About Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: History, Role and Operations

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) serves as Australia’s peak business council, representing the interests of Australian businesses at national and international levels. With a history spanning over a century, ACCI has evolved through strategic mergers and organizational development to become the nation’s largest and most representative business association. The chamber of commerce movement in Australia commenced on 5 June 1826 with the establishment of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce. This development followed the earlier establishment of chambers throughout the British Empire, beginning with Jersey in 1768, followed by Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast in 1783. The International Chamber of Commerce recognizes the Marseilles Chambre de Commerce, founded in 1599, as the first such business organization globally.

Organizational Development

Australian chambers of commerce expanded systematically across the colonies: Adelaide (1839), Melbourne, Hobart and Launceston (1850-51), Brisbane (1868), and Perth (1890). Parallel to these developments, chambers of manufacturers emerged, including organizations in Victoria (1865), South Australia (1869), New South Wales (1885), Western Australia (1890), and Queensland (1911).
Employer unions formed between 1885-90 across the colonies, subsequently transforming into employers’ federations during 1901-08. These organizations coordinated through inter-colonial conferences, including the Federal Council of Employers (1889) and the Inter-colonial Employers’ Conference (1891).

Formation of ACCI

ACCI represents the consolidation of three federal business organizations established at the time of Australian federation: the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Australia (1901), the Federal Council of the Chambers of Manufacturers of the Commonwealth of Australia (1903), and the Central Council of Employers of Australia (1904).

Two significant mergers shaped the current organization. The Associated Chambers of Manufacturers of Australia merged with the Australian Council of Employers Federations on 1 December 1977, forming the Confederation of Australian Industry. The final consolidation occurred on 31 August 1992 when the Confederation of Australian Industry merged with the Australian Chamber of Commerce to establish ACCI.

Current Role and Representation

ACCI operates as the peak council of Australian business associations, representing over 350,000 businesses through state and territory chambers of commerce and a national network of industry associations. The organization provides unified representation for businesses ranging from major corporations to sole traders.

Primary Activities

  • ACCI conducts the following core activities:
  • Government representation and advocacy at federal level
  • Business representation on statutory boards, committees and consultative bodies
  • Participation in national and international forums, including the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and International Labour Organisation
  • Research and policy development on national business issues
  • Business surveys and information products

Governance Structure

ACCI operates under articles of association administered by a General Council comprising representatives from all member organizations. The General Council establishes policy directions and appoints a Board responsible for operations, policy strategy and implementation. Supporting committees undertake policy research and provide recommendations, drawing expertise from across the business spectrum.

Headquarters Operations

ACCI headquarters have relocated between Melbourne and Canberra throughout the organization’s history, reflecting operational requirements and federal government engagement needs. The organization currently maintains its headquarters in Canberra to facilitate direct engagement with federal government processes. ACCI continues to fulfill its mandate as Australia’s primary business advocacy organization, building on nearly two centuries of chamber movement history. Through structured governance, comprehensive membership representation, and systematic policy development, ACCI maintains its position as the authoritative voice of Australian business in national and international contexts.