The ACTU was formed in 1927. This makes the ACTU one of the earliest attempts by trade unions to apply the principles of One Big Union earlier explored by more radical syndicalist unions like the CNT or revolutionary industrial unionss like the IWW. The ACTU's Australian trade union precursors include state labour councils like the Sydney Trades and Labor Council (formed in 1870) and the Inter-Colonial Trade Union Congress (formed in 1879).
The ACTU and Labour Councils have often united Australian working class opinion behind certian initiatives like the 8 hour day. The ACTU retains a close relationship with the Australian Labor Party.