Published on Monday, 4 April 2022 at 2:54:10 PM
Council endorses funding model to support businesses applying for a Pilbara Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).
On 30 March 2022, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs authorised the Pilbara DAMA to help fill recognised labour shortages with overseas workers.
The Pilbara DAMA provides a defined geographic region with access to experienced overseas workers for vacant skilled or semi-skilled occupations that cannot be filled by Australian workers.
The Pilbara DAMA will be administered by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Pilbara and businesses will be assessed against eligibility criteria including financial viability of the business, reasonable and lawful employment terms and conditions and business operations within the designated area for more than 12 months.
The Town of Port Hedland and the City of Karratha in partnership with RDA Pilbara prepared a funding model to support the operation of the DAMA.
The funding model is a partially subsidised model where the business seeking a DAMA endorsement contributes a $350 fee to RDA and any costs incurred by RDA above $350 are subsidised by the Town.
Mayor Peter Carter welcomed the Council's endorsement of the subsidy for Hedland businesses.
“Numerous business sectors are experiencing persistent and increasingly pressing issues with the attraction, supply and retention of labour.
“This subsidy is a new initiative to ensure the costs associated with applying do not inhibit applications from our local businesses.
“The Town encourages businesses to apply for a DAMA labour agreement to assist with recruitment to strengthen and grow their operations.”
Businesses are able to apply from 9 May 2022.
For more information visit: www.rdapilbara.org.au
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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