DAMA News

From 1 July 2024, the TSMIT will increase from $70,000 to $73,150. New nomination applications from this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $73,150 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.

This change will not affect existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2024.

These changes are in line with the Government’s commitment at the Jobs and Skills Summit in September 2022.

The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) that allows South West employers to take on overseas workers to fill labour shortages has been extended for another year.

The DAMA now allows for up to 300 workers to come to the South West to fill vacancies in more than 120 occupations ranging from accountants and chefs, to plumbers and nurses.

“The DAMA has proven invaluable for regional employers who could not find local people to fill vacancies,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said.

As we enter the final year of our five-year funding agreement, we are proud to have facilitated Labour Agreements between the Commonwealth and 75 businesses in our region. Through these agreements, over 300 positions unable to be filled by local workers were open to skilled migrants.

Currently, we are in the process of renewing our regional DAMA for another five years.

Your input is crucial in shaping the new Agreement to align with the specific needs of our region.

On 27 April 2023 the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP announced an increase in the TSMIT. She also announced expanded pathways to permanent residence for employer sponsored temporary skilled visa holders.