Home About the CAA History of the CAA

History of the CAA

The CAA came into existence following an historic determination in September 1990 by the then two national organisations, the Australian Chiropractors’ Association and the United Chiropractors Association of Australasia Ltd, to amalgamate. In establishing the structure of the new professional body, the leaders of the profession have capitalised on the opportunity to totally reconsider the infrastructure, the role and the functions of such a professional Association.

Modernisation has greatly enhanced the organisation’s cost efficiency and functional effectiveness. The ACA, the elder of the two bodies, was founded in 1938 and the UCAA Ltd came into existence in 1961. Both organisations brought significant contributions of tradition and experience to the CAA.

Undoubtedly, the merger has given rise to an enthusiastic new vitality within the profession, particularly an increased focus on influencing health policy within Australia and raising the profile of chiropractic through public education and promotion.

Organisational Structure

Two tiers of organisational structure exist in the Association with divisions of authority appropriately established between the Branch and/or National levels. The National body is involved with such matters as education, publications, conventions, international relations and the dealing with federal government authorities. Membership matters, ethics and representation to state government authorities constitute the primary functions of the branches.

The National Board of up to ten members conducts the affairs of the day to day management of the Association and generally meets five times each year. The Council on Policy Development and Review meets annually and develops, modifies and recommends policy for the Association. The Association has a current membership of approximately 2,600 members.