History

 

After some discussion between the state jockey associations in late 2001, there was a general consensus that a national body for jockeys should be established. Up until this time the states were functioning independently and endeavouring to resolve issues and concerns without input and assistance from other states. It was clear to all that often there was duplication of effort and poor economies of scale. Several of the state associations were poorly resourced and unable to properly represent their members.
 
In April 2002 representatives from all state and territory associations met in Melbourne and agreed that a national peak body to represent the interests of all jockeys in Australia should be established as soon as practicable. It was unanimously agreed that this body should be known as the Australian Jockeys Association (AJA).
 
Its primary function is to:
Ø      Promote the educational, industrial health and safety interests for jockeys; and
Ø      Negotiate for and develop Australia wide protection, including insurance (particularly Public Liability), superannuation and a pension fund, on behalf of all jockeys.
 
Subsequent to this inaugural meeting, approximately two national meetings per year have been held in each state by rotation. Each state is represented by two delegates, and their names have been drafted into the AJA constitution.
 
Since its formation, the AJA has grown in stature and effectiveness; it has achieved some significant milestones on behalf of its membership. This culminated in 2009 with the agreement with the Australian Racing Board that 1% of Prizemoney, or its equivalent, would be allocated each year to fund jockeys Public Liability Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance and Welfare programs. This came into effect on 1 July 2009.
 
The figure below shows the key milestones achieved by the AJA since its formation in 2002.