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The Cairns Chamber of Commerce has recently announced significant developments regarding the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA).

The Federal Government has officially approved a two-year extension of the FNQ DAMA Head Agreement, extending its validity until 4 April 2027.

This extension provides much-needed continuity for businesses and stakeholders in the region while the Federal Government continues consultations on the future format of DAMAs across Australia.

This announcement is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Government to address the unique workforce challenges in Far North Queensland. It also demonstrates the Federal Government’s recognition of the vital role DAMAs play in supporting regional growth and addressing skill shortages in key industries.

Find out more about the extension

What Does the Extension Mean?

The two-year extension ensures that employers in Far North Queensland can continue to access the FNQ DAMA to fill critical workforce gaps with skilled migrant workers. This agreement remains an essential lifeline for industries struggling to find qualified local workers, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and construction.

The extension to 2027 also provides businesses with a stable framework to plan for their workforce needs, enhancing the region’s ability to attract and retain talent. For many employers, the FNQ DAMA is not just a stopgap solution but a strategic tool to address ongoing skill shortages, enabling businesses to thrive in a competitive and dynamic economy.

Deed of Variation: Progress on Key Requests

In addition to the extension, the Federal Government has confirmed that the Deed of Variation submitted by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce in early 2024 will be determined before the signing of the extended agreement, which is set to take place by 3 April 2025. This is a crucial step forward for the FNQ DAMA and could lead to significant improvements in its scope and flexibility.

The Deed of Variation includes several key requests from the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, aimed at enhancing the utility and effectiveness of the FNQ DAMA:

  1. Addition of New Occupations: The Chamber has proposed adding numerous new occupations to the FNQ DAMA, reflecting the evolving workforce needs of the region. If approved, this expansion will provide businesses with access to a broader pool of skilled workers, addressing shortages in emerging and underserved fields.
  2. Flexibility in TSMIT Concessions (now CSIT): Another critical aspect of the Deed of Variation is the request for greater flexibility with the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), now referred to as the Concessional Skilled Income Threshold (CSIT). Adjustments to this threshold would make it easier for employers to sponsor skilled workers in roles where market conditions do not align with existing salary requirements, ensuring that businesses can remain competitive while meeting compliance standards.

While the approval of these changes is still pending, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce is optimistic about the positive impact they could have on the region. The inclusion of new occupations and the CSIT concessions would further enhance the FNQ DAMA’s ability to meet the unique demands of Far North Queensland’s labor market.

The Importance of the FNQ DAMA

The FNQ DAMA is a bespoke migration agreement tailored to the specific needs of Far North Queensland. It enables local employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled locally. This is particularly critical in a region like Far North Queensland, where geographic isolation and industry-specific challenges can make it difficult to attract and retain talent.

Through the FNQ DAMA, businesses can access concessions on standard visa requirements, including English language proficiency, salary thresholds, and age limits. These concessions make it more feasible for employers to fill roles with qualified candidates while adhering to immigration policies.

Looking Ahead

The extension of the FNQ DAMA Head Agreement to 2027 is a significant milestone, but there is still work to be done. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for the region’s workforce needs and will continue to work closely with the Federal Government to ensure that the FNQ DAMA evolves to meet the challenges of the future.

The upcoming decision on the Deed of Variation is eagerly awaited and could mark a new chapter for the FNQ DAMA. If approved, the proposed changes will provide businesses with even greater flexibility and access to skilled workers, enabling them to drive economic growth and innovation in Far North Queensland.

Final Thoughts

The FNQ DAMA is more than just a migration agreement; it is a critical enabler of regional development. By extending the Head Agreement and considering vital updates through the Deed of Variation, the Federal Government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the unique needs of Far North Queensland.

As the Cairns Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for positive change, the business community can look forward to a future where the FNQ DAMA remains a cornerstone of workforce planning and regional growth. Stay tuned for further updates on FNQ DAMA as we await the final determination of the Deed of Variation and celebrate this important step forward for our region.

For businesses navigating the complexities of the FNQ DAMA, Immigration Gurus is here to help. As a DAMA specialist, our team provides expert guidance and support for all FNQ DAMA enquiries and applications. Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor skilled workers or a candidate exploring opportunities in Far North Queensland, Immigration Gurus offers tailored solutions to meet your needs.

Author

Portrait of Josh, Director & Registered Migration Agent at Immigration Gurus.
Director & Registered Migration Agent

Joshua Ferreira

A registered migration agent with more than 12 years of professional experience, Joshua was instrumental in the development of the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) and also focuses assisting partner and family visa applicants to obtain permanent residency in Australia.

Background
Joshua Ferreira is from Portuguese and New Zealand heritage and his family is also based in Far North Queensland.

Qualifications
Joshua studied business at James Cook University, graduating with a Bachelor in Business and completed a post-graduate course in migration law at Australian National University in 2012. In the same year, he became a registered migration agent with OMARA, operating under registration number 1276739.

Professional Experience
A registered migration agent with more than 8 years of professional experience, Joshua was instrumental in the development of the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) and also focuses assisting partner and family visa applicants to obtain permanent residency in Australia.

Expertise
Employer Sponsorship, Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA), Partner and Family Visas

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