The first local competition in Australia was played in Fremantle in 1900. Western Australia was the first badminton association to be formed in 1924, followed by Tasmania a year later. South Australia had their rules approved on February 18, 1930. During this period, social badminton was prominent in Victoria, however it was not until April 26, 1930 that the Victorian Association was formed. Victoria has always been dominant in the teams' events in interstate competitions and between 1987-1998 won every team competition.

Much unofficial interstate competition was played from 1924 onwards. However, it was only on August 13, 1932 that the Australian Badminton Association was formed with Reginald W. Ede Clendinnen elected as President and Harold B. Wray as Secretary. It was another thirty years before all states and territories became members. Australia became the 11th member of the International Badminton Federation in 1936, and with New Zealand, a founding member, has spearheaded the development of the Oceania Badminton Confederation.

International competition against New Zealand began in 1938 with the first Whyte Trophy match held in New Zealand. Australia was victorious with a score of 16 - 4. This competition has continued biannually for the last sixty seven years, alternating between the two countries.

Badminton was admitted to the Commonwealth Games in Kingston Jamaica in 1966 and has been a program sport since then. Australia's ultimate success at the Games being a gold medal at the 1986 Edinburgh Games, in mixed doubles, by Michael Scandolera and Audrey Swaby and a gold medal in the 1994 Games in Victoria, Canada, in singles by the unseeded Lisa Campbell. Numerous bronze and silver medals have been won by Australia in the team and individual events.

Badminton premiered in the Olympics at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Two Australians, Anna Lao and Rhonda Cator competed, with Anna Lao gaining a fifth position in the singles, and a similar finish in the ladies doubles with Rhonda Cator.

Atlanta in 1996 saw eight Australians represent their country. The mixed doubles event was included at these Games. Australians Rhonda Cator and partner Peter Blackburn were ranked 11th in mixed doubles at the conclusion of the games.

Badminton Australia's national office is now located in Melbourne and is administered by a Board of five, including a President and four Board Members. They are elected for two-year terms in alternate years. Badminton Australia employs a National Executive Director, a National Coach, a National Junior Coach, a National Junior Development Manager, two part-time Administration Assistants and a Bookkeeper, with all positions being given funding support by the Federal Government through the Australian Sports Commission.

For a detailed list of key events in the history of badminton in Australia, please see the file below.