Mandurah MP jumps ship to shooters party

Mr Hallett, who’s electorate office is in Mandurah, was demoted on the Liberal party’s South West upper house ticket in February, behind former shadow treasurer Steve Thomas and Manjimup shire president Wade DeCampo.

Mr Hallett said he was better able to serve his constituents and strengthen farm sector and regional representation as a member of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party WA.

“I think farmers feel let down and are looking for a lot more out of their politicians,” he said.

“As someone who has been involved in farming for most of my life, I understand that Australia is a trading nation and urgent changes are needed to boost Research and Development, biosecurity, technology and innovation.

“R and D is essential to driving productivity and profitability at the farm gate. Food security affects our status as a premier food exporting state and exports underpin jobs and our producers’ prosperity.”

Mr Hallett also said looked forward to protecting “our freedom to fish, hunt, shoot and camp in Western Australia”.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP Rick Mazza welcomed the move.

“The Hon Nigel Hallett is very well respected by his constituents and brings over a decade of parliamentary experience to the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers here in Western Australia; we are delighted to accept his membership application,” Mr Mazza said.

“The government’s decision to invest $23 million dollars in Doppler weather radar stations was largely due to Nigel’s tenacity and persistence on behalf of the agricultural community.

“He was also instrumental in reversing last year’s decision to close the Jakarta trade office that would have had a negative impact on our livestock export and other markets.”

The next state election is due in March, 2017.