If your business is currently using or planning to apply under the Far North Queensland DAMA (FNQ DAMA), here are some important updates from the Cairns Chamber of Commerce that every employer should know.
1. Endorsements can now cover the full 5-year Labour Agreement
Employers are now encouraged to plan for both their current and future workforce needs and can request endorsement for the entire five-year term of their Labour Agreement from the outset, rather than applying only for the first year as was previously recommended.
This change applies to both new applications and variation requests, helping reduce the need for multiple amendments and improving processing efficiency.
2. Apply for available concessions upfront
Where eligible, employers are encouraged to request available concessions, such as the Age Concession or English Concession, at the endorsement stage even if they are not certain these concessions will be needed. Having these concessions approved in advance is far more convenient than having to apply for them retrospectively.
3. Be cautious when using third-party reports
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns about generic reports prepared by outsourced providers or generated using AI.
Reports that do not accurately reflect a business's genuine circumstances may be considered misleading or inaccurate, which could result in an endorsement application being refused.
Employers should ensure that all supporting documents are tailored to their business, factually accurate, and clearly identify the report provider where third-party services are used.
4. Labour hire/on-hire businesses are not eligible under FNQ DAMA
Businesses operating under labour hire or on-hire arrangements should note that this business model is not eligible under the FNQ DAMA Labour Agreement.
In these cases, employers may need to consider applying under the On-Hire Industry Labour Agreement (OHLA) instead.
5. Keep your business records up to date
Financial evidence submitted with an application should generally have been issued within the last 12 months. Any changes to your business address or contact details should also be updated promptly through ImmiAccount.
If your business is considering sponsoring overseas workers through the FNQ DAMA, now is the ideal time to review your workforce planning strategy and endorsement process to ensure they align with the latest policy updates. If you need professional guidance with your FNQ DAMA application, contact Skill Direct today. Our experienced team is ready to help you navigate the process and maximise your chances of a successful outcome.
