Kimberley DAMA transition update (2026–2027)

The Kimberley DAMA WA head agreement is due to expire in March 2027.

• Up to March 2027, Kimberley businesses (Western Australia) can continue to:

• apply for new endorsements
• seek labour agreement variations
• lodge nominations under approved agreements
• From March 2027:
• no new endorsements or variations can be issued under the Kimberley DAMA head agreement
• employers can still use the occupations, concessions and nomination ceilings already approved in their individual labour agreements (until those agreements expire)

What Home Affairs is clarifying (important for planning)

Home Affairs’ guidance has encouraged EKCCI to urge our local businesses to have new labour agreements and any variations endorsed/executed before March 2027, and ensure nominations are lodged/approved while the individual labour agreement remains valid.

They’ve also confirmed:

• the Kimberley DMA head agreement expiring does not invalidate approved individual labour agreements
• a Deed of Variation to the WA DAMA is being developed, that promotes a ‘no disadvantage’ guiding principle
• grandfathering arrangements are anticipated (subject to approval) for employers who miss the March 2027 window, and a transition flowchart is being developed to provide more clarity around this process. 

What to expect in 2026

This year, Kimberley businesses can expect clearer guidance, including confirmation of WA DAMA regional schedules and practical “which pathway to use” information. 

Businesses that think they’ll need extra positions later are strongly encouraged to plan now and apply for variations before March 2027.

Quick FAQs

• Will my current Kimberley DAMA workers be affected? No – visas and labour agreements remain valid for their approved term.
• Should I apply now if I think I’ll need more workers later? Yes – plan early before March 2027.
• Can I still nominate after March 2027? Yes, if your individual labour agreement is still valid and within approved ceilings.
• Will Kimberley occupations be lost? Current advice is they’ll be retained as region-specific schedules (subject to final approvals).

• What if I miss the March 2027 deadline? WA DAMA grandfathering arrangements are being developed (subject to approval).

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