Federal government announced a new immigration policy, announcing plans for skilled immigrants to settle in regional area. Accordingly, the main keyword for the future settlements in Australia and the acquisition of Australian permanent residency is expected to be "regional settlement."
Morrison government, which signed a five-year ‘Designated Area Migration Agreements(DAMA)’ with Northern Territory and Victoria in December last year, have reached agreement with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder on the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) in March 2019.
The Goldfields DAMA is a five year labour agreement between the Federal Government, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Shires of Coolgardie, Leonora and Menzies.
The new arrangements will assist a range of industries including mining, engineering, construction, childcare and health among others helping to drive economic growth and fill critical employment gaps.
Covering 73 occupations, up to 500 people per year will be able to be sponsored over the five-year agreement through the new DAMA.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman said the Federal Government is working to address the skills needs of regional Australia.
“The Morrison Government is working to support the growth of regions and match our migration program with labour market needs, particularly in regional Australia,” Mr Coleman said.
“Our first priority is always to fill jobs with Australians, but the immigration system can play an important role in helping to address regional skills gaps.
Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson commended the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for their hard work and willingness to work with the Commonwealth to support the local community.
“The Goldfields has suffered from a skilled workforce shortage for too long which is having a negative impact on the entire community,” Mr Wilson said.
“Through this agreement, we will see more families moving to the Goldfields which will in turn have a flow-on effect on the economy.”
Chief Executive Officer of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder John Walker said the DAMA would offer a solution to ongoing skill shortages and the estimated 1,500 job vacancies in the Goldfields region.
“The City welcomes the Federal Government’s support and believes a DAMA will encourage skilled migrants to come work and reside in regional Western Australia,” Mr Walker said.
