Initially associated with the Royal Institute of Public Administration based in London, IPAA became an independent national organisation on 1 January 1980.
At the dinner preceding the conference, IPAA recognises practitioners and researchers who have made an outstanding contribution to the practice and study of public administration with the Sam Richardson Award.
Members who have made outstanding contributions to public service and to IPAA are also announced as National Fellows.
IPAA divisions are the engine room for local events, professional development opportunities and other member activities.
The first Garran Oration was delivered by Harry Frederick Ernest "Fred" Whitlam, a former Crown Solicitor of the Commonwealth of Australia.