ACHWA’s role, powers and functions are set out in its Constitution. In summary AHCWA acts as the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) in Western Australia, and its main functions are as follows.

• To act as a forum for the Aboriginal controlled health care and related services throughout Western Australia.
• To develop networks with relevant federal and state government bodies and community organizations.
• To provide research, policy development, strategic planning and advice on relevant Aboriginal; health and related issues to the ACCHSs sector.
• To advocate with government and other health service providers about the health needs of Aboriginal communities in WA.
• To disseminate relevant information concerning the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples.
• And implement programs that promote and improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.
• To implement programmes to promote and improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

AHCWA is represented on a number of forums and committees in an advisory role and advocates for appropriate delivery of services to Aboriginal people.

In addition to partnership meetings AHCWA has regular attendance at the following:

• National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
• Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention
• Telethon Institute Alcohol Exposure in Pregnancy Reference Group
• WA Aboriginal Health Information & Ethics Committee
• West Aust Aboriginal Child Health Survey Steering Committee
• Kulunga Research Network Steering Committee
• Disability Services Aboriginal Reference Group
• Rural Health West (WACRRM) GP Consultation Reference Group
• SIDS & KIDS Aboriginal Reference Group
• Health Consumers Council
• Regional Planning Forums
- Narrogin
- Goldfields
- Metro
- Gascoyne/Murchison
- Pilbara
- Kimberley