MEDICAL AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS OF AUSTRALASIA
APPA TO MAPA HISTORY
APPA was established in the 1980’s as an association for physicians who had moved into in the pharmaceutical industry in Australia. It has since expanded, and changed its name to MAPA, to represent all professionals working in Medical Affairs across Australia and New Zealand. This includes field medical, medical advisors/managers and medical directors/leaders.
Collectively, our membership base of over 500 people, representing a major segment of Australasian Medical Affairs professionals. Our members are committed to bringing innovative medicines to Australian and New Zealand patients by supporting the development, licensing, monitoring and marketing of these medicines. They also build relationships with the medical community to promote the pharmaceutical industry.
Taking MAPA Forward
MAPA is evolving to reflect the needs of its membership and the healthcare sector.
The MAPA Executive Committee is proposing to transition from a state-based incorporated association to a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) to ensure the organisation has a modern, legally robust, and scalable governance structure that reflects its growth and national role. This new governance model, proposed for 2026, seeks greater alignment with MAPA’s growing national scope, strategic priorities, and expanded educational and professional development activities.
While it has served an important role, the current constitution was written for a small NSW-based association, and as such no longer meets MAPA’s operational complexity or legal requirements. A CLG model will provide stronger compliance, clearer director responsibilities, and a structure more suitable for partnerships, national representation, and long-term sustainability.
The change is also being proposed to support MAPA’s increasing visibility and contributions to the Australian and New Zealand healthcare sector as a national professional body. MAPA’s role has expanded significantly - supporting industry capability, advancing education, fostering member connection, delivering high-quality events such as the MAPA–MAPS Summit, and acting as a trusted forum for navigating emerging topics including digital innovation, AI, patient engagement, and scientific leadership. A CLG structure better supports this evolution by enabling stronger governance, improved accountability, and the ability to scale operations, partnerships, and member services without the constraints of the older association model.
Key Proposed Changes
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Transition from a NSW incorporated association to a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) under the Corporations Act.
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Adoption of a new, modern constitution with mandatory legal provisions and clearer director duties.
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Establishment of a new Board structure (replacing the Executive Committee), including elected and possible appointed directors, defined terms, and clear succession frameworks.
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Updated mission 'objects' that better reflect MAPA’s contemporary purpose - advancing medical affairs professionalism, education, and ultimately the quality use of medicines.
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More robust governance processes, including clarified voting rules, proxies, meetings, and quorum requirements.
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Potential consideration of charity status (advancing education/health) to support long-term sustainability.
