The association must be independent, controlled by members. Professional associations should be able to speak out on behalf of their members on relevant matters. They should not put themselves into a position where they follow the interests of government or major employers. They should have appropriate governance and election mechanisms that allow for a turnover of Office Bearers and Board Directors from among the membership.
The professional association must:
- have national uniform registration requirements
- be a separate legal entity under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory.
- have members who practise in the same profession
- have enough membership to be considered representative of the profession practised by its members
- aim to maintain the standing of the profession practised by its members
- set its own admission requirements, including acceptable qualifications
- have individuals that willingly becoming members. i.e. Members must be free to choose to join (different to registration authorities where by law you must be a member in order to practice).
- set requirements to maintain its members’ professional skills and knowledge by continuing professional development
- set and publish its own standards of practice and ethical conduct
- Voting members should be individuals, based on the association’s membership criteria.
- Organisations should not be voting members, but can be involved in non-voting membership categories, sometimes called affiliates.
- have its own written rules, articles of association, by‑laws or codes of conduct for its members
- have the ability to impose sanctions on members who contravene the association’s written rules, articles of association, by‑laws or codes of conduct.
Members of the association must be able to:
- take part in decisions affecting their profession
- have the right to vote at meetings of the association
- have the right to be recognised as being members of the professional association.