NSW State-led Designated Area Migration Agreement

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on a proposed NSW State-led Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).

Womanin workshop

What's this about?

A DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state or territory government or regional authority. A DAMA helps address identified workforce shortages through tailored skilled migration arrangements where genuine local recruitment needs cannot be met.  

The NSW DAMA is intended to help address demonstrated workforce shortages across regional NSW while maintaining strong worker protections, employer accountability and local employment opportunities. Consultation feedback will help inform NSW Government recommendations and discussions with the Australian Government regarding potential implementation arrangements.  

The proposed NSW State-led DAMA would: 

  • Support demonstrated regional workforce shortages  
  • Complement local workforce development and training initiatives 
  • Provide a consistent statewide framework across eligible regional areas 
  • Maintain safeguards for local workers and overseas workers 
  • Strengthen governance, accountability and oversight arrangements. 

The proposal builds on NSW Government consultation, which assessed implementation options, workforce benefits and governance arrangements for a NSW Government-led model. 

Feedback is sought on: 

  • Occupations under consideration 
  • Proposed concessions. 

Feedback is not being sought on Australia's migration intake, Australian Government visa legislation or visa conditions. 

Find out more

To find out more, view the occupations under consideration below and the NSW State-led DAMA fact sheet for details on the proposed concessions. 

Occupations under consideration: 

Fact Sheet: NSW State-led DAMA (PDF 173.42KB)

Department of Home Affairs – Designated Area Migration Agreements  

Have your say

The NSW Government welcomes feedback on the proposed NSW State-led DAMA. 

Send your feedback via regional.migration@investment.nsw.gov.au  

Share your feedback through the NSW DAMA Consultation Survey 

Join our webinar on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 to learn more about the proposed NSW State-led DAMA, register your attendance here. 

Consultation period: Closes Friday, 16 October 2026 

Top of page