Strongly Protectionist, it lobbied on such subjects as unionized labour, Federation, rail standardization, penny postage, preference in Government contracts to locally manufactured goods, Government agencies competing with private industries, Government inspectors, industrial health and safety, cultivation of vines and olives, water conservation and irrigation, patent rights, workers' compensation, education, training and apprenticeships.
A. Holden and W. F. Gray, and came into being on 25 July 25 of the same year; it was the first such body founded in the Australian colonies.
In 1877 a lease was obtained of the Santo Buildings, Waymouth Street, under financial arrangements criticised by Rowland Rees as over-generous.
[4] A museum of early manufacturing efforts was established there, but it was dispersed in 1927 with the move to the new building, as there was no space available.
In 1889 the Government provided offices in the Eastern annexe of the Jubilee Exhibition Building.