NT has new Designated Area Migration Agreement to boost ECEC and other occupations

The Federal Government has secured a new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Northern Territory (NT) to provide ongoing access for employers in the Territory until 30 June 2030.

The new agreement features an expanded range of 325 occupations across various industries and sectors in the Territory where there are workforce shortages, including early childhood education and care. 

In contrast, 135 occupations were available under the previous DAMA. The NT was the first jurisdiction to establish a DAMA in 2015 and this will be the third DAMA established for the Territory.

The NT DAMA III allows for up to 1,500 approved nominations per year for overseas workers on a Skills in Demand or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, an increase from the 625 annual nominations facilitated under the previous agreement. 

Evidence of sustained labour market shortages is a key component in the establishment of the new DAMA and includes occupation and regional level labour market analysis undertaken by Jobs and Skills Australia.

Since 2015, the NT DAMA has enabled local employers to address their unique economic and labour market needs with a level of flexibility that is not available in standard skilled migration programs.

“We have worked with the NT government to develop an agreement that will support business growth, fair worker conditions and growth in the NT economy,” Assistant Minister for Immigration, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP said. 

The new approach will also support the alignment of the DAMA program with state and territory migration plans and the multi-year planning models.

Learn more here.