Population boost for Territory as new DAMA II agreement set to attract migrant workers to NT

THE Territory will now be a more attractive place for migrants to live thanks to key changes in the second Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA II) between the NT and Federal governments, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner

The Territory will be a more attractive place for migrants to live thanks to key changes in the second Designated Area Migration Agreement

ASPIRATIONS of lifting the Territory’s population through migrant intake have been given a boost by legislation agreed to by the NT and Federal governments.

DAMA II (Designated Area Migration Agreement) visa holders can now apply for permanent residency after working in the Northern Territory for at least three years.

Mr Gunner said the new agreement complemented his recently released population strategy to attract people to live and work in the NT.

“The addition of the pathway to permanent residency in DAMA II gives skilled migrants a big incentive to move to the NT and stay long-term,” Mr Gunner said.

He said while his Government’s No.1 priority was jobs for Territorians, retention of a suitably skilled workforce was a key issue for many Territory employers.

“There is a need for additional workers, more people moving to the Territory equals more jobs,” Mr Gunner said.

“The Territory Government fought hard for the inclusion of the pathway to permanent residency in this new five-year agreement, which we expect to significantly increase the number of skilled migrants moving to the Territory.”

Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman acknowledged the special circumstances of remote and regional locations.

“DAMA II is an example of the Government using Australia’s migration program to benefit specific locations such as the Northern Territory,” he said.

“The Government is working to improve our immigration program to better match the needs of our states, territories and regional areas.

“Our first priority is always to fill jobs with Australians, but the immigration system can play a key role in helping to address regional skills gaps.

“The NT has seen first-hand the benefits of using a DAMA to respond to their unique workforce shortages.”

As well as the addition of the pathway to permanent residency in DAMA II, an additional 37 occupations are now available to overseas nationals in the Northern Territory. DAMA II identifies 117 shortage occupations where employers can recruit skilled migrants if they are unable to fill positions locally.

Under DAMA II, employers must seek to hire Australian workers by conducting labour market testing before any overseas workers can be recruited.