Consultation Purpose
This targeted consultation is being conducted to:
- Seek detailed stakeholder feedback on the design and operation of a potential Queensland state-led Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
- Inform development of the 2026-27 Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL)
What is DAMA? | What is QSOL? |
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a two-tier framework covering a defined regional area. The first tier is the overarching five-year deed of agreement between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative, which may be a state or territory government or a regional body. The second tier consists of individual labour agreements between employers and the Australian Government under the settings established in the deed of agreement. | The Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) identifies occupations considered to be experiencing skill shortages either across Queensland or outside Greater Brisbane. Occupations on the QSOL are classified at skill levels 1, 2 or 3. Migration Queensland (MQ) uses the Jobs and Skills Australia definition of a skill shortage when developing the QSOL. Each year MQ consults with industry and other stakeholders. This feedback, together with labour market analysis, underpins development of the QSOL. |
What is the purpose of the DAMA? | What is the purpose of the QSOL? |
A DAMA provides flexibility for regions to respond to unique economic and labour market conditions. It does this by expanding occupation lists and allowing negotiated concessions to standard visa requirements, such as age and English language requirements. This helps employers access to overseas workers when they are unable to fill eligible positions with Australian citizens or permanent residents. | Some skilled visa categories require applicants to be nominated by a state or territory government before they can apply to the Australian Government for a visa. This nomination process allows jurisdictions to align skilled migration with workforce needs and economic priorities. In Queensland, this occurs through the State Nominated Migration Program, administered by MQ. The 2026–27 QSOL will set the occupations for which MQ nominates skilled migrants during the 2026–27 financial year. |
Consultation Process
Please note that consultation materials do not represent Queensland Government policy or indicate a Queensland Government position.
Step 1: Review pre-reading materials
Some stakeholders participating in this consultation were involved in the initial consultation stage, while others are participating for the first time. For this reason, MQ has prepared comprehensive pre-reading materials for stakeholders to review before attending a webinar. These materials include:
- information about the proposed state-led DAMA
- possible geographic coverage of a DAMA
- three potential service delivery options
- possible concessions and
- occupation lists for consideration
Pre-reading download:
| Document name | File type | Link |
| Skilled Migration and DAMA Overview | .pdf - 324kb | Download here > |
| Operational Framework | .pdf - 339kb | Download here > |
| Occupations and Concessions | .pdf - 240kb | Download here > |
| Occupations for Consideration | .xslx - 138kb | Download here > |
Step 2: Attend a webinar
On Tuesday, June 9, Migration Queensland (MQ) hosted four webinars to:
- answer questions about the pre-reading material
- explain the type of feedback being sought
- outline how to use the feedback template.
Due to consultation timeframes, webinar availability was limited.
If you wish to participate in the consultation but the webinar times were not suitable, you were otherwise unable to attend, or if you have any questions, please contact Migration Queensland at DAMA@migration.qld.gov.au.
Excerpt from webinar discussing Feedback Template and Guide to Feedback:
Step 3: Provide feedback by midnight, 7 July 2026
Once you access the feedback template you will be able to:
- Identify the geographic area you would like included in a state-led DAMA
- Select your preferred service delivery model
- Propose the occupations you believe should be included in the QSOL and the DAMA and
- Suggest the concessions you would like attached these occupations.
The feedback template and guide are available to download below.
Consultation is open for four weeks.
Feedback template download:
| Document name | File type | Link |
| Guide to Feedback Template | .pdf - 400kb | Download here > |
| Feedback Template | .xslx - 715kb | Download here > |
Please download, fill out the feedback template as per guide, and submit your response to DAMA@migration.qld.gov.au by midnight, 7 July 2026