Dr. Thomas questions the state government about a potential statewide Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) and its impact on existing regional DAMAs. The Minister's response acknowledges skilled worker demand and explores options, but doesn't directly answer the specific questions.

AnsweredQoN 689Legislative Council
Asked
12 June 2024
Portfolio
Training and Workforce Development

QuestionView source ↗

DESIGNATED AREA
MIGRATION AGREEMENTS
689. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Training and Workforce Development:
I refer to the delivery of
designated area migration agreements—DAMAs—by the federal
government after discussions with the state government.
(1) Is the state government
negotiating or promoting a statewide DAMA for Western Australia?
(2) If yes to (1), why?
(3) How will the
government prevent the new statewide DAMA from undermining the existing south
west and goldfields DAMAs?
(4) Will the
existing DAMAs either be closed or merged with the new statewide DAMA or remain
separate and have to compete directly with the statewide DAMA in the future?
(5) Why is the government
undermining the existing DAMAs?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice
of the question. The following answer has been provided to me by the Minister
for Training and Workforce Development.
(1)–(5) Western
Australia's strong economy means that there is continued strong demand
for skilled workers. Western Australia's
allocation under the state nominated migration program has been significantly
reduced by the commonwealth government. We continue to advocate strongly
to see an increase in migration numbers. All options to address these demands
are on the table and are being explored in consultation with unions, industry
and regional communities. Any existing designated area migration agreements are
in place with the commonwealth government.

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