The Economic Society of Australia was founded in 1925, making it one of the oldest professional associations in Australia. The main objectives of the Society are:
- to encourage the teaching, study and application of economics and related disciplines in Australia
- to encourage the research and public debate of economic questions
- to publish high-quality economic journals
- to encourage the employment of economists and promote the standing of their profession in the Australian community
- to arrange meetings as and when appropriate, which includes the Annual Conference of Economists, held in a different state or territory each year
The Economic Society of Australia Incorporated is the federal co-ordinating body of the Economic Societies in each state or territory. The main administrative body of the Society is its Central Council.