About Us
History
The first record of production of ceramic tiles in Australia was in 1878 when tiles for flooring and wall cladding were made.
Independent Ceramic Tile Merchant Associations have existed in Australian States for some 50 years, but it was not until 1965 that an attempt was made to form a National Body.
The meeting was attended by 3 representatives from New South Wales, 3 from Victoria and 2 each from Queensland and South Australia. Western Australia sent an observer.
The first Executive Committee was AH Dillon (New South Wales) H Cooke, President (Victoria) R Crooke, Vice President (Queensland) and RF Warner, Secretary (New South Wales). By 1970 Western Australia, ACT and Tasmania had also joined.
In 1971 the Association met to consider a range of problems confronting the industry. These included the distribution of product, the large inventory of Japanese tiles in the country, the emergence of “Do It Yourself” tiles being sold outside the existing merchant structure and a drop in the use of wall tiles; which had been the mainstay of the industry. It was noted that the introduction of containers for shipping of tiles in 1970 resulted in more efficient handling and less breakages, leading to larger order patterns.
Prior to 1974 all the growth in sales came from wall tiles; from this time floor tiles experienced significant growth. Local floor tile production began to increase in volume and sizing.
The use of adhesives was now taking over from sand and cement, and there was an increase in the incidence of complaints of tile failure. This was attributed to poor workmanship, inefficient adhesive and poor quality adhesives. Compressible grouts were being promoted. A pending Tariff Inquiry also occupied a deal of member’s tile and concern. The floor tile market was continuing to grow.
In 1975 there were 180 merchant outlets throughout Australia who were members of the State Associations. Many “non – member” merchants were importing tiles of less than first quality, resulting in a price war. Local manufacturers reported that sales were running at 25% of output capacity.
The National Organisation was named the Federal Chamber of Ceramic Tile Merchants but was changed in 1976 to the Australian Association of Ceramic Tile Merchants.
A Trade Consultant was appointed in Canberra to keep the Association abreast of legislation trends and changes, tariffs, and to represent the Association at enquiries.
The Association was a “Merchants’ Association” until 1995. It always enjoyed the wholehearted support of the manufacturers of tiles and adhesives. At the Launceston Conference in 1995, it was unanimously agreed to move from being a “Merchant only” Association and offer membership to manufacturers and indeed “to all bodies and individuals who have a genuine interest in the responsible sustained growth of the Ceramic Tile Industry”.
The name was changed to the Australian Tile Council Incorporated; each State agreed to change its name and to become a Division of the Council. A “Code of Ethics” was established. States operate as independent organizations within the overall framework. The invaluable work done on a voluntary basis over the many years still remains the heart of the operating process.
The National Body is the only organisation recognized at Government level, with access to Government and/or Government Departments. This becomes evident when Keating Government proposed a tax on all building materials. The Australian Tile Council was the only industry body recognized at the enquiry and the proposed tax was withdrawn.
