THE HON ALEX HAWKE MP
MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES
AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
THE HON MELISSA PRICE MP
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
30 March
The city of Karratha and town of Port Hedland are the latest areas to benefit from the introduction of a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the signing of the new Pilbara DAMA.
The Pilbara region is renowned as a ‘mining powerhouse’ accounting for more than 70 percent of Western Australia’s mineral and energy production. Pilbara’s iron ore and liquefied natural gas industries are valued at over $70 billion, making the region a major contributor to the nation’s wealth.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said with a large number of workers being fly-in-fly-out employees, the region is in the unique situation of not being able to fill all available job vacancies with local residents.
“The establishment of the Pilbara DAMA will play a significant part in building the region, drawing highly skilled workers to reside locally and support diversification of the local economy by providing opportunities for critical support services for the region,” Minister Hawke said.
“The Pilbara region has $170 billion worth of investment proposed in the resource industry in the near future, according to the Pilbara Development Commission. This investment will create more employment opportunities that need to be filled by skilled workers.
“In addition, a major influx of service workers in aged and health care, education and transportation will be required to support the expanding population and maintain a high level of liveability in the region.”
The Pilbara DAMA covers 66 occupations which include trades and machinery operation, engineers and trades to support the current resource industries, as well as key service occupations including aged and child care and health services to support the increasing population in the region.
Federal Member for Durack the Hon Melissa Price MP said the Pilbara region has an abundance of employment opportunities on offer and a lifestyle not available anywhere else.
“I have fought hard for this Pilbara DAMA as it will be particularly helpful to drive the growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Pilbara who have struggled to grow due to a lack of staff. This DAMA demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities and local businesses in regional Australia,” Minister Price said.
“The significant concessions and permanent residence pathways afforded via the Pilbara DAMA provide added incentives for skilled workers to seriously consider relocation to the region.”
The signing of the Pilbara DAMA is one of several now established between West Australian regional representative bodies and the Australian Government.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Pilbara is the Designated Area Representative. RDA Pilbara will administer the process of accessing the Pilbara DAMA which will open to businesses operating in the Local Government Areas of the City of Karratha and town of Port Hedland. Local business can apply individually to access the DAMA from May 2022.
City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said attracting and retaining staff is a critical issue facing the business community.
“The Pilbara DAMA is a key part of the City’s efforts to support local businesses navigate staff shortages and fill gaps in the labour market so that they remain productive and sustainable into the future” said Mr Long.
Chief Executive Officer for Town of Port Hedland Carl Askew said that speaking with local businesses, it’s clear that labour shortages continue to be a challenge impacting operations and growth.
“The Pilbara DAMA will enable Hedland based businesses to recruit skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers in certain occupations to meet demand.
This DAMA is the beginning of a unique partnership opportunity to work collaboratively across different levels of government to bring benefit to our business community” said Mr Askew.
The Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Karratha & Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the introduction of the DAMA.
For more information visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-migration/dama
For further information:
Minister Hawke’s Office – 02 6277 7070
Minister Price’s Office - Rose Crane 0427 587 395 -rosemea.crane@aph.gov.au