The Economic Society of Australia was established in 1925, with seven branches across Australia and New Zealand and a Central Council. D.B. Copland, a Professor of Commerce at University of Melbourne, played a key role in the formation of the society. Professor Copland sought to establish good relations with the business community and was noted for his interest in the application of economic theory to practical problems. At the time the Society formed, it opposed declarations of policy and instead focused on open discussion and the encouragement of economic debate on affairs of the time. This stance continues today, with the Society being a forum for professional discussion rather than an advocacy group.In Western Australia we are active in bringing together economists in academia, government bodies, and industry to enable networking and the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Our aims include: - promoting the study of economics and its application in Australia; - assisting in the training and professional development of economists; - encouraging informed debate on economic questions; and - publishing journals and other materials in the economics area.