The IRC is responsible for, and has authority to advocate on behalf of residents living at UNSW in relation to any matter that has an impact on residents, no matter how large or small. The IRC also acts as a forum for inter-residential discussion, knowledge sharing, and co-operation in a range of different fields.

The IRC's most recent victory has been the establishment of the IRC Benefits Scheme, where on-campus residents can access discounts at retailers both on and off campus.