Party bid for fishers, shooters

A former Bunbury man aims to add to the political landscape with the introduction of a new force in State politics.

Rick Mazza is on the verge of founding the WA arm of the Shooters and Fishers Party — a political party advocating for fewer restrictions in access for recreational fishermen, hunters and campers.

The WA party is about 50 members away from collecting enough followers to officially register as a political party in the State with the aim of contesting Upper House seats at the next election.

‘‘There’s been quite a groundswell of people who’ve come forward supporting the Shooters and Fishers party because they’re fed up with the lockouts and bans that are happening to them,’’ he said.

‘‘They’re constantly facing restriction which makes it hard for them to enjoy the environment.’’

Mr Mazza believes there is a need for an alternate voice in State Parliament.

He said the important thing for people to know was that the group was running for seats in the Upper House.

Traditional Labor or Liberal voters could still vote for their party in the Lower House, according to Mr Mazza, but cast a vote for the Shooters and Fishers in the Upper House.

Taking seats in the Upper House could allow the party to hold the balance of power in State Parliament in a similar way to the Federal Greens in the Senate.

Mr Mazza said the party aimed to hold a balance of power in the State Parliament, however it would depend on election results for other parties.

‘‘If we have one or two members in there then we can be the voice of reason on issues regarding fishing, shooting or whatever,’’ Mr Mazza said.

The party intends to run candidates in all six regions of WA at the next State election in March.

Mr Mazza said the party was still looking for new members as well as candidates from across the State.

The Party holds three seats in the New South Wales Upper House where it has advocated for a moratorium on the creation of marine parks and backed legislation allowing hunting in the State’s national parks.