Membership FAQs
Do you have to be a member of DAA to join the APD program?
No you do not have to be a member of DAA to be an APD. If a dietitian is eligible for full membership of the Association the DAA By-law states that they can join the APD program. The fee that DAA has set to join APD and not be a member of DAA is the same as the fulltime membership fee. Contact DAA to join as an APD only.
I am currently on maternity leave, what category of membership fees should I pay?
You have three options:
i. Select the membership category ‘Currently not working – parental leave’ and maintain your APD status. You will receive all member benefits and you will be required to meet the requirements of the APD program.
ii. Select the membership category ‘Currently not working – parental leave’ and defer your APD status. You will receive all member benefits but will not need to meet the requirements of the APD program.
iii. Defer both your membership and your APD status. In this case payment is not required, but you will not receive member benefits and you will not need to meet the requirements of the APD program.
You can defer your membership and/or APD status for up to three years. See Deferment information.
I have planned unpaid leave greater than four months (parental, extended travel and career break) for the current year. What category should I select this membership year? (example: in paid employment for a few months then on parental leave for the rest of the year).
The Online Renewal facility allows members to enter details of ‘planned unpaid leave’ greater than four months (parental leave; absent from Australia and not working; or career break). Membership fees will be calculated based on the number of months that you will be employed, and then the remaining months of the membership year as unemployed. Note: This will not defer your membership or APD status. When you renew online, answer ‘Yes’ to the planned unpaid leave question. You will be required to enter which months you will be on leave and it will then calculate your correct membership fees.
I will only be working for part of the year, what category of membership fee should I pay?
The Online Renewal facility allows members to enter details of ‘planned unpaid leave’ greater than four months (parental leave; absent from Australia and not working; or career break). Membership fees will be calculated on the number of months that you will be employed, and then the remaining months of the membership year as unemployed. Note: This will not defer your membership or APD status. When you renew online, answer ‘Yes’ to the planned unpaid leave question. You will be required to enter which months you will not be working and it will then calculate your correct membership fees.
Alternatively, if you are not working and do not know when you will be working again, select ‘Currently not working – unemployed’ as your membership category, then when you begin employment contact the
Overseas - working outside Australia. If you are travelling overseas but are not planning on working, you can select the ’Currently not working – Absent from Australia’ category. All members with an overseas address will receive partial services (publications will no longer be supplied in hard copy: access will be via the DAA website).
Can I get pro-rata fees if I join part way through the year?
Anyone joining DAA as a new member after 1 July is eligible for half-price membership fees. Reinstating members must be eligible to receive half-price membership fees. Full membership fees will apply the following year.
I wish to upgrade my membership from Student to Full member, what should I do?
You will first need to provide DAA with a certified copy of your academic transcript to show that you have successfully completed your course. Full membership fees will then apply and you will need to advise DAA of your new work situation. To see which category to select, please go to Membership fees. For more information, see Membership Renewal/Reinstatement.
I have not received my Membership Renewal Form, what should I do?
DAA no longer sends membership renewal forms by post to members, as online renewal is the preferred method. You can renew your membership online via the Membership of DAA section of the website. If you cannot print your forms or have problems with online renewals, contact DAA for assistance. A renewal form can be sent to you upon request.
I would like to apply for study remission/full time study, what should I do?
Reduction of fees for full time study is only available for full time PhD students who:
- are undertaking a degree that will further the profession of dietetics; and
- do not work more than eight hours per week.
To apply for this category select ‘Currently not working – full time study’. This will require a completed study remission form and a certified copy of proof of enrolment. For more information visit the Membership Renewal/Reinstatement section of the website.
Why do I have to pay a fee if I let my membership lapse?
Reinstating a lapsed member creates a lot of administrative work and is a costly process. DAA charges a reinstatement fee to cover these costs. To avoid this fee, do not let your membership lapse. You can defer your membership for up to three years. Alternatively, check out the different membership categories that DAA offers. There are a range of options to cater for changing circumstances during your dietetics career.
Important: Do something about your membership or inform DAA of your decision before 31 March.
Please note that members who were financial in the previous year and became lapsed in the current year are not eligible for reduced membership fees if they reinstate in July of the current year, eg. were a member in 2010 and lapsed in 2011, if you reinstate in July 2011 you will still have to pay full membership fees. This is because even if you do not renew your membership before 31 March, you will still have had access to member benefits up until this date. If you let your membership lapse you will have to pay a $44 fee on top of the full membership fee when you re-instate.
Am I eligible for Associate Membership?
This question can not be answered by DAA staff (over the telephone or by email). You need to apply first and send a certified copy of evidence of your qualification. Associate membership applications are assessed by a committee who examine official transcripts and documentation received. DAA has developed a rigorous assessment system to ensure that associate members of DAA are appropriately qualified nutrition professionals. Associate members have been accepted from a variety of nutrition programs across Australia. Note: There is a non-refundable $50 application fee. If you are accepted, this will be deducted from your membership fee.
Applications for Associate Membership are accepted throughout the year. As associate applications have to be assessed against certain criteria, an offer to join DAA as an Associate member is not automatic. Payment on the balance of associate membership fees is requested only once you have been accepted. All associate membership applications are assessed by the DAA Associate Membership Assessment Advisory Committee (which meets every 6 weeks). Applicants will be informed of the outcome by letter.