Game-Changer for Employers: Australia Expands Migration Program with Huge Perks – Are You Eligible?
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The Australian Federal Government has unveiled major enhancements to the Townsville North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (TNQ DAMA), introducing 14 new in-demand occupations, modifying income thresholds, and offering age and English language concessions for critical job roles. These changes aim to support businesses in filling persistent labor shortages by streamlining access to skilled overseas workers while enhancing pathways to permanent residency in Australia.
What is the TNQ DAMA?
The TNQ DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and Townsville Enterprise, designed to address workforce gaps across North Queensland by enabling businesses to sponsor skilled migrants when local recruitment efforts prove insufficient. With this latest expansion, the agreement now covers 214 occupations across key regional areas, including Townsville, Charters Towers, Burdekin, Hinchinbrook, Flinders, Richmond, McKinlay, Cloncurry, and Mount Isa.
Key Updates to the TNQ DAMA
The recent modifications to the Townsville North Queensland DAMA bring significant advantages to employers and skilled migrants alike. Key changes include:
·???????? Addition of 14 new occupations, expanding employment opportunities for skilled overseas workers.
·???????? Lowered English language and income thresholds for high-demand roles, facilitating an easier migration process.
·???????? Broader concessions for industries struggling with critical labor shortages, including hospitality, aged care, and transport sectors.
New Occupations Added to TNQ DAMA
The latest expansion includes the following job roles, offering overseas professionals more opportunities to build a career in North Queensland:
·???????? Beauty Therapist
·???????? Hairdresser
·???????? Nurse Manager
·???????? Tyre Fitter
·???????? Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic
·???????? Recreation Officer / Recreation Coordinator
·???????? Remedial Massage Therapist
·???????? Sewing Machinist
·???????? Vehicle Trimmer
·???????? Importer or Exporter
·???????? Travel Consultant
·???????? Industrial Spray Painter
·???????? Diving Instructor (Open Water)
·???????? Retail Supervisor
Expanded Concessions for High-Demand Roles
To further support industries struggling with labor shortages, the Government has introduced flexible concessions on age, English language, and income thresholds for the following occupations:
·???????? Accommodation and Hospitality Managers
·???????? Aged or Disabled Carers
·???????? Café and Restaurant Managers
·???????? Chefs and Cooks
·???????? Truck Drivers
·???????? Childcare Workers
·???????? Nursing Support Workers
·???????? Diesel Motor Mechanics
·???????? Commercial Cleaners
·???????? Hotel Receptionists
·???????? Personal Care Assistants
·???????? Fruit Pickers and Farm Workers
·???????? Painting Trades Workers
·???????? Registered Nurses (Aged Care)
·???????? Welders (First Class)
Industry Leaders Applaud the TNQ DAMA Expansion
A Strategic Move to Boost Regional Workforce
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith welcomed the updates, emphasizing their crucial role in addressing skill shortages.
“With over 20,000 new workers needed in North and North-West Queensland within the next five years, businesses will benefit immensely from the inclusion of occupations like hairdressers, beauty therapists, nurse managers, and refrigeration mechanics,” Ms. Brumme-Smith said.
She highlighted that these adjustments ensure local businesses can recruit the talent they need to sustain and grow their operations.
Government Commitment to Addressing Workforce Gaps
Queensland Senator Nita Green echoed the sentiment, reinforcing the Government’s dedication to addressing regional labor shortages.
“Workforce availability is critical to North Queensland’s economic growth, and industry leaders have made it clear that expanding the TNQ DAMA is essential. With 480 skilled workers already endorsed under this program in just two years, we anticipate even greater success with these latest updates,” Senator Green stated.
She also emphasized that Townsville North Queensland hosts one of the most comprehensive DAMAs in Australia, reflecting the region’s diverse industry sectors and rapid economic expansion.
Local Businesses Welcome More Flexible Hiring Options
Business owners across North Queensland have long voiced concerns over persistent workforce shortages. Gary Bromham, owner of Juliette’s, praised the changes, stating:
“For years, we’ve struggled to fill wait staff roles. The previous salary requirements under the DAMA didn’t align with industry standards. These new variations provide a more practical hiring framework for hospitality and service-based businesses like ours.”
He further emphasized that the DAMA's pathway to permanent residency makes North Queensland an attractive destination for skilled migrants seeking long-term career opportunities in Australia.
Why the TNQ DAMA is Critical for North Queensland
·???????? Addressing Workforce Shortages: The TNQ DAMA enables employers to hire overseas workers for roles that cannot be filled locally.
·???????? Supporting Economic Growth: With North Queensland experiencing rapid industrial expansion, an adequate labor supply is vital for sustaining development.
·???????? Encouraging Skilled Migration: The agreement offers pathways to permanent residency, making the region more appealing to global talent.
·???????? Ensuring Regional Prosperity: By allowing businesses to fill skill gaps efficiently, the TNQ DAMA helps boost productivity and economic stability across North Queensland.
Conclusion: A Major Win for Employers and Skilled Workers
The expansion of the Townsville North Queensland DAMA represents a significant step forward in strengthening the local workforce, addressing critical labor shortages, and supporting regional businesses. With an increasing demand for skilled professionals in hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, and transport sectors, the TNQ DAMA provides a streamlined and flexible migration solution.
Employers struggling with workforce shortages can now take advantage of these enhanced migration pathways to secure top talent, ensuring long-term business growth and sustainability in North Queensland.
For more information on how businesses can benefit from the TNQ DAMA, visit the official website of Townsville Enterprise or consult with registered migration agents specializing in employer-sponsored visas.
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