There are approximately 65,000 members, both full and part time. Members elect Councillors to represent their Associations and the three Presidential officers. Representatives formulate Federation policy through the forums of Conference and Council. Between these forums, the Federation Executive meets. Full time Federation staff include the Presidential Officers and Administrative Officers. 

As well as electing Representatives, members additional forums include mass meetings (linked by Skychannel), Special Interest Conferences, Special Groups (such as the Women's Action Group) and Womens Conference.

• The General Secretary allocates every member to an Association with full voting rights. State wide Associations (TAFE, Lecturers, AMES, OACA) have collegiate systems. 
• Local Associations have a minimum of 15 financial members. 
• Associations meet monthly or as required 
• Associations elect Councillors and delegates to Conference

Conference is the supreme policy decision forum. There is an Annual Conference and provision for Special Conference.  There is one delegate for every 15-80 financial members in an association and an additional delegate for each 120 financial members.

Through Conference and Council, Representatives and Officers are also involved in Committees including Special Interest Groups, Ad Hoc and Procedures, as well as Departmental and Ministerial, Statutory Boards and Commissions.

Council meets eight times per year and is the highest authority between Conferences. Council is composed of: 

• Presidential Officers (3) 
• Administrative Officers (45) (no voting rights) 
• Representatives of Associations 

* 1 Rep/90-250 financial members 
* 1 additional Rep/each 250 financial members 
* Elected by postal ballot for 2 year term

Executive meets twice monthly, or as required and is Federation's authority between Councils. Executive has 17 members composed of:

 
• Presidential Officers (3) - President, Deputy President, Senior Vice-President 
• Vice Presidents (4) 
• Trustees (2) 
• Executive members (8) 
• Administrative Officers (43) (No voting rights) 

Senior Officers are the three Presidential Officers, the General Secretary and the four Assistant General Secretaries.  Senior Officers have a regular weekly meeting and also as required

There are 45 Administrative Officers, including the General Secretary. The Administrative Officers are full-time employees of the Federation, elected by Council every three years, to implement Federation's policies.