Author: Jessica Ross – Immigration Lawyers
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) are a key part of Australia’s skilled migration system, allowing employers in regional areas to sponsor overseas workers where local recruitment cannot meet demand. These agreements provide access to additional occupations and concessions through a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
In Western Australia, there are currently several DAMAs across the state, each one governing its own Designated Regional Area by its own Designated Area Representative with available occupations specific to each region.
The current DAMAs in Western Australia include:
- East Kimberley DAMA, managed by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Pilbara DAMA, managed by Regional Development Australia Pilbara
- South West DAMA, managed by the Shire of Dardanup
- Goldfields DAMA, managed by the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder
- Western Australia DAMA (WA DAMA), managed at a state level by the Department of Training and Workforce Development
What is changing across the Western Australia DAMA framework
We are seeing a shift amongst the DAMAs in Western Australia towards a singular, state-wide DAMA, no renewals of the DAMAs are being issued. This change is being led by the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development and is designed to simplify this structure.
Until the date of the expiry of the Heads of Agreement for each DAMA, businesses can continue to:
- Apply for new endorsements
- Seek labour agreement variations
- Lodge nominations under approved agreements
The Heads of Agreement expiry dates for each DAMA are as follows:
- Goldfields DAMA – 4 April 2026
- South West DAMA – December 2026
- East Kimberley DAMA – March 2027
- Pilbara DAMA – March 2027
Businesses will need to ensure new labour agreements and deed of variations are endorsed and executed before the expiry dates above. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed:
- The head agreement expiring does not invalidate approved individual labour agreements
- A Deed of Variation to the WA DAMA is being developed, that promotes a ‘no disadvantage’ guiding principle
- Grandfathering arrangements are anticipated (subject to approval) for employers who miss the expiry windows, and a transition flowchart is being developed
This reflects a staged transition, where regional DAMAs are progressively absorbed into a single state-based framework as agreements reach their expiry.
DAMAs continue to operate across other states
The changes in Western Australia do not apply across all jurisdictions.
Other DAMAs remain active and continue to support regional workforce needs. Some agreements have been extended, including those in South Australia, which remain in place until 30 June 2026. Regional DAMAs such as the Orana DAMA also continue to operate under existing settings.
The Northern Territory has introduced a new DAMA agreement following the expiry of its previous program.
What this means for employers
Employers can continue to access DAMA pathways under existing agreements, with no immediate disruption to approved arrangements.
- Existing labour agreements remain valid until expiry
- Endorsed and approved concessions and occupations continue to apply
- Applications and variations can still be lodged under active DAMAs
- Future access in Western Australia will align with the WA DAMA
- Workforce planning should account for endorsement timelines and agreement expiry dates
Employers that rely on DAMAs in Western Australia should review their current agreements and ensure future workforce strategies are aligned with the evolving structure.
How Absolute Immigration Legal can support you
Changes to the DAMA framework introduce legal and strategic considerations, particularly where eligibility, concessions and long-term workforce planning intersect.
Absolute Immigration Legal supports employers with:
- Legal assessment of DAMA eligibility and suitability
- Labour agreement structuring and application strategy
- Advice on concessions, occupation access and compliance requirements
- Transition planning from regional DAMAs to state-based frameworks
- Ongoing legal guidance to support sponsorship obligations and risk management
For tailored legal advice on DAMA pathways and workforce strategy, contact admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com.