Goldfields DAMA: Skilled Migration Pathways for Regional Western Australia Employers

The Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a strategic migration program designed to help employers in the Goldfields region of Western Australia address ongoing workforce shortages.

Through this regional labour agreement, eligible employers can sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for roles that cannot be filled locally. The Goldfields DAMA also provides pathways to permanent residency, offering both regional employers and workers a long-term solution to regional labour challenges.

Che cos'è un DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and a Designated Area Representative (DAR) — typically a local council, regional development authority, or other governing body.

Each DAMA responds to the unique workforce and economic needs of a specific region, offering greater flexibility than standard skilled migration programs. It allows employers to sponsor workers for a wider range of occupations and access special concessions on criteria such as English language requirements, age limits, and minimum salary thresholds.

About the Goldfields DAMA

The Goldfields DAMA was established to strengthen the regional workforce and support economic development in the Goldfields–Esperance region of Western Australia.

This vast area covers key local government areas, including:

• City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
• Shire of Coolgardie
• Shire of Leonora
• Shire of Laverton
• Shire of Esperance
• Shire of Menzies
• Shire of Dundas
• Shire of Ravensthorpe

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for this DAMA, managing employer endorsements and ensuring compliance with federal and regional employment standards.

The Goldfields region is known for its mining, resources, construction, logistics, agriculture, and hospitality industries — all of which face persistent skill shortages that this DAMA directly targets.

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Caratteristiche principali e concessioni DAMA

The Goldfields DAMA offers significant advantages over standard skilled migration pathways. Its concessions and expanded occupation coverage make it particularly beneficial for regional employers.

1. Expanded Occupation List

Employers can access an extensive list of approved occupations, including skilled and semi-skilled roles not available under standard visa programs. This allows regional businesses to recruit for a broader range of positions across multiple industries.

2. English Language Concessions

The DAMA allows for reduced English language requirements for certain occupations, ensuring that practical skills and experience are prioritised where appropriate.

3. Age Concessions

Applicants may qualify for age concessions up to 55 years, depending on the occupation, facilitating permanent residency pathways for experienced professionals.

4. Salary Concessions (TSMIT Adjustments)

The DAMA provides salary threshold flexibility that aligns with local market conditions while maintaining fair and lawful wages under Australian employment standards.

5. Pathways to Permanent Residency

The Goldfields DAMA offers clear, structured pathways to permanent residency, providing certainty for both employers and employees seeking long-term arrangements.

The Endorsement and Application Process

To participate in the Goldfields DAMA, employers must first obtain endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder (DAR) before lodging a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.

The process includes the following steps:

1. DAR Endorsement:
   Employers must demonstrate financial viability, compliance with employment laws, and genuine efforts to hire locally before seeking overseas sponsorship.
2. Labour Agreement Request:
   Once endorsed, employers apply to the Department of Home Affairs for approval of a labour agreement under the DAMA framework.
3. Nomination and Visa Application:
   Following approval, employers nominate the overseas worker for a suitable visa (typically the Subclass 482 TSS or Subclass 494 SESR), and the worker then lodges their visa application.
4. Permanent Residency Transition:
   After a period of qualifying employment, eligible workers can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 (ENS) or Subclass 191 (PRSR) visa streams.

Australian Migration Lawyers assist employers and workers at every stage of this process, ensuring legal compliance, accurate documentation, and efficient handling of all applications.

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DAMA Skills Assessment

The skills assessment requirements under the Goldfields DAMA vary depending on the occupation and skill level.

• For ANZSCO levels 1–3, a formal skills assessment from an approved authority is typically required.
• For levels 4–5, practical experience and employer verification may be accepted in place of a formal assessment, depending on the specific occupation.

Australian Migration Lawyers provide tailored guidance to help employers and applicants prepare the appropriate evidence and documentation required for DAMA visa applications.

Industries Supported by the Goldfields DAMA

The Goldfields region has a strong and diverse economy, and the DAMA is designed to support growth in key sectors, including:

• Mining and resources
• Engineering and construction
• Transport, logistics, and warehousing
• Agriculture and agribusiness
• Healthcare and aged care
• Hospitality and tourism
• Manufacturing and maintenance

By offering employers access to skilled workers through flexible migration options, the Goldfields DAMA strengthens the long-term sustainability of these critical industries.

Permanent Residency Pathways

One of the most significant advantages of the Goldfields DAMA is the clear and reliable pathway to permanent residency.

After a qualifying period under either the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visa, eligible workers may transition to:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186); or
• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).

This provides skilled migrants and their families with long-term stability while ensuring the retention of experienced workers in regional Western Australia.

Come possono aiutarvi gli avvocati australiani specializzati in migrazione

Navigating the Goldfields DAMA process requires attention to detail and compliance with both regional and federal migration laws.

Australian Migration Lawyers offer comprehensive legal support to employers and visa applicants, including:

• Assessing employer and occupation eligibility;
• Preparing and lodging DAR endorsement and labour agreement applications;
• Managing nomination and visa submissions;
• Advising on skills assessments, LMT evidence, and TSMIT compliance; and
• Assisting with permanent residency transitions under the DAMA framework.

Our expertise ensures that employers can meet workforce needs efficiently while maintaining full legal compliance.

Domande frequenti

1. Who manages the Goldfields DAMA?

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the Goldfields region.

2. Which areas are included in the Goldfields DAMA?

It covers the Goldfields–Esperance region, including Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Coolgardie, Leonora, Esperance, Laverton, and surrounding shires.

3. What visas can be accessed through the DAMA?

The Subclass 482 (TSS) and Subclass 494 (SESR) visas are used, with pathways to permanent residency via Subclass 186 and Subclass 191.

4. What concessions are available?

Employers and applicants can access concessions for age, English language, and salary requirements, depending on the occupation.

5. In che modo possono aiutarti gli avvocati specializzati in immigrazione australiani?

We manage the full legal process — from endorsement and labour agreement negotiation to visa lodgement and PR transition — ensuring compliance and optimised outcomes for employers and skilled migrants.