Have your say on addressing skills shortage


5 October 2018

Orana RDA Director Megan Dixon is encouraging everyone to have their say during the public consultation period for the proposed Orana region Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) application.

Answering the need to address critical skill shortages being experienced by local business, DAMAs are custom-designed arrangements which support a tailored, regional response to labour needs.

The over-arching nature of these agreements allows employers to streamline access to a broader range of overseas workers than allowed under standard skilled migration programs, without the need to individually negotiate terms and conditions.

Mrs Dixon said “we always want to employ locals first but skilled migration can be an important tool in assisting regions to manage workforce strategies that support local growth.

“We have identified a project pipeline of $7.9 billion that is a mix of mining, infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing and health projects between now and the next 5 years that will require a significant skilled workforce,”

“Skilled migration could be a genuine option for business who have offered and advertised positions but are unable to find a suitable local candidate,”

“The DAMA will not be used to erode wages and conditions of employees, nor will it erode employment conditions, but if implemented it will simplify visa application system for business and could promote permanent residency addressing population decline in our rural communities,” Mrs Dixon said.

For more information about the DAMA go to http://www.rdaorana.org.au/DAMA.

The consultation period is for 28 days, have your say before 5pm October 31st 2018.

Submissions can be lodged with Megan Dixon Director of Regional Development at dama@rdaorana.org.au or PO Box 1357 Dubbo NSW 2830.