South Australia will receive an economic boost with the Morrison Government agreeing to two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) with the South Australian Government.
The Adelaide Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement and Regional South Australia DAMA arrangements will assist a range of industries including agriculture, forestry, hospitality, tourism, health and construction among others helping to fill critical employment gaps and drive economic growth.
These agreements also recognise our commitment to South Australia becoming a world-class centre for space, defence and innovation.
Covering 60 occupations, up to 300 people per year will be able to be sponsored over the five-year agreement through the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA.
Under the Regional South Australia DAMA up to 750 people per year will be able to be sponsored over the five-year agreement covering 117 occupations.
South Australia joins Victoria’s Great South Coast, and Kalgoorlie-Boulder among the first regions in Australia to enter a five-year agreement with the Commonwealth aimed at ensuring skilled migrants contribute through employment in key roles where Australian workers are not available.
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.
“These agreements with South Australia follow the success of the Northern Territory DAMA and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to supporting skill needs across Australia where Australian workers are not available to fill those jobs.”
Premier Steven Marshall said he is delighted the Morrison Government is backing South Australia’s population growth agenda through two new tailored DAMAs aimed at addressing skills shortages across the state.
“These new DAMA arrangements provide a springboard for businesses to access the skills they need to meet their specific workforce requirements, and try and minimise where possible any critical shortages,” said Premier Marshall.
“Importantly, they give our growing regional industries support to attract skilled workers and boost the population of regional areas, creating more local jobs and a thriving economy.”
