Palmer toured the globe and Australia for many years with Hunters & Collectors, the band selling over one million albums in their home territory and along the way writing and performing songs that have become a part of the Australian musical and cultural landscape. In recognition of their status within the Australian music community and their contribution to Australian music, 2005 saw Hunters & Collectors inaugurated into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Whilst still in Hunters & Collectors, Palmer formed Deadstar with Caroline Kennedy – releasing three albums to critical acclaim and radio success. From their first indie hits, such as "Going Down" and "Don't It Get You Down", to later pop songs like "Deeperwater" and "Run Baby Run", the band toured Australia and the UK until disbanding in 2001.