New migration deal to address Western Australia skill shortages

In a significant move to address labour shortages and stimulate economic growth, Western Australian and the Commonwealth Governments have signed a deal for 10,000 skilled migration places for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This agreement promises to create substantial opportunities for Western Australia’s economy, particularly within the residential construction sector. 

Key announcements 

• The agreement secures 10,000 skilled migration places to address labour shortages and support the construction of more homes in Western Australia. 

• Of these, 5,000 places are allocated to enhance WA’s previous allocation through the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP). 

• An additional 5,000 places are designated for both metropolitan and regional employers under the WA Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), ensuring a balanced distribution across the state. 

Benefits for business sponsors 

State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) 

The SNMP has been a vital tool for small and medium-sized businesses that struggle to meet the Commonwealth Government’s employer-sponsored visa requirements. The expansion to 5,000 places under this program allows the State Government to prioritise skilled migration according to WA’s specific needs, ensuring that businesses can find the talent they require to grow and thrive. 

WA Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) 

The newly established WA DAMA provides another 5,000 migration places. This program specifically targets key areas such as building and construction, health and aged care, tourism and hospitality, and agriculture. By addressing these critical needs, the DAMA ensures that both metropolitan and regional employers can attract and retain skilled workers necessary for their operations. 

Responding to industry demands 

The agreement responds directly to industry demands to fill positions that cannot be met locally. This collaboration between the State and Commonwealth Governments underscores a commitment to sustaining and diversifying WA’s economy through strategic skilled migration. 

Complementary state government initiatives 

Alongside this significant boost in skilled migration places, the WA Government continues to invest in training local workers through initiatives such as free and low-fee TAFE courses. These efforts aim to build a robust local workforce while the additional migration places provide an immediate solution to pressing labour shortages. 

This landmark agreement between the Western Australian and the Commonwealth Governments highlights a proactive approach to addressing labour shortages in WA. For business sponsors, the expansion of skilled migration places through the SNMP and the establishment of the WA DAMA provides essential pathways to attract the talent needed to fuel economic growth and meet industry demands. 

To discuss how these changes may impact your business, please contact our expert team at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to arrange an online consultation.