East Kimberley Designated Area Migration Agreement, advancing North-West Australia

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

With over 100 occupations available under the newly signed East Kimberley Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), the region is well positioned to harness opportunities for continued economic expansion.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said attracting workers to relocate to regional areas is a priority for the Australian Government.

“The provisions afforded under the DAMA, including permanent residency pathways, provide a significant incentive for overseas skilled workers to consider making the East Kimberley region home,” Minister Hawke said.

“While the first priority is always to fill labour shortages from the domestic workforce, the DAMA will seek to lessen the chronic workforce shortage in current and expanding industries in the East Kimberley region.”

While mining industry continues to generate the largest economic output in East Kimberley, it is the health care and social assistance industry which is the largest employment sector in the East Kimberley.

The expansion of the Ord project is a significant investment in and expansion of the Ord River Irrigated Area and provides potential for growth in both the agricultural and tourism sectors, warranting a larger workforce in the region.

Federal Member for Durack the Hon Melissa Price MP said the DAMA provides a strong framework to support rural and regional businesses to fill critical skill shortages.

“The East Kimberley DAMA includes a large number of occupations which are not available under the standard visa programs,” Minister Price said.

“I very much appreciate that the East Kimberley has done it tough during COVID-19 and I have worked hard to secure the DAMA to support local business.” 

“There has been a push for economic diversification in the East Kimberley region with industries such as forestry, aquaculture, administration and support services, tourism and aviation gaining momentum.”

“This expansion of industries is reflected in the wide range of occupations covered by the East Kimberley DAMA.”

The Agreement also seeks to attract workers in service industries to ensure there is sufficient capacity in areas such as health, childcare and aged care to support the population growth in the region.

The signing of the East Kimberley DAMA is one of several now established between regional Western Australian area representatives and the Australian Government.

East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI) is the Designated Area Representative.  EKCCI will administer the process of accessing the East Kimberley DAMA which will open to businesses operating in the Local Government Area of the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.  Local business can apply individually to access the DAMA from April 2022.

EKCCI President Amanda McLean said the DAMA would be an important mechanism to address ongoing skills shortages in the East Kimberley region.

“Our business community has suffered through years of severe labour shortages which has had an ongoing impact on many businesses ability to operate.  We are very pleased to see a five year DAMA come into effect and we look forward to working with the Federal Government and welcoming many skilled migrants to our beautiful region,” Ms McLean said.

Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley President David Menzel said the DAMA in the East Kimberley will provide businesses with another pathway to attract and retain skilled workers, and it will also provide security to migrants that have already chosen to call the East Kimberley their home.

“These workers will benefit from the various concessions and flexibility a DAMA offers and give them the confidence to put down roots and settle in our region in a long-term capacity” said Mr Menzel.

For more information visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-immigration/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

Employment opportunities abound with new Pilbara Designated Area Migration Agreement

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

Durack gets major funding boost for NBN fixed wireless services

The electorate of Durack will have access to a significantly more capable NBN network following a $480 million investment by the Morrison Government in the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

 Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said this is a significant and very welcome investment.

“Improving technological services for Durack business and residents has always one of my priorities so I am pleased to see that 24, 000 Durack premises, from Bindoon to Northam to Moonyoonooka in the Midwest are included in this expansion of NBN services,” Ms Price said.

“I am expecting the investment in NBN Co’s non‑commercial fixed wireless network will significantly improve the quality of services being provided over the NBN fixed wireless and satellite networks. By using the latest 4G and 5G wireless technology, this upgrade will extend the coverage range from a tower, and allow higher speed services to everyone served by the tower,” Ms Price said

This upgrade also means big benefits for NBN satellite users because some existing NBN satellite customers will move to fixed wireless, this will free up capacity on the satellite network.

Nationally, the upgrade will expand the fixed wireless footprint coverage by up to 50 per cent, enabling 120,000 additional premises to access fixed wireless services instead of Sky Muster satellite services.

The increased services also means much higher actual speeds during the “network busy hour” – the time of day when the network is most heavily used, typically around 8:00 pm at night. The network design metric for the busy hour today is 6 Mbps, this will rise sharply following the upgrade, to 50 Mbps. This means customers will benefit even if they do not order a higher speed plan, as they will experience a sharp increase in the actual speed of their current plan.

The people of Durack made their voices heard through the Regional Telecommunications Review – telecommunications matters for every community, including ours, and this is very much a welcome investment in the region’s future

 Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Federal Budget Delivering Better Infrastructure for Durack

The Morrison Government is continuing to drive the growth of Durack, providing more funding through the 2022-23 Budget for infrastructure projects that will create jobs, benefit locals, and drive economic growth.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said these projects will make roads safer, reduce travel times and boost the economy.

“The Federal Government’s record infrastructure investment pipeline continues to deliver better outcomes for the people of Durack. Investing in infrastructure upgrades ensures we are planning for a better future, giving locals the roads and services they need and deserve,” Ms Price said.

Key local projects funded through the Budget include:

• $40m Newman to Katherine Corridor Upgrade (WA) - Great Northern Highway Upgrade - Newman to Port Hedland Overtaking Lanes.

  Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) program.

