CCI works hard to ensure the business view is represented in the public and political arena.

As the voice of business, CCI has done much to influence government policy and to keep public debate focused on key business issues, which are often overlooked or marginalised by politicians and special-interest groups.

CCI's Board, councils and committees comprise representatives from its overall membership, which includes businesses big and small from all sectors across WA. These forums help identify issues of concern to business and industry and help direct CCI policy and lobbying strategies on behalf of members.

Given its role as a policy watchdog, CCI is not aligned to any political party. Its allegiance is always to the business community and the continued growth of free enterprise. We do not differentiate our efforts in the policy arena between large and small businesses, nor do we promote the views or preferences of a business minority. Rather, we represent the majority view across a broad spectrum. In all of that, we take great pride in the fact that the majority of our members are small and medium enterprises.

CCI's policy and lobbying strategies incorporate detailed written submissions and independent research commissioned by CCI on specific business issues. Industrial relations changes, the workers' compensation system and reform of retail trading hours are recent examples.

On occasion, CCI coordinates widespread member opposition to potentially damaging business legislation through broadcast fax and e-mail campaigns along with business briefings and updates.

Where necessary, CCI delegations take their arguments directly to the government ministers and agencies concerned.

Through this approach, CCI does collectively for business and industry what individual firms could not achieve alone.