The association is also involved in advocacy for public health policy, development, research and training.
Membership is open to any person who is supportive of the objects of the association.
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. PHAA members also contribute to the development and execution of public health policy in Australia, and in particular bring their experience and expertise to the development of policies for the association . These policies are considered by the annual general meeting of the membership, and if endorsed, become the basis for public health action for the association. PHAA has branches in every state and territory.