• $140m Regional Road Safety Upgrades. Targeted regional road upgrades across Western Australia to ensure roads meet current road safety standards. The upgrades will include shoulder sealing, widening road mediums and the installation of audible edge lines.

  Infrastructure Investment Program.

“The Morrison Government will continue to invest in the projects that keep commuters and freight moving, create jobs, and make our nation and economy stronger, as well as boosting regional employment. The Great Northern Highway project is expected to support 90 direct and indirect jobs,” Ms Price said.

The 2022-23 Morrison Budget builds on the substantial investment our government has already made in Durack including a share of the pandemic recovery $2.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) fund with the additional $1 billion third phase currently being delivered to all local governments.

 For more information on investments, visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au

 Ends.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Securing Essential Supplies for Durack’s Remote Communities

Funding will provide 11 Durack stores with the resources they need to improve their supply chains, storage and delivery of products in their communities.

Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange Inc

Purchase and installation of fridges, shelving and cold storage

$228,262.52

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corp

Djarindjin, Western Australia

Minor infrastructure, including Point of Sale and kitchen upgrades

$95,506.00

Jarlmadangah Burru Aboriginal Corporation

Purchase and installation of off-grid solar power system, including chest freezer units and modular cold room

$111,664.00

Kiwirrkurra Council Aboriginal Corporation

Kitchen upgrades

$67,834.93

Kunawarritji Aboriginal Corporation

Refrigeration upgrades

$69,601.00

Kupungarri Aboriginal Corporation

Mount Barnett, Western Australia

Installation of solar power and cold storage solutions

$485,912.00

Looma Enterprises Pty Ltd

Purchase of cool storage, shop infrastructure and repairs, and kitchen upgrades

$125,715.14

Mangunampi Mangarri Incorporated

Yakanarra

Replace fresh food cool room and extend storeroom

$234,000.00

Ngarlan Store Indigenous Corporation

Beagle Bay, Western Australia

Purchase of a new forklift and upgrades to Point of Sale equipment

$58,175.00

Uraro Community Store Pty Ltd

Kalumburu, Western Australia

Kitchen and Point of Sale upgrades

$118,190.14

Wirrimanu Community Store Aboriginal Corporation

Balgo, Western Australia

Extend takeaway kitchen and training facility and purchase a refrigerated shipping container

$209,630.14

ENDS.

Durack recipients of the Surf Life Saving Australia’s Beach Safety Equipment Fund

The Morrison Government’s investment in Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) Beach Safety Equipment Fund has helped five clubs in Durack purchase vital lifesaving equipment to prevent fatal and non-fatal drownings. Congratulations to all recipients.

Champion Bay

Oxygen resuscitation equipment
Patrol accessories
PPE

Rescue boards
Defibrillator battery/pads

Fuel Cells x1
Dongara-Denison

Rescue boards
First aid equipment

Fuel cells
PPE
Rescue Accessory

Geraldton

Oxygen resuscitation equipment
Rescue tubes/fins
Patrol Accessories

Rescue boards

Port Walcott

First Aid kits
Oxygen resuscitation equipment
Patrol accessories
Rescue tubes/fins

Tablet
IRB accessories

First Aid kit
Patrol tent

Broome

Manikin
Oxygen resuscitation equipment
Patrol accessories
Rescue boards
Rescue tubes/fins

Defibrillators
Fuel Cells
Manikins
Patrol Accessories
Rescue Boards

Aussie rock lobster exports get a boost

THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP

MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE NATIONALS

THE HON MELISSA PRICE MP

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY

MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MEMBER FOR DURACK

SENATOR THE HON JONNO DUNIAM

ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

  JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

23 March 2022

Aussie rock lobster exports get a boost

• Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative Limited (GFC) awarded $1,926,000 Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant.

• Funding to explore new international markets for lobster exports.

A $1,926,000 Australian Government grant to Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative Limited (GFC) will diversify the product range to expand into new international markets for Australian lobster exports.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the funding would expand export market opportunities in Asia, Europe and the Americas supporting the many family-owned fishing businesses that make up the GFC and the lobster industry.

“Australian seafood is among the best in the world, and this grant will help to sell that message internationally and provide those markets with new and diverse products,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Producers now have access to Mexico for frozen Eastern Rock, Western Rock, Tropical Rock, Southern Rock and Slipper lobsters which provides our industry with further diversification opportunities.

“GFC estimates that the ATMAC grant will increase their customer base by around 20 per cent over 18 months from completion of the project, with high quality lobster exports expected to make their way to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Dubai, France, Spain, Italy the USA and the new markets of South Korea and Mexico.

“The enhancement and modernisation of rock lobster processing facilities will increase domestic processing capacity and lead to a surge of value-added exports to high value markets.

“Increased sales of high-quality lobster products will boost profitability, benefiting those employed right along the supply chain, and future proofing the industry.”

Minister for Science and Technology and Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said this grant further supports an important Midwest industry.

“The local industry has taken a whack from events like supply chain restrictions and the impact of COVID‑19 in the past two years,” Minister Price said.

