The ASC rules and repertoire requirements are designed for young opera and classical singers, under 26 years of age.
The competition has had the patronage of several Governors-General of Australia, most recently David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).
In 2014 the ASC formally welcomed Haruhisa Handa as patron of the renamed IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition in recognition of his ongoing sponsorship and support, both personally and as chairman of the International Foundation for Arts and Culture (IFAC).
The winner of the Opera Awards (Australia) is acknowledged and invited to perform as a guest artist at the finals concert of the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.
The IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition is managed by Music & Opera Singers Trust Limited.