Australian Health Promotion Association Ltd

Overview

The Australian Health Promotion Association Ltd (AHPA) is the premier professional organization in Australia dedicated to advancing the health of the population through health promotion practices, policy, research, and education. As the only association specifically focused on health promotion in the country, AHPA plays a crucial role in advocating for the development of environments that support healthy living, working, and recreational activities for all Australians.

Governance Structure

AHPA operates under a robust governance structure with a national Board of Directors. The Board's members are nominated and elected at the organization's Annual General Meeting. They are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of AHPA, ensuring compliance with its constitutional obligations. Additionally, AHPA is structured into six operational branches representing all states and territories in Australia: New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, and Western Australia.

Activities and Objectives

AHPA's primary objectives include providing leadership, advocacy, and workforce development for health promotion. The organization supports community participation in health-related decision-making processes. It also emphasizes the need to address health inequities by enhancing individual and community capacities through various skills and practices. Recognizing the complexity of factors influencing human health, AHPA advocates for policies and actions that combat the unfair distribution of wealth, power, and resources locally and internationally.

Status and Recognition

AHPA is recognized as a peak body for health promotion in Australia, underscoring its significant role in national health strategies. The organization collaborates closely at both national and state/territory levels to provide strategic and operational leadership in health promotion. In 2022, AHPA received funding under the Commonwealth Government's Health Peak Advisory Body Program, further solidifying its status as a leading advocate for health promotion.

Legal and Financial Compliance

As a Company Limited by Guarantee, AHPA complies with the requirements of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC). The organization's trademark, "AHPA," is registered in Australia.

Contributions to Public Health

AHPA contributes significantly to Australia's public health landscape by supporting the core services of public health—protection, prevention, and health promotion. Through its advocacy and activities, AHPA helps create and support social and environmental conditions that enable Australians to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

[1] https://www.healthpromotion.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/94a9363e-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [3] https://www.healthpromotion.org.au/about-ahpa/who-we-are [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/94a9363e-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/d7dbade8-1d12-ee11-8f6d-002248935564 [5] https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-01/c2022-341745-australian_health_promotion_association.pdf