Goldfields DAMA 2026 brings important updates for both employers and skilled workers who are planning regional migration in Western Australia. The agreement has now been extended until 31st December 2026, which basically means that businesses get more time before the transition to the state-wide WA DAMA. This guide will help you understand the latest policy changes, the occupation pathways, employer requirements, and what the Goldfields DAMA 2026 means for future applications:
What Is Goldfields DAMA?
The Designated Area Migration Agreement Western Australia for the Goldfields helps eligible regional employers sponsor overseas workers when local recruitment cannot fill critical roles. It is a labour agreement between the Australian Government and eight local governments across the Goldfields region.
What Changed for Goldfields DAMA from 1 July 2026?
The latest WA Goldfields DAMA update confirms that the planned transition has been postponed.
- The Department of Home Affairs extended the Goldfields DAMA for an additional six months. Instead of ending on 1 July 2026, the agreement will now remain in effect until 31 December 2026.
- The extension allows the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) and the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) to complete transition arrangements to the state-wide WA DAMA.
- Eligible employers across the Goldfields region can continue using the current Goldfields DAMA under the existing rules until the new transition date.
- The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will continue acting as the Designated Area Representative (DAR). They will also provide endorsement and support services throughout the extension period.
- Employers who had prepared for the original 1 July 2026 transition do not need to submit new applications immediately.
- The City will continue working with DOHA and DTWD to make sure that there is a smooth transition before the Goldfields DAMA Western Australia takes effect.
- An online information session is expected to be announced through the City’s official communication channels to help employers understand the upcoming changes.
How Many Places Are Guaranteed Under the New System?
Under the new regional skilled migration framework in Western Australia, Goldfields employers will continue to have access to dedicated migration places through the WA DAMA.
- Goldfields employers will have access to at least 500 places per financial year under the WA DAMA.
- The allocation is intended to support businesses experiencing ongoing workforce shortages across the Goldfields region.
- Also, the transition to the WA DAMA is expected to create minimal disruption for employers who are currently using the Goldfields DAMA.
- Employers can continue planning their workforce because the new state-wide system maintains access to regional migration opportunities.
- From 1 January 2027, new applications for Goldfields employers will be processed under the WA DAMA framework.
Also Read: Skilled Visa Income Threshold Update: July 2026
Which Occupations Are Covered Under Goldfields DAMA?
The Goldfields Western Australia DAMA occupation list includes a broad mix of skilled and semi-skilled roles that help regional employers address ongoing labour shortages.
The Goldfields DAMA currently includes around 145 occupations that are eligible for employer sponsorship throughout multiple industries.
In April 2024, the Goldfields DAMA occupations list expanded with 20 additional occupations. Hence, this has increased opportunities for employers who are facing recruitment challenges.
Newly added occupations include:
- Bar attendant (Supervisor).
- Barista.
- Cook.
- Delivery driver.
- Earthmoving plant operator.
- Enrolled nurse.
- Hotel or motel manager.
- Hotel service manager.
- Loader operator.
- Mixed crop farmer.
- Motor mechanic (General).
- Pastrycook.
- Registered nurse (Aged Care).
- Registered nurse (Medical).
- Retail manager (General).
- Retail supervisor.
- Scaffolder.
- Truck driver (General).
- Waiter.
- Waiter (Supervisor).
The Goldfields DAMA occupations list also identifies the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) skill level assigned to each occupation.
Depending on the occupation, WA DAMA for Goldfields employers and applicants may benefit from concessions relating to:
- English language requirements.
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
- Permanent residence age limits.
These concessions are available only for eligible occupations listed under the agreement and must meet the relevant DAMA criteria.
Who Can Apply for the Goldfields DAMA?
Businesses that are employer sponsors in WA must satisfy the following Goldfields DAMA employer eligibility requirements:
- Firstly, be a registered Australian business that has operated lawfully with a physical office in one or more of the eight Goldfields local government areas for at least 12 months.
- Demonstrate financial viability. This can be done by providing signed financial statements for the most recent financial year and any other supporting documents.
- Complete approved Labour Market Testing. Additionally, show that suitable Australian citizens or permanent residents could not be recruited for the role.
- Be nominated for positions that are located within the Goldfields DAMA region and appear on the current approved occupation list.
- Also, make sure that sponsored workers will live and work in the region. FIFO and DIDO positions are not eligible under the agreement.
