Fatima Payman (WA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Watt. On my regional tour of WA I heard time and time again about the challenges facing regional WA when it comes to skills shortages. Businesses are struggling to keep their doors and services open to their communities because they just can't get the staff. Small businesses and industry in the Mid West and Gascoyne regions were consulted for months on the skills they need to get by. The results were teachers, truck drivers, accountants, manufacturers—skills that help our regional communities to thrive. A designated area migration agreement was lodged for the Mid West and Gascoyne regions in November last year, but there has been no response. Minister, when will this DAMA be approved so Western Australians in the Mid West and Gascoyne regions can access the skills they so desperately need?