Frequently asked questions

• What category of membership fees should I pay while on maternity leave?
• What category should I select if I am going on  planned unpaid leave  (including maternity leave ) during this membership year?
• OR
• I will only be working for part of the year, what category of membership fee should I pay?
• What category of membership fees should I pay while overseas?
• Can I get pro-rata fees if I join part way through the year?
• I wish to upgrade my membership from Student to Full member, what should I do?
• I have not received my Membership Renewal Form, what should I do?
• I would like to apply for Study Remission, what should I do?
• Why do I have to pay a fee if I let my membership lapse?

• Would I be eligible for Associate Membership (associate full, associate unemployed and associate student)?

 I am currently on maternity leave, what category of membership fees should I pay?

'Currently not working, parental leave'. If you do not wish to maintain your DAA membership or can not keep up with APD requirements while on leave you can: defer membership and/or defer APD for up to three years. See Deferment information.

Online renewals allow members to enter details of 'planned unpaid leave' (maternity/parental leave, absent from Australia and not working or career break).  Membership fees will be calculated based on the number on months before your leave in the category you have selected, and then the remaining months of the membership year as unemployed. You will need to enter your 'start date of leave' and your type of leave. NOTE: If you leave is at the start of the year for say six months, then please enter the date from July and then write to the membership officer to advise her of your true dates so we can update your records. For example: you are going on leave from say February to to October, then select from June (six months) and it will calculate correctly for you.

I am going overseas, what category of membership fees should I pay?

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 - not working' category. All members with an overseas address will receive partial services (publications will not 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 the 1 July is eligible for half the membership fee. Reinstating members must be eligible to received half membership fees. Full membership fees will apply in the following year renewal period.

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 official 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 decide of your new category please see Membership year and fees. For more information visit the Membership of DAA section on the website at Membership Renewal and Reinstatement.

I have not received my Membership Renewal Form, what should I do?

DAA no longer send membership renewal forms by post to members, as online renewal is the preferred method of renewing. You can renew your membership online via the Membership Online section of the DAA website. If you would prefer a paper based renewal, you can download a copy from the DAA website Membership of DAA > Membership Renewal/Reinstatement > Documents for Postal Renewal/Reinstatement. If you do not have internet access or have problems with online renewals contact DAA national office for help. A renewal form can be sent to you on request.

I would like to apply for Study remission/Full time study, what should I do?

Reduction of fees for full time study fee is only available for full time PhD students who are:
- undertaking a degree that will further the provession of dietetics
- and are not employed for more than 8 hours per week.
To apply for this category select 'Currently not working - Full time study' study'. This will require to complete a 'Study remission application' form available on the DAA website and send some certified evidence of enrolment. For more information visit the Membership of DAA section on the DAA website at Membership Renewal and Reinstatement.

Why do I have to pay a fee if I let my membership lapse?

Reinstating a lapsed member creates lots 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. If you do not want to be a member for a short period you can defer for up to three years. Alternatively, check out the different membership categories that DAA offers. There is 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 the 19 of April.
Please note that members who were financial in previous year (eg. 2008) and lapsed in current year (eg. 2009) are not eligible for reduced membership fees if they reinstate/rejoin in July (eg. 2009). If you let your membership lapse you will have to pay full membership fee all year to rejoin, plus the reinstatement fee.

Would I be eligible for Associate Membership (associate full, associate unemployed and associate student)?

This question can not be answered by DAA staff (over the telephone or by email). You need to apply first (online or hardcopy) and send your evidence of 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: you will not be charged any fees until you have been accepted into the Association.

Applications for Associate Membership are accepted throughout the year, both Online and hard copy. As associate applications have to be assessed against the associate member criteria, an offer to join DAA as an Associate member is not automatic. Payment is requested only when application is accepted. All associate membership applications are assessed by the DAA Membership and Reinstatement Advisory Committee (which meets every 6 weeks) before being forwarded to the Executive Director for approval. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by letter.

Back to FAQs