The Department of Home Affairs has entered agreements with regional authorities in South Australia and Western Australian to host skilled migrants in areas where Australian workers are not available.
Announced by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman, the Department’s new Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) are aimed at assisting a range of industries including agriculture, forestry, hospitality, tourism, health and construction.
A five-year agreement with Adelaide City covers 60 occupations, with up to 300 people per year able to be sponsored.
A separate agreement for regional South Australia covers up to 750 people per year in 114 occupations.
In Western Australia the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has signed a DAMA covering 73 occupations and up to 500 people with mining, engineering, construction, childcare and health most likely to benefit.
Along with the Northern Territory, these regions are among the first to enter five-year agreements with the Department aimed at ensuring skilled migrants contribute through employment in key roles where Australian workers are not available.
Mr Coleman said the Department was working to ensure the skills needs of regional Australia matched the migration program.
“Our first priority is always to fill jobs with Australians, but the immigration system can play an important role in helping to address regional skills gaps,” Mr Coleman said.
