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 state associations 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).