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Providing policy education supported by knowledge and evidence
About CNI
The Council for the National Interest (CNI) was formed by a number of quite eminent Australians in the mid 1980s with an initial focus on defense and foreign policy issues. In the early 1990s, CNI broadened its focus to encompass the whole range of economic, social and political issues vital to the national interest.
The CNI was originally established in all mainland Capital Cities. However by the late 1990's the perception for such an organisation in the eastern states was not considered necessary and slowly each state committee closed down.
In Western Australia the Committee determined that policy issues from a Western Australian perspective was a neglected area and is now the only operating branch of what was a national structure.
The CNI in WA has a structure of an executive committee and members and has been very active with seminars, policy paper development and lobbying. A number of members meet in regular discussion groups formulating policy discussion papers and developing lobbying campaigns for consideration by the executive committee.
CNI also conducts Public Forums on matters of national interest.
It is important to note that CNI is non-party political and has no affiliation with any political party. CNI is equally comfortable lobbying the Government of the day (both State and Federal), the Opposition, Minor Parties and Independents.
The Objective is pursued through public education and political and media lobbying. In recent times in Western Australia, CNI has mounted major public meetings on Who Governs Australia, Australia 2000 and Beyond and seminar/workshops on GST, Law and Order, Defence, Indonesia, Coastwatch, Immigration etc.
Major submissions to Government and or the Parliament have included "Re-building Australia - a Start", "Towards Full Employment", "Whither Australia? or Wither Australia", "The Treaty Making Process", "National Competition Policy", "Law and Order", "Drug Policy", "The International Criminal Court", "The Family Does Matter" and "The Crisis Facing Australia".
MEMBERSHIP
CNI was established around 1985 and being a voluntary organization can only make a difference with the help of members and supporters and their subscriptions and donations. We are looking forward to the future with renewed vigour and will make every effort to keep members and supporters informed.
Click here to download a membership form
Our Mission
The CNI in WA, has an executive committee and members who meet to discuss topics impacting the community. Our mission is to provide seminars, policy paper development and provide a lobbying platform that represents the best needs of the community.
Our Politics
CNI is non-party political and has no affiliation with any political party.
CNI is equally comfortable lobbying the Government of the day (both State and Federal), the Opposition, Minor Parties and Independents.
Our Members
Members meet in regular discussion groups, formulate policy discussion papers, and develop lobbying campaigns for consideration by the executive committee. The CNI will invite guest speakers and conduct Public Forums on matters of national interest.