The Geological Society of Australia was established in 1952 as a learned non-profit organisation. The Society's objectives have been expanded to promote, advance and support the Earth Sciences within the scientific and wider communities.

The day to day running of the Society is handled by an elected Executive Committee who hold office for a period of approximately 2 years. The Executive Committee meets monthly to discuss issues and make decisions for the benefit of its members. The Executive Committee changes at the Council meeting which is held just prior to the AGC. Council consists of the Executive Committee and representatives from all Divisions, Branches and Specialist Groups and Standing Committee Convenors.

The Society holds an Australian Geological Convention, a premier scientific conference recognised internationally, approximately every 2 years. This meeting is held on a rotating basis from state to state.

The Society is represented by Divisions in all States and Territories. Meetings are held on a regular basis and newsletters are produced to advise members of upcoming activities. Some Divisions have Branches in major regional centres. Divisions have Education, Heritage and Stratigraphic Names Sub-Committees affiliated with them. These Sub-Committees report to a National Convenor. There are a number of Specialist Interest Groups catering to different sectors of the sciences. These groups produce newsletters and publications, hold field trips, conferences and other events.

Geoscience education is a major issue and the Education Sub-Committee, Education Specialist Group and Promotions and Education Manager in Sydney will liaise together to ensure a sharing of knowledge, promotion of the earth sciences and no duplication of activities.

Seminars, workshops, conferences, joint events, publications and other projects are also organised by the Society or in conjunction with other like organisations.

Regular publications produced by the Society are a quarterly newsletter - The Australian Geologist (TAG), a scientific journal [6 issues per year] - the Australian Journal of Earth Sciences (AJES) and a bi-annual palaeontology journal Alcheringa. GSA Special Publications and divisional and specialist group field guides and theme publications are produced at irregular times.