“It is predominantly a local industry made up of family businesses, local employees and significant capital investment, so providing some support to sustain this industry through these challenging times is a vote of confidence in a hardworking export earning industry.

“I have long championed the importance of diversifying the Midwest economy so investments like this one provide more opportunities to achieve that too.”

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the grant will provide more opportunities for the Australian rock lobster industry.

“Australia is the third largest producer of wild-caught lobster in the world, so improving market access for our seafood exporters, including access to new markets is a priority for our government,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“That is why we have invested in supporting the industry through the Agribusiness Expansion Initiative and the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation programs.

“Not only does this grant provide diversification for GFC, but it also helps protect its partner co‑operatives in South Australia and Tasmania from future market shocks.”

CEO of GFC Matt Rutter said the grant means that lobster products can be more tailored to meet specific market specifications and consumer demand.

“The grant will see us producing a more diversified range of products for an increasingly dynamic global market,” Mr Rutter said.

 Fast Facts:

• GFC represents over 300 fishing farming family businesses across 1000 kilometres of coastline in WA, SA and Victoria.

• $15.3m in grant funding has been committed through ATMAC, a component of the Australian Government’s Agri-Business Expansion Initiative (ABEI).

• The Australian government has invested $85.9 million through ABEI to help Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries diversify and expand their export markets.

 ENDS 

Media contacts

Minister Littleproud: Douglas Ferguson – 0455 448 985

Assistant Minister Duniam: Jack Morgan – 0408 819 399

Faster and Safer Freight Delivery for Durack’s Big Rigs

Work on eleven key Durack highway truck rest areas is underway through the Morrison Government’s Freight Vehicle Productivity Improvements Program to improve heavy vehicle assembly and rest areas.

The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price has welcomed the $16 million investment that will make the roads safer for all and ensure an improved experience for Durack’s hardworking truckies across the Pilbara, Mid West and Northam.

“Investing in heavy vehicle routes that will make them safer and more productive for drivers while ensuring Durack businesses that rely on freight operators can stay connected to crucial national and international markets.  A win, win,” said Ms Price.

“Durack’s regions are part of the nation’s economic heart and improvements to heavy vehicle safety, freight routes and transport facilities is the Morrison Government’s commitment to all in Durack who work so hard to serve the Australian economy,” she said.

These improvements will further enhance their ability to deliver safer, more productive and other road infrastructure into the future.

The benefits include

• Improved efficiency and network reliability.

• Improved accessibility and connectivity of road networks.

• Improved road safety for all road users.

For more information, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives

 Please see list of upgrades attached.

• Pilbara-Auski - Construction of Heavy Vehicle Rest Area and improved access, Grt Northern Highway. 

• Pilbara- Karijini Drive- Grt Nrthn Hwy Upgrade of heavy vehicle rest area and installation of new ablution block.

• Pilbara – Newman - Grt Nrthn Hwy Construction of road train assembly area and new ablution block.

•  Pilbara- Marble Bar Road- Upgrade of heavy vehicles rest area including installation of new ablution block.

• Pilbara-Port Hedland (Bell St) –Installation of ablution block.

• Pilbara-Grt Nrthn Hwy- Upgrade of heavy vehicle rest area and installation of new ablution block.

• Mid West – Wubin - Upgrade of heavy vehicle rest area and installation of new ablution block.

• Mid West- Grt Nrthn Hwy - Upgrade of heavy vehicle rest area and installation of new ablution block.

•   Mid West- Northampton - Upgrade of heavy vehicle rest area and installation of new ablution block.

• Mid West – Minilya Exmouth Rd Upgrade of heavy vehicle rest area and installation of new ablution block and showers.

• Wheatbelt- Northam Road train Upgrade to road train assembly area and installation of new ablution block.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Major Boost to Create Safer Durack Communities

The Morrison Government is delivering an extra $4 million to Durack communities under Round Six of the highly successful Safer Communities Fund to improve community safety and help divert at-risk youth from a life of crime.

The increase means that 4 community-led projects in Durack will be supported to work with local high-risk young people to discourage anti-social behaviour and break the cycle of repeat offending,

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said the additional funding was in response to overwhelming demand from the community.

“This funding will support Durack organisations, with demonstrated experience in helping

marginalised youth, to build resilience, strengthen community connections and job readiness skills. We know that some young people engage in activities or have negative experiences that leave them at risk of joining gangs, committing serious crimes and disengaging from the wider community.” she said.

 “This is a serious commitment by the Morrison government that will deliver real and practical benefits.  We know that crime prevention is an effective way we can support the work of our law enforcement agencies to keep Australians safe,” Ms Price said.

The 4 successful Durack recipients that will share in more than $4 million are:

·         Geraldton Centacare Family Services

·         ABC Foundation-Gascoyne and Mid West

·         Youth and Families Hub Broome

·         Mens Outreach Service  Aboriginal Corp, Broome

For the Morrison Government, community safety is fundamental.  We know that all Australians deserve to feel safe and secure – and that’s what the Safer Communities fund is all about.”

This program, along with others we are funding, ensures young people have somewhere to go to seek the support and assistance they need to build positive relationships and to achieve their full potential. Importantly, it also means our communities are made safer.

 Ends.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.