 The ABTEF was formed through the amalgamation of several smaller state-based and craft unions in the footwear industry, such as the New South Wales Clickers' Association and the New South Wales Boot Operators and Rough Stuff Cutters' Union.The domestic footwear industry went into steep decline in the 1970s and 80s due to the removal of tariffs, and competition from cheap imported products from Asia.This led to a rapid decline in the Australian industry's workforce, and consequently the membership of the ABTEF.