The aim of the Australian Political Studies Association is to promote the development of political studies. Membership is open to anyone holding an appointment in political science or allied subjects in a University or University College in Australia. Other persons whose participation in the activities of the Association is likely, in the opinion of the Executive, to be advantageous to political studies may be admitted to membership. The annual membership fees is AU$125, (students and retired persons: AU$50). A three-year membership is available for AU$280. Membership benefits include a subscription to the Australian Journal of Political Science.

The Association holds an Annual Conference, usually in September each year, at a university in Australia. An Annual General Meeting of the membership of the Association is held during the Annual Conference to elect the Association' executive from among its members.