❓ Dr. Thomas questions the Minister for Skills and TAFE regarding the retention and review of WA's regional Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) and requests data on skilled workers brought to WA under these agreements since June 2024. The Minister clarifies the federal government's role and provides some data.
AnsweredQoN 557Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Designated area migration agreements557.Hon Dr Steve Thomasto theLeader of the House
representing the Minister for Skills and TAFE:I refer to the
Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) and the four
existing regional Western Australian DAMAs of Goldfields, Pilbara, Kimberley
and South West that are tailored to meet the unique employment demands of their
respective regions.(1) Will the minister unequivocally commit to the
retention of all WA regional DAMAs?(2) As at 19 August 2025, is a review of the WA
DAMA anticipated, planned or underway for category 2 cities and major regional
centres; and category 3 regional centres and other regional centres?(3) If yes to (2), what is the nature, premise and
framework of the review; who or whom has initiated the review; and what are the
review's reference points?(4) How many skilled workers have been brought to
WA since 30 June 2024 under:(a) the Goldfields DAMA;(b) the Pilbara DAMA;(c) the Kimberley DAMA;(d) the South West DAMA; and(e) the WA DAMA?
representing the Minister for Skills and TAFE:I refer to the
Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) and the four
existing regional Western Australian DAMAs of Goldfields, Pilbara, Kimberley
and South West that are tailored to meet the unique employment demands of their
respective regions.(1) Will the minister unequivocally commit to the
retention of all WA regional DAMAs?(2) As at 19 August 2025, is a review of the WA
DAMA anticipated, planned or underway for category 2 cities and major regional
centres; and category 3 regional centres and other regional centres?(3) If yes to (2), what is the nature, premise and
framework of the review; who or whom has initiated the review; and what are the
review's reference points?(4) How many skilled workers have been brought to
WA since 30 June 2024 under:(a) the Goldfields DAMA;(b) the Pilbara DAMA;(c) the Kimberley DAMA;(d) the South West DAMA; and(e) the WA DAMA?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 August 2025
Response time
0 days
Hon Stephen Dawson replied:I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. It is a long question but it
is not a long answer, I assure the member.(1)–(4) The federal government is
responsible for the establishment and continuation of DAMAs. Regional DAMAs are
negotiated directly between the federal government and designated area
representatives. As at 30 June 2025, 192 employers were endorsed to establish
labour agreements with the federal government for 1,326 positions under the WA DAMA.
There is no planned review of the WA DAMA.
Designated area migration agreements
honourable member for some notice of the question. It is a long question but it
is not a long answer, I assure the member.(1)–(4) The federal government is
responsible for the establishment and continuation of DAMAs. Regional DAMAs are
negotiated directly between the federal government and designated area
representatives. As at 30 June 2025, 192 employers were endorsed to establish
labour agreements with the federal government for 1,326 positions under the WA DAMA.
There is no planned review of the WA DAMA.
Designated area migration agreements
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