Community
29 January, 2025
Workers scheme extended
A SCHEME to fix critical workforce shortages in the Far North is to be extended by the federal government by two years until April 4, 2027.
The extension to the Far North Queensland (FNQ) Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a result of strong advocacy from the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.
Since its inception six years ago, the FNQ DAMA has helped businesses get access to skilled workers, supporting economic growth and addressing specific labour demands across a variety of industries.
Mr Entsch said it was “a huge win for our region and a testament to the power of effective advocacy”.
“The Cairns Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of Patricia O’Neill, has done a tremendous job in championing the DAMA and ensuring the voices of Far North Queensland businesses were heard loud and clear in Canberra. This extension builds on the six successful years of the DAMA and is critical for the continued growth and sustainability of our regional economy,” he said.
Ms O’Neill said the government’s decision highlighted the importance of the DAMA to the region’s businesses.
