As PHAA has a national and multidisciplinary perspective on public health issues it is able to make a major contribution to the public health debate in Australia through representation on government boards, committees and other decision-making bodies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. PHAA members also sit on many state and territory committees contributing to a broad spectrum of public health issues.

Membership is open to any person who is supportive of the objects of the Association.

PHAA has links with public health associations world-wide and is an active member of the World Federation of Public Health Associations. The Association produces a bi-monthly academic refereed journal, the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, which disseminates public health research and ideas throughout Australia and internationally. PHAA undertakes project and conference work on issues such as immunisation, public health workforce and training and knowledge development in health promotion.

Life Members

In recognition of their exemplary service to the Association, the PHAA has granted life membership to a limited number of members. This is the highest honour that the PHAA can bestow.

Current life members are:

• Roy Scragg
   
• Professor Mike Daube
   
• Professor Fran Baum

• The Hon. Dr Basil Hetzel AC [bio]

• Emeritus Professor Charles Kerr

• Professor Stephen Leeder AO [bio]

• Emeritus Professor Robert MacLennan

• Dr Bruce Armstrong AM [bio]

• Professor Anthony Adams [bio]

• Professor Judith Lumley

• Professor Fiona Stanley AC [bio]

• Dr Peter Trebilco

• Associate Professor Jane Freemantle

• Associate Professor Peter Sainsbury