Chance to tackle govt over crisis

Western Australia's business community will have the opportunity to ask the federal government questions regarding the financial crisis, as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA welcomed today's rate cut decision by the central bank.

CCIWA will host a business briefing with Federal Small Business Minister Craig Emerson this Thursday who will answer questions on steps the Rudd government is taking to protect the local economy.

The briefing follows calls from CCIWA for the federal government to attend a meeting in WA similar to that held in Brisbane last month.

Meanwhile CCIWA said the today's rate cut decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia is a "welcome shot in the arm" for the local economy.

"CCI hopes the Reserve Bank's decision to substantially lower interest rates for the second time in as many months will stimulate the local economy and boost business and consumer confidence," CCIWA chief economist John Nicolaou said.

"The rate cut sends a clear message locally and internationally that action is being taken to minimise any potential financial downturn on the Australian economy."