State and Territory Government Nomination

State and Territory Government Nomination
Overview
The Australian government has made an agreement with State and Territory governments which benefits States and Territories by addressing skills shortages in their particular regions. Under this scheme, State and Territory governments can nominate General Skilled Migration visa applicants whose occupations are needed in their regions.
State and Territory governments can determine how many skilled applicants they will nominate, and what kinds of occupations are required in their area.
Currently, all State and Territory governments in Australia participate in this scheme.
Relevant visa categories for government nomination
•    Skilled - Sponsored (Subclass 886)
•    Skilled - Sponsored (Subclass 176)
•    Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Subclass 487)
•    Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Subclass 475)
Benefits of nomination
Generally, the points requirement where visa applicants are nominated by a State or Territory government, is lower than the independent skilled visas. It is important to note that nomination does not automatically result in the Department granting your visa; you must meet all the prescribed visa requirements.
Obligations of nominated skilled workers
If you are successfully nominated by a State or Territory government, you must comply with all Australian laws. You also must agree to
•    Remain in the State or Territory for a period of at least two (2) years
•    Keep the State or Territory government informed of changes in address details before and after visa grant
•    Be prepared to complete surveys and provide information as required.
How to become nominated
You should check the website of each State or Territory government to see if your occupation is on their skills shortage list. If it is, then you could contact the relevant government for further information about nomination, employment and housing in the region you plan to live in.
Australian Capital Territory: http://www.business.act.gov.au/skilled_and_business_migration  
New South Wales:  http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/migration/
Northern Territory: http://www.migration.nt.gov.au/
Queensland:  http://www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/v4/apps/web/content.cfm?id=3703
South Australia:  http://www.migration.sa.gov.au/sa/home.jsp
Tasmania: http://www.development.tas.gov.au/migration/skilled_migration
Victoria: http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/information/skilled-migrants
Western Australia: http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/?page=skilled-migration