The first council meeting of this single body was held in 1919, electing Professor William Warren of the University of Sydney as the first President.

[13] The National Congress is a representative body of some 35 members, which elects and monitors the Board of Engineers Australia.

There are also many pieces of subordinate legislation, such as regulations, by-laws and orders-in-council that impose various prescriptive standards and incur unnecessary costs to the engineering industry in complying.

Queensland is currently the only Australian jurisdiction to apply a comprehensive registration system for engineers.

[16] The Queensland Minister for Public Works and Information and Communication Technology appointed Engineers Australia on 1 July 2008[17] as one of the Approved Assessment entities for assessing applicants for Registration with the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland.

[19] The NER caters for nine (9) general and ten (10) special areas of practice aligned to demonstrated professional competence and experience.

[19] The Board expects Chartered Members and Registrants to maintain records of continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities that extend or update their knowledge, skill or judgment in their area or areas of engineering practice.

[21] To maintain Chartered Status, registrants must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is subject to review every five years.

[23] Chartered members and registrants on the various registers are specifically required to practice in accordance with the Code of Ethics.

[25] Engineers Australia has a detailed and regulated process for handling complaints against members and office bearers.

Complaints against members of Engineers Australia are handled in accordance with Division 4 of the General Regulations 2016.

Engineers Australia is also not able to offer legal advice in relation to contractual or common law disputes or criminal matters and the complaints process will not result in financial restitution or compensation.

[26] One of Engineers Australia's core activities is to make its position known on policies, inquiries and other government initiative.

It is presented each year for notable contribution to the science and/or practice of engineering in Australia.