This is such a load of bull eg I completed a GradDipFinPlan with a distinction average last year and made contact with more than 500 firms Australia-wide to complete my professional year (PY) but wasn't able to secure a position. There was barely even any interest. I've now been forced to give up and return to work as a secondary school teacher (plenty of work in that industry). From that one can only conclude that there is NO DEMAND for financial planners in Australia. Don't fall for all the "skills shortage" and "war for talent" crap like I did - whatever you do, don't waste your time and money studying financial planning.