The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement Australia is a key migration pathway designed to help employers in the dairy sector sponsor skilled overseas workers for critical roles such as Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker and Dairy Cattle Farm Operator. This agreement helps address the ongoing skills shortage across Australia’s regional dairy farms and provides both temporary and permanent visa pathways under the Subclass 482, 186, and 494 programs.
Whether you’re an employer looking to fill key workforce gaps or a skilled worker aiming to settle in regional Australia, understanding the requirements of the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement Australia is essential to your migration success.
? What Is the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement Australia?
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement Australia (DILA) allows eligible employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when local labour is unavailable. It supports Australia’s regional migration strategy and ensures a steady supply of skilled dairy professionals to meet production demand.
Under this agreement, employers can access three major visa subclasses:
- Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa (temporary visa for up to 4 years)
- Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (regional provisional visa leading to PR)
- Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (permanent residency pathway after 3 years)
This agreement includes concessions for English language, salary thresholds, and age limits, especially for employers operating in regional areas.
? Visa Options Under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement
1?? Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Allows dairy employers to fill labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers in approved roles for up to four years. Workers can later transition to permanent residency through the 186 visa.
2?? Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
Supports employment in regional areas and offers a direct pathway to permanent residency after three years of work.
3?? Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Permanent visa available after working for at least three years in a full-time role with an approved sponsor under the agreement.
? Read more about Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa requirements.
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement covers two main roles vital to the dairy industry:
Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker
- Oversees day-to-day dairy farm operations, including herd health, breeding programs, and milk production.
- Supervises farm staff and ensures compliance with safety and animal welfare standards.
Dairy Cattle Farm Operator
- Operates and maintains milking equipment.
- Assists in feeding, breeding, and herd management.
- Supports farm maintenance and data collection for milk production.
?? Employer Requirements
To become an approved sponsor under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement Australia, employers must:
- Operate a legitimate dairy farming business in Australia.
- Demonstrate a genuine labour shortage and inability to source local staff.
- Offer full-time employment and comply with Fair Work and National Employment Standards.
- Pay the worker at least 90% of the Core Skilled Income Threshold (CSIT) or the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
- Comply with sponsorship obligations under the Migration Regulations 1994.
? Worker Eligibility
Overseas workers applying under this agreement must meet:
- Qualifications: Certificate III or equivalent for senior roles; Certificate II or relevant experience for operators.
- Experience: At least one to two years in dairy operations or livestock management.
- English: Minimum IELTS overall score of 5.0 (with regional concessions).
- Age: Under 45 years generally, but up to 55 in Category 2 or 3 regional areas.
? Salary and Employment Conditions
- Employers must meet salary thresholds as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Workers must be employed full-time under Australian workplace laws.
- Standard conditions include paid leave, safety compliance, and industry-standard working hours.
? Regional Area Benefits
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement prioritises regional Australia, providing concessions such as:
- Lower English and salary thresholds.
- Extended age limits for applicants.
- Streamlined permanent residency transitions.
? See official eligible regional areas.
? Benefits of the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement Australia
? Solves critical workforce shortages in the dairy sector.
? Attracts and retains skilled overseas workers.
? Offers permanent residency opportunities.
? Strengthens Australia’s regional economy.
? Encourages workforce continuity for dairy employers.
? How Tolic Lawyers Can Help
At Tolic Lawyers, we specialise in migration and employment law, helping both employers and skilled workers prepare decision-ready visa applications under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement Australia.
We assist with:
- Employer sponsorship registration.
- Compliance with Home Affairs and Fair Work standards.
- Preparation of labour agreement requests and nominations.
- Skilled worker eligibility assessments.
- Transition to permanent residency through 186 or 494 visas.
? Contact us today: https://toliclawyers.com.au/contact-us/
By ensuring compliance and submitting a complete, decision-ready application, employers and applicants can successfully access this opportunity to strengthen Australia’s dairy workforce.
?? Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalised advice on the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement Australia, contact Tolic Lawyers for tailored legal guidance.
