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A united group of experienced and knowledgeable citizens
Our History
The principal architect of the Council for the National Interest was Mr Bob Santamaria, who had been the driving force in "The Movement" now the National Civic Council.
Initially, the Movement was largely focused on reversing the influence of the Australian Communist Party on Australia's unions and on the Australian Labor Party (ALP).
His work led to the ALP split in the fifties and the formation of the "break-away" Democratic Labor Party (DLP).
In the 1980's Bob Santamaria was concerned about the Hawke Labor Government's defence and foreign policies, or rather, the lack of such policies.
He gathered together a number of prominent Australians, who shared his view and they formed the Council for the National Interest.
Initial Councillors included:
Sir John Anderson C.M.G Major General David Butler A.O., D.S.O Sir Bernard Callinan A.C., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C
Sir Charles Court A.K., K.C.M.G., O.B.E Peter Henderson A.C Professor Dame Leonie Kramer D.B.E Sir Arvi Parbo B.A. Santamaria
Laurie Short A.O., O.B.E Dr Ian Spry Q.C John Stone (Later Senator).
Committees were formed in each Australian state. In Western Australia, besides the WA Committee, there is the Policy Discussion Group.
The Policy Discussion Group meets regularly and over the years has been primarily responsible for developing the policy discussion papers appearing on the CNI website and for initiating and progressing lobbying campaigns addressed to Federal and State politicians of all political persuasions including submissions to Parliamentary Committees.
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.