Addressing Australian aged care workforce shortages

To address aged care workforce shortages across regional Australia, Regis Aged Care engaged Pulse Staffing with support from Sanctuary Recruitment, both part of Acacium Group, to deliver skilled support through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Key stats

• 40 qualified aged care workers contracted for four years
• All workers completed a 24-week ASQA accredited, Cert III Individual Support (Ageing)
• C17,000 hours of care delivered since March 2025

The challenge

Quality aged care is vital for ensuring that elderly people live fulfilling, healthy lives with dignity and respect. In recent years, Australia’s aged care industry faced significant workforce shortages following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers left the sector due to health risks, emotional strain and the high-stress environment within care facilities.

An existing workforce initiative, the PALM scheme was expanded to include the aged care sector (ACE – Aged Care Expansion program) to help Australian businesses address labour shortages by recruiting and skilling workers from Pacific countries, specifically to work in regional, rural and remote locations.

Regis, Australia’s largest for-profit aged care provider, was facing staffing challenges which were impacting the quality and continuity of care in its regional centres. To address these issues, Regis sought a long-term, sustainable recruitment solution and agreed to facilitate the PALM scheme within their network.

Why Acacium Group

Leveraging the scale and experience of Acacium Group enabled Regis to benefit from end-to-end workforce management, with the Pulse Staffing team overseeing recruitment, training, travel planning, accommodation, welfare support, payroll and administrative tasks. This comprehensive approach promised to reduce the operational burden on Regis as a host employer, enabling them to focus on delivering high-quality aged care services rather than managing workforce logistics.

The solution

Acacium Group, supported by Alphacrucis University College (our Recognised Training Organisation) worked with both Fijian and Australian government agencies to provide a fully managed workforce solution. The process began with recruitment, where 40 Fijian aged care workers were selected through a structured screening and assessment centre in the Fijian capital, Suva. These candidates then completed a 24-week training programme in Suva including a four-week supervised work placement.

Delivered by Alphacrucis, the Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing) included 18 weeks classroom-based learning and 120 hours of practical assessment in Fijian aged care settings ensuring all candidates met Australian aged care standards before deployment.

Once training was completed, Regis and Acacium Group ensured workers were mobilised in accordance with PALM guidelines and they arrived in Australia in March 2024.  After a three-day welcome and induction in Melbourne the workforce was assigned to aged care facilities in Port Macquarie and Mildura. Acacium Group, with the support of Regis, coordinated arrival and in country induction as well as all logistical aspects, including securing furnished accommodation, arranging transport and providing essential resources such as mobile phones and spending money. This helped ensure a smooth transition and immediate readiness for work.

“The PALM scheme is a significant benefit for us. We’ve had some workforce challenges in our regional locations, particularly in Mildura and Port Macquarie and the Fiji students have certainly assisted us with addressing those challenges. It’s been a fantastic collaboration between our PALM students and residents. They bring a different perspective and culture into our homes, and the ability to celebrate that Fijian culture has been great from our residents’ perspective. The excitement levels are very high.”

James Theofanis, Executive General Manager Operations, Regis Aged Care

Impact

Consistent staffing levels

The 40 workers provide stable staffing in facilities that previously struggled with workforce shortages, ensuring consistent care delivery. Each worker is guaranteed 38 hours per week, reducing pressure on existing staff and improving shift reliability. To date, more than c17,000 hours of care have been delivered since arrival. This structured approach helps Regis maintain high care standards, enhance staff retention and creates a more dependable and sustainable workforce in aged care settings.

Strong worker readiness and positive reception

All workers completed a 24-week training programme delivered by Alphacrucis, ensuring they met Australian aged care standards and transitioned smoothly into their roles. Care home residents in these rural homes have responded positively, praising the new staff for their professionalism, dedication and the meaningful impact they had on their wellbeing.  Regis have also commented that the cohort were more “work ready” than other employee streams from domestic academic pathways.

Scalability and long-term viability

The structured approach to recruitment, training and worker support has proven to be repeatable and adaptable, making it a viable long-term solution for staffing needs in the aged care sector. Plans are underway for a second stream of candidates sourced from the Solomon Islands, repeating the success of the Fijian model.

Economic and social impact

Employment through the PALM scheme provides workers with stable income, enabling them to financially support their families back home. Currently Fijian PALM workers send $1.5B AUD home annually.  Remittances contribute to housing, education and healthcare, improving living standards within their communities. The skills gained through training and work experience strengthen Fiji’s labour force, offering long-term career opportunities and fostering a knowledge exchange that benefits local aged care, healthcare and social care in this developing nation.

Supporting elderly people to live fulfilling, healthy lives

Want to discover how the PALM scheme is helping to solve workforce challenges in aged care? Learn more about its benefits or reach out to explore how to create something similar in your organisation.