“Coming from a single parent household where money was always tight, I saw the absolute importance of a strong social safety net, of good public education and an accessible health care system to ensure help is available for anyone who needs it,” he said.
With experience in the public sector and a degree in international relations and journalism, Mr Clifford has entered politics wanting to protect these fundamental building blocks of a decent society.
“These building blocks have been eroded by successive governments,” he said. “I aim to strengthen the building blocks and social safety net that can provide everybody with opportunities for education, careers and engagement in our community.”
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READ NOWMr Clifford spent six years working fly-in, fly-out and can now see the after-effects of the mining boom on workers and the economy. He has contended with WA’s rental market and the struggle to move into home ownership amidst a housing shortage and high prices.
Since returning to Perth, Mr Clifford has completed his degree and been employed as a public servant for the past five years.
“People deserve an entirely new style of politics, one that puts people first, not corporations or factions,” he said.
“WA has been ripped off by the two major parties, and successive governments, who have squandered the mining boom.”
“Transitioning to a clean energy economy offers the jobs and economic growth that our state desperately needs.”