The Police Association of Tasmania was registered under the Trade Union Act in 1956 as a trade union. It is non-political and non-sectarian. Tasmanian Police Officers are the only group eligible for membership to the Police Association and 99.9% of Tasmanian Police Officers are members. The Police Association negotiates salary and conditions of service on behalf of its members. It also represents its members in an advocacy and conciliation role. The Police Association will provide legal assistance to members in matters that have arisen during the proper and necessary execution of the member's duty as a police officer. This includes worker's compensation matters, disciplinary matters, criminal matters and coronial matters. The Police Association also provides considerable welfare and other benefits for its' members.