A DHA-compliant Market Salary Report is a formal document used in employer-sponsored visa applications to demonstrate that the salary offered to a foreign worker meets or exceeds the Australian market salary rate. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires this report to ensure fair wages, protect local labor standards, and prevent underpayment.
Below are the key components that must be included in a DHA-compliant Market Salary Report.
1. Employer and Business Details
This section establishes the legitimacy of the sponsoring employer. It includes:
Legal business name
ABN/ACN
Business address and industry type
Nature of operations and size of the organization
This information confirms that the employer is an actively operating and lawful business.
2. Position and Job Description
A clear and accurate job description is essential. This section outlines:
Job title
Core duties and responsibilities
Required qualifications and experience
Employment type (full-time / part-time)
The role description must match the nominated occupation under the visa program.
3. Employment Conditions
This component explains the conditions of employment, including:
Working hours
Employment location
Contract duration
Leave entitlements
These conditions must be consistent with Australian workplace standards.
4. Offered Salary Package
This section specifies the salary being offered to the sponsored worker, including:
Base salary
Superannuation contributions
Allowances or bonuses (if applicable)
The report must clearly state the Total Annual Remuneration (TAR).
5. Market Salary Rate Evidence
This is the core of the DHA-compliant report. It includes evidence showing that the offered salary aligns with market rates. Common sources are:
Job advertisements for similar roles in Australia
Industry salary surveys
Government labor market data
Comparable internal employee salaries (if available)
The data must be recent and relevant to the role and location.
6. Comparison and Salary Justification
This section compares:
Offered salary vs. market salary range
Sponsored employee vs. Australian workers in similar roles
It must clearly justify that the foreign worker is not paid less than an Australian employee performing the same work.
7. Compliance With Australian Workplace Laws
The report must confirm compliance with:
Fair Work Act
National Employment Standards (NES)
Minimum salary thresholds (where applicable)
This assures DHA that employment conditions meet legal requirements.
8. Methodology and Data Sources
To ensure transparency, the report should explain:
How salary data was collected
Sources used
Date of data collection
This strengthens the credibility of the report.
9. Declaration and Employer Statement
A formal declaration from the employer stating that:
Information provided is accurate
Salary meets market standards
Employment conditions comply with Australian laws
This section is usually signed and dated.
10. Supporting Documents (Attachments)
A DHA-compliant report is often accompanied by:
Job advertisements
Salary survey extracts
Employment contract or offer letter
These attachments support the findings of the report.
Conclusion
A DHA-compliant Market Salary Report is a critical document in employer-sponsored visa applications. By clearly presenting business details, job roles, salary evidence, and legal compliance, the report helps demonstrate fair treatment of sponsored workers and strengthens the overall visa application.