Government expands TNQ DAMA to address regional workforce shortages
The Federal Government has introduced key changes to the Townsville North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (TNQ DAMA) to help local employers attract skilled overseas workers and address the region’s specific workforce and economic needs. These updates include adding 14 new occupations to the agreement, revising income requirements for certain roles, and broadening age and English language concessions for occupations in high demand.
New occupations to be added under the TNQ DAMA:
- Agricultural Technician
- Aquaculture Technician
- Construction Estimator
- Construction Project Manager
- Dental Assistant
- Disability Services Officer
- Engineering Technologist
- ICT Customer Support Officer
- ICT Support Technician
- Metal Fabricator
- Nursing Support Worker
- Pathology Collector
- Purchasing Officer
- Therapy Aide
To view the full list click here.
A strategic agreement to access global talent
The TNQ DAMA is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and Townsville Enterprise that gives local employers an easier way to hire skilled workers from overseas when they cannot find suitable local candidates. It also offers better opportunities for those workers to gain permanent residency, helping to make North Queensland a more appealing place for international talent.
Responding to regional labour demand with new occupations
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith, emphasised that the expansion of the TNQ DAMA is crucial in addressing the projected workforce demand of over 20,000 new workers across North and North-West Queensland over the next five years. She noted that “employers will welcome the additional roles such as hairdressers, beauty therapists, nurse managers, and refrigeration mechanics.”
Key concessions have also been introduced for occupations in high demand, including cooks, chefs, fruit pickers, aged carers, truck drivers, childcare workers, and motor mechanics. These concessions include more flexible age limits, relaxed English language requirements, and adjusted income thresholds—improving access for both employers and prospective employees.
Continued commitment to regional economic growth
The Government has reiterated their commitment to supporting economic development in regional areas, acknowledging the vital role workforce availability plays in sustaining and expanding industries. The TNQ DAMA has enabled over 480 skilled workers to be endorsed in North Queensland in the last 2 years, and with the new enhancements, further growth is anticipated.
An attractive opportunity for skilled international workers
For international workers, the TNQ DAMA presents not only a work opportunity but also an attractive lifestyle and pathway to long-term settlement in Australia. With its Permanent Residency Pathway, the agreement offers skilled migrants a compelling option to build their future in a vibrant and growing region.
TNQ DAMA four-stage process
Accessing the TNQ DAMA involves a four-stage process — two steps for business approval and two steps for nominating and supporting individual overseas workers.
Stage 1: DAR endorsement
Employers must first seek endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) – Townsville Enterprise– by submitting a ‘Request for Endorsement’ form. A fee applies. Well-prepared applications are usually processed within five business days.
Stage 2: Labour Agreement with Home Affairs
After endorsement, employers apply to the Department of Home Affairs for a TNQ DAMA Labour Agreement, showing evidence of genuine local recruitment efforts (Labour Market Testing). Agreements can last up to five years and specify eligible roles and worker numbers.
Stages 1 and 2 are focused on establishing business eligibility – not individual workers.
Stage 3: Nominate overseas workers
Once the Labour Agreement is approved, employers can nominate individual overseas workers for roles listed in the agreement. Labour Market Testing must still be current at this stage.
Stage 4: Visa application by the worker
Nominated individuals then apply for their visa, which includes standard health, character, and eligibility checks.
Varying an existing TNQ DAMA Labour Agreement
If an employer already has a TNQ DAMA Labour Agreement that was approved under an older version of the agreement, they won’t automatically get access to any new occupations, concessions, or changes introduced in the updated version of the TNQ DAMA. However, if the employer wants to benefit from those new updates, they can request to amend or change their existing agreement. To do this, they must:
- Seek new endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) (Townsville Enterprise), and
- Ensure the requested changes meet the current requirements outlined in the latest TNQ DAMA Information Guide.
This process must comply with the updated criteria outlined in the TNQ Information Guide. In short, employers will not get the new benefits unless they reapply and get re-endorsed under the new rules.
How Absolute Immigration can support your business
The TNQ DAMA offers a valuable opportunity for regional employers to fill skills gaps, but it involves multiple steps and regulatory compliance. Absolute Immigration Legal is highly experienced in guiding businesses through the DAMA process—from endorsement and Labour Agreement applications to nomination and visa stages.
Our team understands the specific demands of North Queensland industries and can tailor strategic migration solutions to support your workforce needs. Reach out to admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com for more information and personalised assistance.