Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, has today welcomed the Federal Government’s agreement for a two-year extension to the Far North Queensland (FNQ) Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), ensuring this vital program will continue to address critical workforce shortages in the region until 4 April 2027.
The extension is a result of strong advocacy from the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch and it underscores the importance of tailored migration solutions for the unique needs of regional communities.
Since its inception some six years ago, the FNQ DAMA has been instrumental in providing businesses across Far North Queensland with access to skilled workers, supporting economic growth, and addressing specific labour demands across a variety of industries.
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, welcomed the decision and commended the efforts of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
“This is a huge win for our region and a testament to the power of effective advocacy,” Mr Entsch said. “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.”
Mr Entsch noted the importance of addressing ongoing challenges, including the increased Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), to ensure the DAMA remains effective.
“This extension is a fantastic outcome, and is a result of Patricia and her team’s effective advocacy efforts, particularly during the recent Tropical North Queensland Delegation to Canberra. Having said that there is more work to be done to ensure the DAMA fully meets the needs of all businesses in our region. We will continue working closely with the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Government to pursue necessary changes regarding the TSMIT issue and ensure that regional migration solutions are fit for purpose,” he said.
Mr Entsch also took the opportunity to thank Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite MP for his forthright engagement on this issue and taking the time to listen to the concerns of the business community and importantly taking the right course of action.
Cairns Chamber of Commerce CEO Patricia O’Neill expressed gratitude for the Government’s decision and highlighted the importance of the DAMA to the region’s businesses.
“The FNQ DAMA has been a game-changer for our region, enabling local businesses to access the skilled workers they need to thrive,” Mrs O’Neill said. “This extension is a direct result of the hard work and collaboration between the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and Federal representatives like Warren Entsch. We are proud to have played a key role in achieving this outcome and will continue advocating for improvements to ensure the DAMA meets the evolving needs of our region.”
The FNQ DAMA supports industries spanning tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and more across Cairns, Cape York, and the Torres Strait. It provides a tailored solution to regional workforce challenges by allowing access to skilled migrants in occupations critical to the area’s economic growth.
With this extension, Far North Queensland businesses can continue to rely on the DAMA to fill critical gaps, strengthen their operations, and contribute to the region’s vibrant economy.