- Offer salaries, employment conditions, and workplace benefits that are at par to those provided to Australian workers in similar roles.
- Maintaining a strong record of compliance with workplace laws and disclosing any adverse information during the application is necessary.
- And ultimately, show that there is a genuine workforce need, the capacity to employ sponsored workers for the visa period, and justify the number of positions and concessions requested.
How Does the New State-Wide System Affect Existing Goldfields Sponsors?
The transition to the Goldfields DAMA Australia framework under the WA DAMA has been specifically made to minimise disruption for businesses already using the existing agreement.
- Employers with an existing Goldfields DAMA can continue sponsoring overseas workers under the terms of their current Labour Agreement until it expires.
- Current agreements, approved occupations, and existing employment conditions remain unchanged during the transition period.
- Businesses only need to move to the WA DAMA if their Labour Agreement expires, they require additional workers, want to add new occupations, or need to vary their workforce plan.
From 1 January 2027, all new applications for the Goldfields region will be endorsed by the Department of Training and Workforce Development – Migration Services. At the same time, this will replace the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder as the endorsement authority.
Also Read: DAMA Visa Australia: Eligibility, Benefits, and Step-by-Step Application Process
Step-by-Step Application Process Under Goldfields DAMA
The Goldfields DAMA application process follows a pathway to help eligible employers access overseas workers through a labour agreement.
1. Confirm Employer Eligibility
In this step, you have to make sure your business meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Review Goldfields DAMA Requirements
Properly review the applicable Goldfields DAMA Western Australia terms, conditions, occupation eligibility, and documentation requirements before preparing your application.
3. Obtain DAR Endorsement
Submit an endorsement application to the Designated Area Representative (DAR). If it is approved, you will receive an endorsement letter to support your Labour Agreement application.
4. Apply for a Labour Agreement
Use the DAR endorsement to lodge a Labour Agreement application with the DOHA.
5. Nominate Overseas Workers
After the Labour Agreement is executed, nominate eligible workers for approved occupations covered under your agreement.
6. Lodge Visa Applications
The nominated workers can then submit their visa applications under the relevant employer-sponsored visa stream after receiving their nomination approval.
WA DAMA vs Other State DAMA Programs: Key Differences
The Goldfields DAMA transition to WA DAMA introduces a broader state-wide framework. Here is a table that will help you explore the differences clearly:
| Aspect | WA DAMA | Other State DAMA Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Entire Western Australia, including Perth and regional areas. | Limited to designated regions within each state. |
| Endorsement Authority | WA Migration Services or regional DAR, depending on location. | Local DAR. |
| Occupation Access | State-wide occupation list with additional regional options wherever applicable. | Occupations specific to each regional DAMA. |
| Visa Pathways | SID 482 Visa, ENS (186) and SESR (494). | Similar employer-sponsored visa pathways. |
| Regional Allocation | Covers metropolitan and regional WA, with places distributed across both. | Generally focused on regional workforce shortages only. |
| Processing | Decision-ready endorsement applications are currently processed in about 20 working days. | Processing times tend to vary by state and DAMA region. |
Also Read: What Is The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) In Australia?
Conclusion
The Goldfields DAMA 2026 extension provides employers with extra time to plan for the transition to the WA DAMA. Moreover, having a clear picture of the latest requirements, career pathways, and eligibility criteria can help businesses prepare in advance. However, if you are still in need of tailored guidance, consult an experienced immigration agent in Perth. They can assist you in simplifying the application process and support your workforce planning in the long run.
FAQs
1. Can individual jobseekers apply directly under the Goldfields DAMA?
No, individual jobseekers cannot apply directly. The Goldfields DAMA is an employer-sponsored program, and thus, only an eligible employer must nominate the worker first.
2. Can new employers still access the Goldfields DAMA in 2026?
Yes. New employers will be able to apply for a Goldfields DAMA labour agreement until 31 December 2026. However, they must meet the eligibility criteria and get endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
3. What concessions does the Goldfields DAMA offer?
Concessions on English language requirements, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and permanent residence age limits are provided. These are available only for eligible occupations listed under the agreement.
4. What happens if a Goldfields DAMA agreement expires after 31 December 2026?
Any expiring agreement after 31 December 2026 must transition to the WA DAMA framework under the DTWD.
5. Are FIFO or DIDO workers eligible under the Goldfields DAMA?
No. FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) and DIDO (drive-in-drive-out) workers are not eligible.
