The Australian Government has extended the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) until 31 December 2026, allowing eligible regional employers continued access to overseas workers to address workforce shortages.
The Australian Government has confirmed the extension of the Goldfields DAMA until 31 December 2026, providing certainty for employers across the Goldfields region that rely on skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers when genuine local recruitment efforts have been unsuccessful.
The extension ensures businesses can continue using the Goldfields DAMA while broader migration settings continue to support regional workforce needs. The program is administered in partnership with local governments, with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder serving as the Designated Area Representative (DAR).
What Is the Goldfields DAMA?
The Goldfields DAMA is a labour agreement between the Australian Government, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Shires of Coolgardie, Dundas, Esperance, Laverton, Leonora, Menzies and Ravensthorpe.
Introduced in March 2019, the Goldfields DAMA was established to help employers fill persistent skill and labour shortages across the region by providing access to overseas workers where suitably qualified Australian workers cannot be found. Since its commencement, the agreement has been extended several times to respond to ongoing workforce demands.
What Does the Extension Mean for Employers?
The extension allows eligible employers to continue accessing a migration pathway designed specifically for the Goldfields region until the end of 2026.
Through the Goldfields DAMA, employers may be able to:
- Sponsor overseas workers to fill genuine workforce shortages
- Access a broader list of eligible occupations than those available under standard employer-sponsored visa programs
- Benefit from concessions relating to English language, income thresholds and age for certain occupations, subject to eligibility requirements
- Improve workforce attraction and retention across key regional industries
Employers must first obtain endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder before applying to the Australian Government for a DAMA labour agreement and sponsoring eligible overseas workers.
Around 145 Occupations Remain Available
The Goldfields DAMA covers approximately 145 occupations across a wide range of industries experiencing ongoing workforce shortages.
The occupation list extends beyond traditional skilled migration programs and includes roles in:
- Mining and resources
- Construction and engineering
- Healthcare and aged care
- Hospitality and tourism
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Transport and logistics
- Professional services
- Telecommunications and information technology
Examples of eligible occupations include Chefs, Cooks, Electricians, Carpenters, Diesel Motor Mechanics, Registered Nurses, Aged or Disabled Carers, Truck Drivers, Child Care Workers, Accountants, Civil Engineers, Mining Engineers, Surveyors, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Waiters, Baristas, Welders, Scaffolders, Retail Managers and Hotel Managers.
Many occupations may also qualify for concessions relating to English language proficiency, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and age requirements, depending on the occupation and the applicant’s circumstances.
Visa Pathways Available under the Goldfields DAMA
The Goldfields DAMA uses the labour agreement stream of three employer-sponsored visa programs:
- Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (SESR) visa (subclass 494)
The available visa pathway depends on the employer, the nominated occupation and the worker’s individual circumstances.
Need Advice on the Goldfields DAMA or Employer-Sponsored Visas?
The extension of the Goldfields DAMA presents valuable opportunities for employers facing ongoing workforce shortages, but navigating labour agreements and employer-sponsored visa requirements can be complex.
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, our Immigration Lawyer provides strategic advice to businesses and individuals on a wide range of Australian migration matters. Whether you are an employer looking to sponsor overseas workers under the Goldfields DAMA or a skilled worker exploring your migration options, our team can assess your circumstances, explain your eligibility and guide you through every stage of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Goldfields DAMA been extended?
Yes. The Australian Government has extended the Goldfields DAMA until 31 December 2026.
Who can use the Goldfields DAMA?
Eligible employers operating within the Goldfields DAMA region who can demonstrate genuine labour shortages and meet the program requirements may apply.
How many occupations are available under the Goldfields DAMA?
The agreement includes approximately 145 eligible occupations across industries such as mining, healthcare, hospitality, construction, engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, education and transport.
What visas are available under the Goldfields DAMA?
Eligible employers may sponsor overseas workers through the labour agreement stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visas.
Does the Goldfields DAMA offer concessions?
Yes. Depending on the occupation and eligibility requirements, concessions may be available for English language, the TSMIT and age.
How do employers apply for the Goldfields DAMA?
Employers must first obtain endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the region’s DAR. Once endorsed, they can apply to the Australian Government for a DAMA labour agreement before sponsoring eligible overseas workers.
Does the extension change the occupation list?
The announcement confirms the extension of the existing Goldfields DAMA until 31 December 2026. The agreement continues to provide access to approximately 145 occupations, with eligibility and concession requirements remaining subject to the current program settings.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
