The college was founded in February 1992 after operating as a Faculty of Anaesthetists within the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

The History and Heritage Reference Panel reports to the CEO and sits within the ANZCA committee framework and structure. It works on matters relating to the history and heritage of the college, and the specialties of anaesthesia and pain medicine.

The Acute Pain SIG is one of 17 SIGs jointly managed by ANZCA, the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA), and the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists (NZSA) through the Anaesthesia Continuing Education (ACE) partnership.

The centralised trainee tutorial program is an exciting initiative introduced in 2021 to provide all pain medicine trainees with access to a formalised teaching program and regular opportunities to engage with other trainees.

Pain medicine is a dynamic and rewarding career choice for specialists looking for a new challenge. Find out what it involves; where it can take you; and how to get started.

Reporting to the Training and Assessment Executive Committee, the Learning and Development Committee is responsible for the ongoing support and evaluation of the training program and other educational initiatives.

The Professional Standards Committee reports to the Professional Affairs Executive Committee and acts as formal liaison between the faculty and regional/national committees; reviews and develops professional documents and responds to professional issues.

Reporting to the Professional Affairs Executive Committee, the Research Committee oversees innovative projects and initiatives in line with our strategic objectives, as well as promoting pain medicine research among our fellows and trainees.

The Training and Assessment Executive Committee (TAEC) oversees training, assessment and accreditation activities.

The Executive Committee assists the faculty's dean and general manager in dealing with matters that arise between board meetings, and alerts the board to matters needing consideration, action or ratification.