Timing a concern with updated DAMA jobs deal
Territory businesses remain uncertain despite a federal government commitment around a new immigration jobs scheme
Northern Territory
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The federal government has approved a third round of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), but key industries are still worried about the time frames for the scheme’s roll out.
The NT News revealed last week representatives from key Territory industry groups had written to Assistant Immigration Minister, Matt Thistlethwaite, the federal representative responsible for the scheme, raising concerns about signing a new agreement.
Cathy Simmonds from Hospitality NT and Damien Moriarty from Master Builders Association led the campaign, with other groups including the Motor Trades Association also highlighting concerns about recruitment.
Minister Thistlethwaite responded to industry concerns with a letter delivered at the weekend confirming the scheme would be renewed.
“The Australian Government is committed to supporting the skilled migration needs of regional Australia and appreciates the significant role that the DAMA plays in assisting employers in the Territory to address their workforce challenges.,” he said.
“I am pleased to advise you of the government’s decision to establish a third DAMA for the Territory to be in effect until 30 June 2030. Through the establishment of this agreement the government reaffirms its long-term commitment to assist employers in the Territory to address critical labour shortages.”
While welcoming the commitment, Ms Simmonds said she remained concerned at the delay in ratifying the renewed document and that the DAMA application process hadn’t yet opened on the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations website.
“It’s great to hear there’s been some progress towards restoring the NT DAMA and getting the skilled workers we urgently need,” Ms Simmonds said.
“We’ve got serious workforce shortages here in the Territory, despite the DAMA being in place since 2015 – the gap since the agreement expired in December has been really damaging.
“I’d love to see even more visas, more occupations, and faster approval times in the next NT DAMA.”
In his letter to Minister Thistlethwaite, Motor Trades Association chief executive Matt Hobbs provided numbers to back-up his call for the DAMA to be resigned.
“The Northern Territory automotive industry is experiencing unprecedented skill shortages, which have not been addressed through local employment and investment in apprentices,” Mr Hobbs said.
“An Industry Report, ‘Directions in Australia’s Automotive Industry’, highlights that the Northern Territory has a skill shortage of approximately 435 positions across all automotive occupations.”
Solomon MP Luke Gosling said the DAMA commitment showed Federal Labor backed the Territory’s skills development.
“The Albanese Government continues to support the skilled migration needs of the Territory and assisting employers in the Territory to address their workforce challenges,” he said.
“This is great news for Territory employers and businesses. More workers, more occupations and an agreement for five years.”
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Originally published as Timing a concern with updated DAMA jobs deal
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