The Neurosurgical Society of Australasia (NSA) was formed on April 19, 1940, initially as the Society of Australasian Neurological Surgeons. Currently boasting an Australasian membership in excess of 260, the objects of the Society are the study and advancement of the art and science of neurological surgery and research into the cause, prevention and cure of disease in human beings in the field of neurological surgery.

By defining the aims and content of neurosurgical training, and by insisting on training of international quality, the RACS and the NSA together have made the FRACS diploma in neurosurgery the usual criterion for acceptance as a neurosurgeon in both Australia and New Zealand.

Neurosurgery is the surgical treatment of people with diseases and injuries of the nervous system, and virtually every neurosurgical field has been eagerly explored by surgeons in Australia and New Zealand.