The 2026 Intergenerational Report identifies population ageing as one of the five major transitions that will shape Australia over the next 40 years.

Aged care planning will increasingly become a more common and expected component of retirement advice, rather than a specialist service used only in crisis situations.

When an older client begins to need help, there can be a natural assumption that aged care services will follow reasonably quickly. The latest government data suggests advisers should challenge that assumption. Some people will have lengthy wait times.

Aged care advice industry leader Aged Care Steps launches the 2026 ACS Aged Care Adviser of the Year Awards.

The Independent Review of Residential Aged Care Accommodation Pricing, makes a clear recommendation: financial advice on aged care should only be provided by licensed financial advisers who hold an aged care specialist designation.

A new Aged Care Act commenced on 1 November 2025, bringing increased rights for older Australians, a strengthened regulatory model, and changes to the contributions clients will be asked to pay for their care. For financial advisers, these changes require new knowledge and skills but also offer a business growth opportunity.

A new white paper released by Aged Care Steps explores the urgent need to regulate aged care financial advice across the country to ensure older Australians and their families have access to transparent, accurate, and suitable guidance.