One of the most impactful tools shaping regional skilled migration is the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). A DAMA is a formal labour agreement between Australia’s federal government and a specific regional authority (such as a state government or a Regional Development Australia body). These agreements allow certain regions to access overseas workers under more flexible conditions than the standard visa programs. In essence, a DAMA is a custom deal to help a region fill its unique skill shortages. Each agreement is region-specific and typically lasts five years.
Where Are DAMAs Available?
As of 2025, Australia has 13 DAMAs in place covering different regions and industries. Each DAMA is championed by a Designated Area Representative (DAR), which could be a local government, chamber of commerce or state agency that coordinates the program locally. Employers must first seek endorsement from the DAR before they can enter into an individual labour agreement under the DAMA. They also need to labour-market test each role to show no Australian workers are available, ensuring that hiring overseas is a last resort. Some of the regions under DAMA are:
- Far North Queensland
- Northern Territory
- Orana (NSW)
- South Australia
- Western Australia (Goldfields, Pilbara, Kimberley)
- Victoria’s Great South Coast
How Employers Benefit
With a DAMA, you can:
- Sponsor workers in roles not eligible under standard visas
- Overcome chronic shortages in sectors like aged care, trades, agriculture, and hospitality
- Access streamlined pathways to fill vacancies faster
For example:
A regional aged care provider struggling to meet English score requirements can sponsor carers under a DAMA with a concession.
Employer Obligations
To use a DAMA, employers must:
- Get endorsement from the regional DAR
- Prove they tried to hire locally
- Sign an individual labour agreement
- Meet all sponsorship obligations
This process ensures overseas hiring is genuine and fair.
The Impact So Far
Recent figures show 40% of workers recruited through DAMAs are placed in regional areas, driving economic renewal. Programs like Northern Territory DAMA III and WA’s statewide DAMA are already expanding opportunities across hundreds of occupations.
Is a DAMA Right for Your Business?
A DAMA could be a game-changer if you:
- Operate in a designated regional area
- Struggle to find skilled Australian workers
- Need flexibility on age, salary, or English requirements
How Aurelia Legal Can Help
Our team can:
- Assess your business eligibility
- Prepare your endorsement request
- Manage the labour agreement process
- Advise on compliance and sponsorship obligations
Want to learn more about DAMAs?
📞 (03) 9125 8820
✉️ info@aurelialegal.com.au
🌐 www.aurelialegal.com.au
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa criteria, policy, and processing times are subject to change. Please consult a registered migration agent or legal practitioner for advice specific to your situation.