What is the Difference between Industry Labour Agreement (ILA) and Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?
The Industry Labour Agreement (ILA) and the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) are labour agreements that address skills shortages in Australia. While both have a similar purpose, they differ in scope, flexibility and application process. Both agreements can bring in overseas skilled workers through these visa programs:
What is the Industry Labour Agreement (ILA)?
An Industry Labour Agreement (ILA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and an industry sector experiencing ongoing, nationwide shortages, it is designed to meet labour needs across an entire industry.
ILA covers all employers in industries including advertising, aged care, on-hire, dairy, fishing, meat, minister of religion, pork, restaurant (premium dining), and horticulture on a nationwide basis, providing concessions to overseas workers to enhance accessibility.
What is the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state, or territory authority. There are currently 13 DAMAs in place across each state and territory, which include:
New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
Queensland (QLD)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Northern Territory (NT)
DAMA applies to businesses operating within a specific geographic area, providing tailored occupation lists to address the region’s unique skills shortages. DAMA also offers concessions to overseas workers regarding visa requirements, such as English language proficiency, age, Temporary Skilled Migration Income Thresholds (TSMIT), or Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), and work experience.
What are the Key Differences Between ILA and DAMA?
| undefined | Industry Labour Agreement (ILA) | Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Nationwide | Specific region or territory |
| Focus | Industry-wide Skill Shortages | Regional Needs |
| Body Leading the Agreement | Industry bodies | State/Territory/Regional authorities |
| Flexibility | Fixed terms and conditions | Negotiable terms |
| Occupations | Specific to the industry | Tailored to address regional skills shortages |
| Visa Subclass | SC482, 494, 186 | SC482, 494, 186 |
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Reach out to one of our immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux, who work closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law. The team specialises in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
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