A BRIEF HISTORY
1991 the Australian Associated Equipment Distributors found its wings and left its nest to create its own destiny, having been perched for many years the, then, all-embracing industry body known still today as the Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA).
The TMA was formed in the 1930s as a Farm Machinery Association and its life was interrupted by the outbreak of World War 11. In the postwar years, several State Associations got going again and in the 50s they amalgamated to form the Tractor Trade Association of Australia, with both State and Federal representation.
Then, in the 60s, the industry body recognised its different faces and it divided into two divisions under the same banner; The Agricultural Machinery Council and The Construction Equipment Council.
A new era needed a new name and the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia was found to be a fitting title to this day. In the early days, because of the nature of the equipment industry, some companies had representation on both Councils.
As time progressed the TMA found representation on the Agricultural Council was predominantly that of Manufacturers and the Construction Council was made up of Dealers. Although the two groups co-existed effectively for more than 25 years, the passage of time and world events have drawn wider margins between the specific objectives and needs of each group and it became increasingly difficult to cater effectively for the needs of both groups under the same Federal Council of the TMA.
It was the ever-changing world of the Construction Equipment Industry that led its TMA members to recognition of the need to focus on its own specific issues and objectives. That recognition saw the formation of the Australian Associated Equipment Distributors (AAED) with affiliations around the globe and objectives clearly focussed on its specific industry needs.
Through all this evolution, with its many ups and downs, no bridges have been burnt nor ground lost; only constructive development has emerged for the benefit of our machinery industry and the needs of a dynamic Australia. The AAED now runs parallel with the continuing organisation of the TMA and will join forces when needs and common goals arise.

INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
The AAED has branches in Queensland, Victoria and West Australia. In New South Wales, an Organisation of Dealers and Associates with similar objectives is named the Construction Plant Machinery Association (CPMA). Also representing the manufacturing arm of the industry is the Construction & Mining Equipment Association of Australia (CMEAA).
As time goes by more issues of concern to the industry are of a national nature and it was considered that we should have a strong National voice to address the national issues. Subsequently the State AAEDs have combined with CPMA and CMEAA to form a National Body. This body is the Construction & Mining Industry Group (CMEIG) which has working groups consisting of members from the State bodies and CMEAA. It is envisaged that CMEIG will, in years, expand its affiliated Associations to form an even stronger lobby group to take charge of national issues.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Australian Associated Equipment Distributors, through its collective efforts, strengthens the ability of member firms to persue effective business strategies for the profitable marketing of equipment, service parts and supplies; and seeks to establish a responsive economic, political, government and industry environment favourable to this pursuit.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
To provide a forum to encourage co-operative understanding, competition and improved relationships with customers, manufacturers, finance institutions, the Government and the public.
To encourage and promote the free enterprise system in a competitive environment.

To advise and support membership on matters relating to:
* Government regulations, legislation and general policies.
* Industry related issues on safety and the environment
* Education and research within the industry.

To ensure a co-operative association is developed and maintained with Government, Municipal and Legal authorities, statutory bodies, unions and other industry organisations.
To support the acquisition and dissemination of business and statistical information of relevance to the industry.

THE COMMON PURPOSE HELD BY THE CORE MEMBERS OF THE AAED IS REINFORCED BY THOSE COMPANIES WHICH SWELL OUR RANKS AND STRENGTHEN OUR VOICE AS ASSOCIATED OR AFFILIATED MEMBERS.

CODE OF ETHICS
The AAED adheres to, and strongly advocates, principles of integrity, ethics and fairness.
The AAED also encourages the highest degree of business, professional and ethical standards and practices amongst its members in their relationships with each other and those with whom they conduct their business.
The AAED requires its members to recognise the importance of adding value to the equipment they sell, through the provision of quality product support in parts, service and sound financial and administrative management.
Members of the AAED will refrain from conduct which tends to discredit the Association or the industry which it represents.

Briefly being a member of AAED offers:
* Strong networking opportunities
* The ability of member firms to pursue effective business strategies for the profitable marketing of equipment, parts and supplies.
* Establish of a responsive economic, political environment favourable to this pursuit.
* Provide advice on relative Government legislation.
* Industry discounts.
* Preferential space and discount at the Truck & Machinery Show which is held bi-annually in conjunction with the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland.

Current projects include:
* A working committee with AQIS to better understand Australian quarantine requirements and their effects.
* Apprentice of the year award for industry aligned trades.
* Conditional registration of mobile plant.
* Government tendering system.