[2][3] AUWU's membership is open to all and free; some voting rights are limited to unemployed and under-employed members.

[4][5] To its members, the AUWU provides a regularly updated "rights guide" for unemployed/underemployed workers navigating the Social Security system, jobactive system, and the Employment Services Industry, online and in-person telephone support services (including a crisis support hotline for the unemployed).

In a June 2017 interview with the Courier-Mail, Greens senator Lee Rhiannon expressed support for the AUWU, and revealed she has donated $300 to the association.

[11] 2GB broadcaster Ben Fordham has publicly criticised the union in a statement to news.com.au, claiming it 'coaches people how to dodge responsibilities when it comes to work for the dole or finding a job'.

Liberal senator and Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash opined that, "Australian taxpayers and indeed those looking for work would be offended by a 'union' whose sole purpose appears to be keeping members out of gainful employment and encouraging them to shirk their responsibilities," and added that the organisation needs to "take a good hard look at itself."