The Goldfields DAMA: Sponsoring Workers in Kalgoorlie and the WA Goldfields

Goldfields employers face a thin local labour market. However a Designated Area Migration Agreement can widen the pool. This guide sets out the terms the Designated Area Representative publishes.

Goldfields DAMA terms checked on 15 September 2026. DAMA terms are reviewed each year and can change. Therefore confirm the current terms with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder before you rely on them.

What the Goldfields DAMA is

A DAMA is an agreement between the Commonwealth and a regional representative. Home Affairs confirms 13 operate nationally. Moreover each carries its own occupations and concessions. Our plain guide to DAMAs explains the framework.

The Goldfields agreement began in March 2019. Home Affairs has extended it since, so it now runs until 31 December 2026.

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is the Designated Area Representative. So employers here deal with their local council, not a state agency.

Who the Goldfields DAMA covers

Eight local government authorities sit inside the designated area. They are the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Shires of Coolgardie, Dundas, Esperance, Laverton, Leonora, Menzies and Ravensthorpe.

Workers must live and work inside that area. In addition, fly in fly out and drive in drive out roles are excluded.

The occupation list

The DAR describes the program as covering about 145 occupations. Its published list was updated in 2025. Therefore we counted it, finding 148 entries on 15 September 2026.

Six entries sit outside the ANZSCO classification. They cover asphalt, process, rope access and sound and light technicians, plus bar and waiter supervisors. So the DAR codes all six as 070499.

Twenty entries arrived in April 2024. They include cook, motor mechanic, scaffolder and truck driver. Therefore the list reaches beyond mining trades.

The concessions the Goldfields DAMA can offer

Salary

Some occupations carry a reduced income threshold. The DAR sets a reduced TSMIT or CSIT at 90 per cent of the Commonwealth figure. However only 17 of the 148 entries carried it.

Two concession types apply. Under Type 1, monetary earnings must reach the reduced threshold. Under Type 2, total earnings must reach the full threshold. Meanwhile non monetary benefits are capped at 10 per cent.

Home Affairs confirmed the figures today. The Core Skills Income Threshold and the TSMIT both sit at AUD79,423. That covers nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

English language

English concessions attach to some occupations only. On 15 September 2026, 57 of the 148 entries carried one.

Where one applies, the 482 and the 494 ask for IELTS 5.0 overall, with no minimum band. Meanwhile the 186 asks for 5.0 overall with no band below 4.0. The DAR also accepts OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and CAE.

Licensing rules still override the concession. Furthermore employers must explain to the DAR why lower English suits the role.

Age

Age concessions apply to the 186 and the 494. The limit rises to 55 for skill level 1 to 4 occupations. For skill level 5 occupations it rises to 50 instead.

In practice the higher limit dominates. On 15 September 2026, 144 entries carried the age 55 concession. Only Driller’s Assistant sat at level 5.

Work experience and qualifications

The DAR also reduces experience requirements. Generally the 482 asks for one year of relevant full time work. The 494 and the 186 ask for two years instead.

Qualification substitution exists for the non ANZSCO roles. At skill level 3, three years of experience can replace the qualification. At level 4, one year does the same.

Goldfields DAMA at a glance

Which employers qualify

The DAR sets clear entry criteria. A business must be a registered Australian entity with an office in one of the eight areas. It must also have traded there lawfully for 12 months.

Financial evidence matters too. The DAR asks for signed financial statements for the most recent year. Employers must also declare adverse information. Furthermore pay must match local rates.

Labour market testing in the Goldfields

Labour market testing runs through the whole process. Employers need it at endorsement, at the agreement request and at nomination.

The DAR requires at least two genuine advertisements in English. Moreover each must run for at least 28 days. One must also sit on a national platform, such as Seek.

Content rules also apply. Advertisements must name the position and the skills required. They must show a salary range below AUD96,400. They must also state that the role is full time in the region.

Some channels are excluded. Notably the DAR does not accept the Kalgoorlie Miner, Facebook or closed network advertising.

Getting endorsed

The process runs in six steps. First the employer reviews the requirements. Then it lodges an endorsement request by email.

The DAR aims to decide complete applications within 10 working days. An endorsement letter then lasts 12 months. After that the employer requests its labour agreement through ImmiAccount. Once approved, it has 12 months to nominate.

There is currently no DAR fee. The council charges nothing for endorsements from 1 July to 31 December 2026. Commonwealth charges still apply, however.

Numbers run a year at a time. The DAR endorses set occupations and position numbers annually. Additional workers then need a Deed of Variation. However the DAR publishes no region wide ceiling.

The Commonwealth costs still apply

Home Affairs confirmed these charges today. The subclass 482 labour agreement stream costs AUD4,015 for the primary applicant. The 186 and 494 streams each cost AUD6,140.

Nomination charges, the sponsorship charge and the Skilling Australians Fund levy sit on top. Therefore check each on Home Affairs first.

The permanent residence pathway

A pathway to permanent residence exists through the 186 and the 494. The ENS route asks for at least two years of prior work. That work must be in the nominated or a closely related role.

Location conditions apply throughout. The worker must live and work in the designated area. Our note on DAMA permanent residency concessions explains the wider framework.

Employers should also compare the state wide option. The Western Australia DAMA guide covers occupations this list leaves out. Meanwhile the Victorian DAMA overview shows a different regional model.

Frequently asked questions

Does the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder charge for endorsement?

No. The DAR charges no fee for endorsement applications from 1 July to 31 December 2026. Commonwealth nomination and visa charges still apply.

Can a fly in fly out role be sponsored under the Goldfields DAMA?

No. Fly in fly out and drive in drive out positions are not eligible. Workers must live and work inside the region.

How far does the Goldfields salary concession go?

The reduced threshold is 90 per cent of the Commonwealth figure. Only 17 of the 148 entries carried it on 15 September 2026.

When does the Goldfields DAMA end?

The agreement runs until 31 December 2026. Home Affairs has extended it before, so confirm the current date with the DAR.

Sam Kanjo, Migration Lawyer, Skyline Migration Lawyers, Melbourne.

Talk to us about your Goldfields DAMA application

We help employers scope positions, assemble endorsement evidence and lodge labour agreement requests. Call 03 8108 8748 or email info@skylinemigrationlawyers.com.au.

This article is general information only. It is not legal advice. DAMA terms change, so seek tailored advice before you act.