The Federal Government has announced significant updates to the Townsville North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (TNQ DAMA), introducing 14 new occupations, adjusting income thresholds for select occupations, and providing age and English language concessions for high-demand positions.
The TNQ DAMA, a formal agreement between the Australian Government and Townsville Enterprise, offers employers who have exhausted local recruitment options a streamlined pathway to access skilled overseas workers. It also provides enhanced pathways to permanent residency, making North Queensland an attractive destination for global talent.
Now encompassing 214 occupations, the TNQ DAMA covers the local government areas of Townsville, Charters Towers, Burdekin, Hinchinbrook, Flinders, Richmond, McKinlay, Cloncurry, and Mount Isa.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith welcomed the expansion, highlighting its importance in addressing workforce shortages across the region.
“We acknowledge and thank the Federal Government for these critical updates to the TNQ DAMA. With more than 20,000 new workers needed across North and North-West Queensland in the next 5 years, employers will welcome the inclusion of roles such as hairdressers, beauty therapists, nurse managers, and refrigeration mechanics,” Ms. Brumme-Smith said.
“Concessions to age, English language and income thresholds have also been introduced for high-demand roles, including cooks, chefs, fruit pickers, aged carers, truck drivers, childcare workers, and motor mechanics.”
“Businesses across all industries have consistently voiced their challenges in attracting and retaining workers. The data tells us that we cannot meet the region’s projected economic growth through local workforce alone. Migration is critical to sustaining and expanding our industries.”
“Each variation to the TNQ DAMA is based on regional insights, local industry demand, and workforce evidence. Every application is rigorously assessed to ensure businesses have made genuine efforts to recruit locally before accessing the DAMA.”
Queensland Senator Nita Green emphasised the Government’s responsiveness to industry needs.
“We understand the critical role workforce availability plays in North Queensland’s economic growth. Industry leaders have made it clear that retaining and expanding the TNQ DAMA is essential, and the Government has responded,” Senator Green said.
“In just two years, the TNQ DAMA has endorsed 480 skilled workers for Townsville North Queensland. With today’s announcement, we anticipate even greater success in addressing workforce shortages across key sectors.”
“There are only a handful of regions in Australia with access to a DAMA, and Townsville North Queensland’s is by far the most extensive. This reflects the region’s diverse industry sectors, rapid economic growth, and pressing job demands.”
“It is reassuring for the Government to know that Townsville Enterprise, as the region’s peak economic development body, plays a key role in the DAMA assessment process. Their local expertise, industry insights, and strong community connections ensure the best migration outcomes for North Queensland, supporting both businesses and workforce sustainability.”
Local business owners, including Gary Bromham at Juliette's, welcomed the changes.
“We have struggled to fill wait staff roles for years. While we previously explored the DAMA, the salary requirements didn’t align with industry standards,” Mr. Bromham said.
“This variation provides a more practical framework for hospitality and service-based businesses like ours. We’re eager to leverage the DAMA to address ongoing staffing shortages.”
“For international workers, North Queensland is an incredible place to live and experience the Australian way of life. The DAMA’s pathway to permanent residency makes it an even more attractive option for skilled migrants looking to build their future here.”
