Queensland had a professional association for home economics professionals—the Home Economics Association of Queensland (HEAQ)—for many years before the formation of the previous national organisation, the Home Economics Association of Australia (HEAA). Membership of HEAA was separate from and additional to membership of HEAQ.

Like many other states and territories, many Queensland home economics professionals were staunch supporters of HEAQ but did not belong to HEAA.

In the 1980s, the Queensland Association of Home Economics Teachers (QAHET) was formed to meet the specific needs of home economics teachers.

In the early 1990s, all state and territory home economics associations (not the teacher organisations) voted unanimously to establish the Home Economics Institute of Australia. The formation of this body meant that members who joined the national institute would automatically become members of the division in the state or territory where they resided.

In 1996 QAHET ceased operating in a move towards one united professional association for home economics professionals in Queensland—the Home Economics Institute of Australia (Qld) Inc.

The Queensland division has grown from 87 members at the end of 1994 (its foundation year) to approximately 600 members in 2020; with approximately 450 school members from about 100 schools (each school may include up to six members of staff in its school membership).

Related documents:

• Home Economics Institute of Australia Inc. (2005).  A 10-year his/her story, 1993–2003
• Home Economics Institute of Australia (Qld) Inc. (1999). The History of the Queensland Association of Home Economics Teachers.