Another Slap in the Face to Regional NSW

Federal Government Rejects Expansion of Orana DAMA in Major Blow to Regional NSW

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana has voiced deep frustration following the Federal Government’s decision to decline the proposed expansion of the Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) despite overwhelming regional support, endorsement from the NSW Government and a year of coordinated advocacy.

The Orana DAMA, the only agreement of its kind in NSW, is a pathway for regional employers when they demonstrate they cannot find Australian employees – this is not taking away Australian job opportunities.

RDA Orana Chair Brad Cam described the decision as “another slap in the face for regional NSW”, saying it ignores the realities facing regional communities, many of which are central to Australia’s energy transition and critical minerals future.

The proposed variation sought to expand the Orana DAMA to include the Northern Inland and Far West RDA regions and add 139 new occupations to address severe workforce shortages across multiple industries.

The decision represents a significant reversal from earlier signals provided by the Department of Home Affairs who had previously indicated a commitment to support after a coordinated and widespread advocacy campaign from local government, state and federal members and key stakeholders. RDA Orana was also encouraged by the successful delivery of the program since 2019, and the strong performance of the Orana DAMA across five RDA regions, where enquiries have increased by 60 percent.

Mr Cam said the backflip is both unexpected and damaging.

“This is another slap in the face for regional NSW. After 12 months of coordinated lobbying, bipartisan support and clear evidence of workforce need, the Federal Government has walked away from its own commitments. Our communities deserve better,” said Mr Cam.

Despite assurances the Orana DAMA, which is due to expire in April 2026, would be extended in its current agreement for another 12 months, the consequences of the decision to decline the expansion will be felt across multiple high‑priority regions.

New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) – Completely Excluded

Located in the Northern Inland RDA region, the New England REZ, one of Australia’s largest renewable energy precincts, has been denied access to the Orana DAMA entirely, leaving major projects without a tailored skilled migration pathway.

Far West NSW – Denied Despite Critical Minerals Boom

The Far West region, home to rare earth and critical minerals mining, has also been excluded. This is despite well‑documented workforce shortages and the sector’s strategic importance to national supply chains.

Orana REZ – Essential Occupations Blocked

The proposed additional occupations included roles vital to delivering the Orana REZ and associated infrastructure.

Beyond mining and renewable energy, regional NSW continues to face severe shortages across essential industries including health, aged care, disability support, childcare, hospitality, transport, construction, agriculture and professional services. Employers across the Orana, Central West, Riverina, Murray and Southern Inland regions consistently report an inability to fill these critical roles locally despite extensive advertising.

The DAMA has been one of the few effective mechanisms enabling regional employers to access the skilled workers they urgently need.

Mr Cam said the decision ignores the lived reality of regional businesses and communities and undermines the Government’s own regional and national priorities.

“You cannot build renewable energy zones, critical minerals projects or regional infrastructure without people – and you also can’t run hospitals, childcare centres or grow food and fibre for our nation without them. This decision simply ignores the reality on the ground.”

RDA Orana’s DAMA is widely regarded as one of Australia’s strongest regional migration delivery models. In the last two years alone, the agreement has endorsed over 800 positions for regional NSW businesses, making the rejection even more perplexing.

RDA Orana is urging the Federal Government to revisit the decision and engage directly with regional stakeholders who have consistently demonstrated the need for expanded skilled migration pathways.

“Regional NSW is carrying the weight of the nation’s energy transition and critical minerals future. We need a migration system that recognises that reality, not one that leaves us behind,” concluded Mr Cam.