall said he is delighted the Morrison Government is backing the state’s population growth agenda through two new tailored DAMAs aimed at addressing skills shortages across the state.
“These new DAMA arrangements provide a springboard for businesses to access the skills they need to meet their specific workforce requirements, and try and minimise where possible any critical shortages,” said Marshall. “Importantly, they give our growing regional industries support to attract skilled workers and boost the population of regional areas, creating more local jobs and a thriving economy.”
Article published 21st March 2019