PALM SCHEME PROGRAMME


aged care extension (ace)

Global reach. Local expertise.

Overview of the PALM ACE Program

Ethical, Long-Term Staffing for Aged Care in Regional & Remote Australia

BLU Healthcare is an Approved Employer under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme and the Australian Care Experience (ACE) Program, connecting aged care providers in regional and remote areas with qualified, compassionate care workers from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste.


The PALM ACE Program is a sustainable solution to one of aged care’s biggest challenges: consistent, long-term staffing in hard-to-fill roles. With BLU Healthcare, you gain access to a job-ready workforce that’s fully certified, ethically sourced, and committed to making a difference, right where it’s needed most.

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What is the PALM ACE Program?

The PALM ACE (Aged Care Expansion) Program is specifically designed to build long-term workforce resilience in aged care, particularly in non-metropolitan areas. Every worker is trained, certified, and supported to deliver quality care and integrate seamlessly into your team.

Workers in the program:

  • Hold the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), qualifying them as Level 3 Direct Care Employees under the Aged Care Award (MA000018)
  • Complete in-country clinical placements before mobilisation
  • Commit to long-term placements (1 to 4 years) with a minimum 38-hour work week
  • Receive full cultural orientation, ongoing worker welfare management, and 24/7 wellbeing support

This program not only strengthens aged care delivery in under-resourced areas, it also supports community and economic development across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Why Choose BLU Healthcare?

With a proven track record across aged care and other critical sectors, BLU delivers more than recruitment, we deliver complete, staffing solutions tailored to the aged care sector.

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Regional & 
Remote Focus

We specialise in aged care staffing outside metro areas, helping you reduce turnover, improve continuity of care and strengthen your workforce.

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End-to-End Program Management

We manage every stage, from visa applications and travel coordination to WHS compliance, accommodation setup and documentation tracking.

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Cultural Fit & Retention Support

We assess every candidate for role and cultural fit, and our onshore teams provide induction, worker welfare management and integration into local communities.

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Ethical & Compliant Delivery

BLU is accredited under DFAT and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. We operate under ISO 9001, ISO 17020, and ISO 45001 standards and uphold ethical recruitment in partnership with AMRANZ and ANRA.

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Predictable Costs, Consistent Care

PALM ACE provides a stable, dedicated workforce that reduces reliance on agency staffing and lowers long-term recruitment costs.

Our People, Our Strength

PALM ACE workers bring more than technical qualifications, they bring purpose, professionalism and heart.

Known for their resilience and cultural sensitivity, they are committed to elder care and proud to make a difference. With structured support and job readiness, they help aged care teams deliver reliable, compassionate care, even in the most remote settings.

Key Benefits for Employers

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Compliance & Legal Assurance: PALM workers are fully compliant with Australian workplace laws, including National Employment Standards.

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Cultural Integration & Support: Our dedicated worker welfare management team ensures smooth worker adaptation and positive team dynamics.

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Long-Term Stability: Workers are engaged on 1– 4-year contracts, promoting continuity of care and reducing turnover.

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Lower Recruitment Costs: Fixed and predictable pricing reduces the cost of ongoing hiring and training.

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Workforce Planning & Retention: With a minimum 38-hour work week, PALM ACE provides staffing predictability beyond casual labour.

How BLU Supports You

We take the complexity out of workforce delivery

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Ethical Recruitment

We partner directly with Pacific sending units to ensure fair, transparent, and culturally aligned sourcing.

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End-to-End Mobilisation

From visa processing and travel to accommodation and banking setup, we handle it all.

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Site Readiness & Onboarding

We partner directly with Pacific sending units to ensure fair, transparent, and culturally aligned sourcing.

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Worker Welfare Management & Ongoing Support

Our dedicated coordinators provide 24/7 support for workers and employers — ensuring integration, compliance, and stability.

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Compliance & Reporting

We manage all obligations under the PALM Scheme so you stay audit-ready and focused on operations.

Key Benefits for Workers

End-to-End Employer Support

  • Role and cultural fit assessments
  • Visa applications and immigration assistance
  • Flight booking and travel coordination
  • Worker accommodation and site setup
  • Health & safety compliance (WHS, SWMS)
  • Ongoing employer liaison and performance tracking

Worker

Support Services

  • Cultural orientation and workplace induction
  • Sector-specific job training
  • 24/7 worker welfare management support
  • Community integration (e.g. local churches, sport, social groups)
  • Ongoing documentation and compliance tracking

Success in Action

Compliance & Accreditation

BLU healthcare is an approved employer under the PALM scheme as governed by:


  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
  • Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
  • Pacific Labour Facility


We are committed to upholding the highest standards in recruitment, operating in full alignment with our ISO 9001, ISO 17020, and ISO 45001 certifications.  We partner with AMRANZ and ANRA to ensure our recruitment practices are ethical, compliant, and of the highest quality.

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Partner with 
BLU Healthcare

If you’re an aged care provider seeking skilled, values-driven staff for regional or remote services, BLU Healthcare’s PALM ACE Program offers a fully managed, compliant solution with long-term results.

Let’s work together to deliver compassionate care where it matters most.

Start your PALM ACE partnership today.