Australia’s aged care crisis is worse than expected with the sector facing a shortfall of around 35,000 direct aged care workers this year alone, according to a new report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA).
“If workforce shortages at this level continue, we will not have enough workers to meet the basic standards of care recommended by the Royal Commission,” says CEDA Senior Economist Cassandra Winzar.
“Miniscule levels of migration and increased levels of attrition in the sector, estimated to be around 65,000 workers a year, have exacerbated existing shortages.
“The aged care workforce was already under significant pressure with staff shortages, low pay, poor working conditions and increased negative attention through the Royal Commission.
An Aged or Disabled Carer is a person who is qualified and/or experienced in delivering person-centred services to people who may require support due to ageing or disability. The primary focus of the role is to provide emotional support, care and companionship to individuals to improve their quality of life. Other tasks may include performing general housekeeping and providing household assistance, such as preparing food, assisting in personal hygiene, and getting dressed.
Migration plays a critical role in rebuilding the aged care workforce. Before COVID-19, migrants made up approximately 30 per cent of the sector—nearly 80,000 workers. Although Australia’s borders reopened in 2022, the number of incoming migrants remains low, and visa processing times are still lengthy. With strong competition for migrant workers across multiple industries, aged care risks being overlooked.
To meet growing workforce demands, migration levels must return to at least pre-pandemic levels—if not higher. This requires making both Australia and the aged care industry more attractive to potential migrants.
Personal care workers, who form the majority of the aged care workforce, are currently not eligible for skilled migration visas. Most enter the country on working holiday, student, or partner visas. Introducing an essential visa would allow trained and motivated personal care workers to migrate directly for work in the sector. Additionally, offering a pathway to permanent residency would help retain these workers long term, given the ongoing demand in the sector. This is why the Australian Government has finally introduced a pathway for migrating under DAMA
What is the DAMA?
We have already discussed the DAMA in other articles which we can leave linked here:
DAMA is a special agreement between the Australian Government and certain regional areas facing skill shortages. It allows employers in those regions to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for roles that may not be eligible under the standard skilled migration programs and in metropolitan areas
This means if you’re a disabled or aged care worker, especially in a regional area, you could be sponsored even if you don’t meet the usual criteria (like English level, age, or qualifications required under regular pathways).
Where can you be eligible?
Aged and Disabled Carers are eligible under DAMA in the following regions:
East Kimberley, WA Goulburn Valley, VIC Great South Coast, VIC Northern Territory, NT Orana, NSW Pilbara, WA South Australia Regional South West, WA Goldfields, WA Townsville, QLD Western Australia (Statewide)
Each DAMA has its own list of eligible occupations, concessions, and requirements.
Benefits of the DAMA for Truck Drivers
Lower English language requirement: While under regular migration pathway you must meet higher level of English, through a DAMA agreement your English can be lower
Age concessions: While most pathway to Permanent Residency have a limitation of being 45 years of age at time of application, in a DAMA you may be eligible to apply for PR up to 55 years old.
Salary concessions: You must be offered an employment contract from your employer and being paid at least $73,150.00* unless there are concessions. When a concession is in place, applicants may be paid less than TSMIT.
No formal qualification needed in some cases: Relevant experience may substitute a formal qualification.
Pathway to Permanent Residency after 2-4 years
Work in a regional area with job stability and high demand
What You Need
To apply under a DAMA, you’ll generally need:
A valid job offer from an employer in a DAMA-approved region.
Industry Experience and/or Qualification in a relevant field
Positive skills assessment and an adequate level of English
Health and character checks
Willingness to live and work in a regional area
Ready to look out for a job?
The DAMA is employer-sponsored, meaning you’ll need to find a business that is approved to sponsor workers under DAMA. This is where many applicants get stuck. A migration agency like Green Wings Migrationcan help you:
📩 Book a consultation with our registered migration agents to see if you’re eligible to migrate as a care worker. Your Australian journey might be closer than you think!
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