THE WA Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party has continued to build its agricultural focus, with the appointment of a former Pastoralists and Graziers Association policy officer Ian Randles as its research officer this month.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MLC Rick Mazza told Farm Weekly that the party had changed its name to include farmers in March to focus more on agricultural advocacy and had sought to become a voice for the industry.
Mr Mazza said Mr Randles was recruited because of his wealth of agricultural experience.
"We are pleased to have him with us," Mr Mazza said.
"He will be researching different issues that come up and from those phone calls and conversations about certain issues, he can research and find out more details on issues.
"Having that knowledge will be very valuable for us."
Mr Randles said the party always had a strong agricultural focus, but since the change of name it was a priority.
"It's the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party now," he said.
"Mr Mazza is the member for the agricultural region and I will be here to focus-in on those issues.
"I also shoot, so in my previous role with the PGA I looked after the firearms section, so I have experience across the party issues."
Mr Randles has more than 30 years' experience in the agricultural industry, including in wool, grains, wild dogs and meat.
He spent 25 years at the Australian Wool Testing Authority.
"I worked in the wool industry before it reached its peak and it was difficult to see its decline," Mr Randles said.
"I came into the PGA with a wool background and had to tackle a range of issues, including grains, transport, sheep and meat."
Mr Randles' father also worked in the meat industry, including as Harvey Beef general manager.
"I am looking forward to putting that experience together to assist the party," he said.