1960s
The constitution is changed to allow Aboriginal Australians to be included in the population count and Talkback Radio is introduced
1961
The Repco Training Centre, now known as the Ai Group Apprentice & Trainee Centre, is launched to place apprentices and trainees with host organisations across all states and territories. Today, the organisation is a proud partner to more than 240 host organisations including some of Australia’s leading businesses.
1964
The High Court decides a log of claims served by MTEA on the unions relating to long service leave is valid, providing the jurisdiction for a federal metal industry long service leave award to be made. The unions were seeking that all employers be covered by state and territory long service leave provisions.
1964
Metal Trades House, a new and modern HQ for MTEA in Brisbane, is officially opened on October 13 by the Premier of QLD, the Hon GF Nicklin. It is on the 3 Gregory Tce site of the Association’s previous Brisbane building, which officially opened in 1952.
1965
Longstanding Contributor
Doug Wright joins MTEA in NSW as an industrial officer and would serve industry across various roles within Ai Group over 52 years. He was appointed Qld Director at age 28 and later returned to NSW to become State Director there.
1965
A Victorian branch of MTEA is established, despite the existence of the Victorian Chamber of Manufacturing (VCM), which had previously represented the metal trades. In response, VCM changed the name of the Engineering and Allied Trades Division to the Metal Industries Association of Victoria (MIAV), a precursor to MTIA.
1968
Romar Engineering joins MTEA. The Romar business has developed from a traditional manufacturer into one of the most innovative and progressive manufacturing enterprises in today’s market and is widely recognised as the home of manufacturing innovation.