Our colleague, Christina Lien, recently attended the MIA (Migration Institute of Australia) Regional Migration Conference held in Adelaide, South Australia.
Regional migration has always been a moveable feast for the Australian Government. In an effort to encourage migrants away from the large cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, the possibility of visa concessions including lower skill and English levels has been enticing for migrants and businesses alike. Christina’s detailed report is below.
Key Statistic:
23,000 jobs remain unfilled across regional NSW, highlighting the scale of the migration challenge.
Australia’s migration landscape is shifting rapidly, with increasing emphasis on regional solutions, state-federal collaboration, and tailored labour agreements to address skill shortages. The recent Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) Regional Migration Conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss what’s working, where the gaps are, and how industry and government can work together more effectively.
National Context & Policy Direction
Federal officials reaffirmed the prioritisation of regional visa processing and employer-sponsored migration, noting record-high returns of Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) and expanded DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements) activity. However, they acknowledged systemic complexity and duplication, with calls for simplification and more localised input into planning. Over 300 submissions and 21 regional consultation sessions have fed into upcoming reforms.
State-Led Innovation and Collaboration
- South Australia is rapidly emerging as a model of migrant engagement, with over 1,700 DAMA endorsements this year alone—almost doubling 2023 figures. The Skilled Migrant Talent and Industry Connection Program (SMTIC) supports six employer-facing initiatives and job-readiness workshops. Welcome events have brought in over 550 skilled migrants into SA’s workforce since inception.
- Queensland is focused on workplace integration, offering inclusive programs such as the Community Action Program, Welcoming Cities, and the Workers’ Rights Education and Support Program. New regional employer awareness campaigns are being piloted alongside a soon-to-launch region-specific migration portal.
- New South Wales has established a whole-of-government Migration Steering Committee and implemented a four-year state migration plan. It is leveraging its international networks and recently conducted 12 regional seminars. Key sectors flagged include housing, renewables, and advanced manufacturing.
DAMA Deep Dive: Local Leadership, Flexibility and Workforce Planning
- Greater Shepparton and Far North Queensland highlighted DAMA’s value in retaining skilled temporary workers and accessing critical concessions (age, English, salary). FNQ now offers 240+ occupations, including 17 non-ANSCO roles like “Marine Environment Interpreter,” responding to unique regional demands.
- Orana (NSW) has expanded from 12 to 53 LGAs under a hub-and-spoke model, delivering DAMA services via local RDAs. With $30B in regional infrastructure projects underway, workforce planning is urgent.
- South Australia’s Dual DAMA Model (metro and regional) now covers 375 occupations, with a significant uptick in employer engagement for hard-to-fill roles in health and construction. The state is negotiating a five-year extension with Canberra.
- Labour agreement advisor Mark Ody noted five of ten industry labour agreements are regionally concentrated (dairy, meat, pork, fishing, horticulture). However, limited housing and English proficiency barriers are slowing uptake—especially in fishing and horticulture sectors.
Actionable Takeaways for HR Managers & Executives
- Explore DAMA pathways: If operating in a regional zone, DAMAs offer flexibility with skill level, PR pathways, and concessions. Reach out to your local DAR (Designated Area Representative).
- Build relationships with RDAs and chambers of commerce: These are increasingly the frontline of migration support and workforce planning.
- Plan for housing and community integration: A key reason skilled migrants leave is lack of local support. Think beyond the visa.
- Review eligibility now: Many states offer employer awareness programs—Queensland and SA in particular—tailored to regional business needs.
Track regulatory reforms: Upcoming changes aim to streamline regional visas and planning cycles. Engage with MIA and Home Affairs to stay ahead.
