Rob,
For an industry body to properly represent it's members, it needs to decide what it is.
As you correctly point out, the AFAP looks after pilots.
A resurgent industry body needs to look after OEM's, owners, operators & maintainers (ie the industrial elements) in dealing with the regulator.
Sometimes the industry body will be with the AFAP, sometimes against it, sometimes the argument will be between them. That's how it goes and so long as a progressive attitude is maintained (In this bunch? What am I thinking!) the future will appear brighter than it now does.
Trying to encompass everybody usually ends up leaving somebody out in the cold. Starting out knowing who you're fighting for gives you a better chance of success.
Finally, to have any input, it HAS to be in Canberra. By all means piggy back on the premises of a "cousin" body (AAAA?) but get down there. Nobody takes notice of you if you're anywhere else unless you have major voting pull (which aviation doesn't).