Region: Kimberley region, Western Australia
Employer Type: Small-scale post office (a classic Essential Service in Regional Australia)
Nominated Occupation: Clerk (General)

494 DAMA Application Timeline

13/08/2025: The employer lodged the DAR Endorsement application through the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EKCCI).

19/08/2025: EKCCI approved the endorsement in just 6 days.

26/08/2025: Following DAR Endorsement approval, we at NEWPOINT assisted the employer in promptly lodging the Labour Agreement application with the Department of Home Affairs.

01/10/2025: The Labour Agreement was successfully approved. The nomination and 494 visa application are currently pending.

Note: If a business has multiple applicants, it can choose to lodge DAR Endorsement and Labour Agreement applications for them all together initially.

If applicants do not undergo DAR Endorsement at the same time, the second application can only commence after the first Labour Agreement has been approved.

Why is this case special?

1. Flexible Occupational Scope
The nominated position, Clerk (General), is an entry-level yet crucial operational role that typically cannot be sponsored under the general skilled migration / 482 / 494 occupation lists.

However, the DAMA pathway can cover such common occupations needed in regional areas (even if they are not on the CSOL), providing more opportunities for small and medium enterprises to bring in necessary staff.

This application obtained DAR endorsement in just 6 days!

Securing the Labour Agreement within one month demonstrates the efficiency of the East Kimberley DAMA and its priority support for filling critical regional vacancies.

2. Opportunities for Small Employers
Many believe only large corporations can utilise DAMA, but this is not the case.

The post office in this case is a small-scale employer. However, due to genuine service shortages in the region, it was still able to nominate an employee through DAMA.

This serves as a strong reference for various small and medium businesses like restaurants, small supermarkets, convenience stores, farms, and logistics hubs.

3. Long-Term Planning Advantages
Once a DAMA Labour Agreement takes effect, it is typically valid for five years.

During this period, the employer can flexibly add positions/quota/occupation changes based on business needs, significantly enhancing workforce flexibility.

Implications for Employers

Regional Labour Shortages → DAMA is the optimal supplementary solution.

Don't worry about "Small Company Size" → If there is a genuine人力需求, small businesses can also gain approval.

Broad Occupational Coverage → Even occupations not on the standard lists may be approved through DAMA.

Long-Term Stability → One agreement, valid for five years, providing a sustainable solution to manpower shortages.

For employers operating in regional areas who consistently face "difficulty hiring," DAMA is not just a tool to alleviate staff shortages but also a strategic choice for stabilising business development and enhancing operational resilience.