Opportunities for WA’s Aged and Disability Care Providers: The New WA DAMA and Its Potential

Western Australia’s aged, home, and disability care sectors are facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. This challenge is a significant barrier to delivering high-quality care services and meeting the growing demand across the state. The good news is that recent developments, including the new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for WA, offer a lifeline for businesses looking to bridge this gap.

What is DAMA

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) and a regional, state or territory authority. It provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration programs. DAMAs operate under an agreement-based framework, providing flexibility for regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market conditions. Businesses seeking to access a DAMA must first obtain endorsement from an authorised Designated Area Representative (DAR).

Because we are committed to supporting the businesses in need and providing more opportunities and services to the community, we are offering a 15% discount on our migration consultation services. Book your consultation now through the link below

Disclaimer:
We are a migration agency and do not provide recruitment services. Securing a job in Australia is your responsibility, and we do not offer information on employers who may provide sponsorship. Our role as migration agents begins once you have, or may potentially have, an employer willing to sponsor you. We can then assist in managing the sponsorship process. While we help you determine the best visa options for your situation, we do not offer any employment-related services or guarantees.

For Metropolitan based businesses (operating in the following postcodes 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214, and 6556 to 6558) the Designated Area Representative must be satisfied that the requested number of skilled migrants does not exceed the 50% ratio set by Home Affairs.

Understanding the Shortage: A Growing Concern

The demand for aged and disability care services in WA is increasing due to an aging population and a growing awareness of the need for specialised care. However, the sector is struggling to attract and retain qualified staff due to various factors, including:

• Competitive Job Market: The demand for skilled workers is outpacing supply, leading to fierce competition for talent.
• Geographic Challenges: Rural and regional areas often face difficulties in recruiting skilled professionals due to their remote locations.
• Limited Training Resources: There is a shortage of local training programs that align with the specific needs of these sectors.

This shortage not only affects the quality of care provided but also puts immense pressure on existing staff, leading to burnout and further exacerbating the problem.

Why Migrants Are the Key to Solving the Crisis

Hiring skilled migrants presents a viable solution to this crisis for several reasons:

• Migrants can fill critical skill shortages and bring diverse expertise that may not be available locally.
• Many migrants are willing to work in regional and remote areas, helping to address geographic disparities in workforce distribution.
• Sponsored migrants are required to live and work for the same employer for at least two years, ensuring stability and commitment by preventing the immediate departure of a worker.
• With the right skills and experience, migrants can contribute to improved care standards and better support for the elderly and disabled.

Why This Matters for Your Business

As an employer interested in hiring Aged and Disabled Carers and Personal Care Assistants, the WA DAMA offers several advantages tailored to your needs:

• No exclusion clauses: the recently released Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement is specific only to Aged Care Residential Facilities. With the new WA DAMA, also NDIS providers can access sponsorship for their carers.
• Work Experience Concession: Migrants must have at least one (1) year of relevant full time or part time pro rata equivalent work experience for the TSS visa program
• English Language Concession: Applicants must have an IELTS score of 5.0 with no minimum band score.
• Age Concession: Applicants must be under 55 years of age.

The Western Australian Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA) represents a significant step forward in addressing the state’s workforce challenges.

1. Visa Pathways Under WA DAMA
   • Businesses can access three visa pathways through the WA DAMA:
     • Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)
     • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)
     • Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186)
2. Eligibility and Requirements
   • To benefit from the WA DAMA, businesses must demonstrate:
     • Legal Establishment: Be legally established and operating in WA.
     • Financial Viability: Show financial stability and operational longevity.
     • Workforce Needs: Provide evidence of genuine need for skilled migrants based on current workforce structure and future business plans.
3. Application Process
   • Businesses must seek endorsement from an authorised Designated Area Representative (DAR) before applying for a DAMA labor agreement. For WA DAMA, the Department of Training and Workforce Development through Migration Services serves as the DAR.

How Green Wings Migration Agency Can Help

Navigating the DAMA process can be complex, but Green Wings Migration is here to guide you through every step. We specialise in helping businesses like yours access DAMA programs, ensuring that you meet all requirements and make the most of this opportunity to address your workforce challenges.

Because we are committed to supporting the businesses in need and providing more opportunities and services to the community, we are offering a 15% discount on our migration consultation services. Book your consultation now through the link below

✅ MARN 1679969 | QEAC M628 

🏆 Best Migration Agency in Western Australia for 2023 by APAC Legal Awards 

The information provided is a general guide and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; there are many regulations that may apply depending on each individual’s circumstances alongside changes in the industry. It is the user’s responsibility to verify the currency of information. Those seeking advice should engage a MARA registered migration agent.

Disclaimer:
We are a migration agency and do not provide recruitment services. Securing a job in Australia is your responsibility, and we do not offer information on employers who may provide sponsorship. Our role as migration agents begins once you have, or may potentially have, an employer willing to sponsor you. We can then assist in managing the sponsorship process. While we help you determine the best visa options for your situation, we do not offer any employment-related services or guarantees.