Page 32 - Tropic Magazine Issue 36

TROPIC • SKILLED LABOUR
168 occupations are covered
under the FNQ DAMA.
32 • Tropic • Issue 36
Migrant workers
STAFFING
The region’s Designation Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA)
has seen an upswell in applications, as businesses struggle to cope
with staff shortages. Tropic asked Cairns Chamber of Commerce’s
Migration Manager Geoff Heath about how the program operates.
How is the FNQ DAMA different from the How many applications have
mainstream Skilled Migration pathway? been made?
It’s a skilled migration program that Since its inception in 2019, 152 employers
is tailored to the needs of our region. have sought access to the FNQ DAMA in
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce is of respect of 275 positions. More than half
course committed to employment for of those have been since July 2021 as we
Australians first, but consultations and came out of the worst of the pandemic
labour market analyses confirm that impacts.
many sectors and employers large and
small, are affected by skill shortages that A small number of labour agreements
not only inhibit their ongoing viability were declined in early 2020 but since
but also stifle their growth. late 2020 there have been none declined.
In terms of employers nominating
Being structured around a labour individuals against approved positions in
agreement framework, a key difference is their labour agreements, there have only
that employers accessing the FNQ DAMA been two refused since 2019, which is an
don’t necessarily have to have identified extremely high approval rate especially
prospective workers beforehand – they when compared to standard skilled
can seek a labour agreement pre- migration programs.
approving occupations and positions,
with concessions. That then helps to What industries are looking for
attract suitably qualified and experienced workers the most?
people to our region on a long-term The biggest users are childcare, tourism
basis, with a clear pathway to permanent and hospitality, and agriculture.
residency after at least three years.
What countries are workers
The FNQ DAMA not only provides access coming from?
to many occupations not accessible The program is not limited by nationality.
through standard programs but makes There’s been quite a mix actually, which is
the region an attractive place for overseas great for the social fabric of our region.
workers to come and stay, including with
their families. What kind of support do migrants
receive once they arrive?
What is the Chamber’s role Part of the Cairns Chamber of
in the program? Commerce’s role is to maintain and give
Any employer seeking to access the FNQ access to a comprehensive settlement kit
DAMA needs to be endorsed by the for new arrivals, particularly those who
Cairns Chamber of Commerce. have been in Australia less than 12 months
The government relies on our local or are new to this region.
knowledge of the business, the sector and
the labour market to decide whether to
approve the occupations and positions
sought in the employer’s FNQ DAMA MORE: cairnschamber.com.au
labour agreement.