Melissa price slams new Statewide DAMA deal

Durack MHR Melissa Price is calling on Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles to clarify the impact a new State Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) will have on the Mid West Gascoyne application. Ms Price said Western Australians “deserve clear, consistent and effective migration policies, not the mass uncertainty created by Labor”. The State and Federal Government deal, which was announced on June 30, will see 10,000 skilled migration places for 2024-25, creating more opportunities for the State’s economy and residential construction industries. Under this deal, the migration places will be divided between the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) and a newly established WA Designated Area Migration Agreement. However, with the fate of the Mid West Gascoyne DAMA pending approval, Ms Price expressed alarm over the implications of a newly announced Statewide DAMA by the WA Government. “It is startling clear that a DAMA is desperately needed in these regions,” she said. “The announcement by the Cook Labor Government of a new Statewide DAMA raises significant concerns for the Mid West and Gascoyne areas.” Ms Price emphasised her role as a steadfast advocate for the Kimberley and Pilbara DAMAs, lauding their success in alleviating severe labour shortages and bolstering regional growth. “As the Federal Member for Durack, I have been a staunch advocate for the creation and expansion of the Kimberley and Pilbara Designated Area Migration Agreements, which have proven to be enormously successful in addressing critical labour shortages in those regions, whilst supporting their growth,” Ms Price said. Mr Giles was approached for comment but did not respond. t a response.