Rural voice at risk: Hallett

South West MLC Nigel Hallett fears the State's agriculture sector could be the "loser" after he was dumped from the Liberal Party's team for the next election.

In an exclusive interview with the _South Western Times _this week, Mr Hallett, 63, warned the party would lose politicians with farming experience because he would be leaving Parliament and Geraldton-based Brian Ellis was unlikely to be re-elected.

Mr Hallett was not included on the Liberals' South West ticket and Mr Ellis was demoted to the almost-unwinnable third spot on the Agricultural Region ticket.

"Government is saying agriculture is first and foremost and I would say the people who have made that decision haven't thought it through," Mr Hallett said. "It certainly will be a loss. You don't buy that experience overnight. My successors haven't got those contacts."

But Mr Hallett refused the opportunity to criticise his party or the process to pre-select candidates for the Upper House.

Mr Hallett missed out on the Liberal Party's six-candidate list for the South West. Instead, the party chose Dr Steve Thomas - a political staffer for Forrest MHR Nola Marino - Manjimup shire president Wade DeCampo and South West MLC Robyn McSweeney as the first three on its ticket.

Mr Hallett has been critical of the Liberals in the past and voted against his party on key pieces of legislation, including crossing the floor on the City of Perth Bill last week.

But he brushed off suggestions that this could have led to him being dumped from the Upper House.

"If that's the case then I don't mind," Mr Hallett said.

Mr Hallett said his achievements included securing $24 million funding for the WA College of Agriculture in Harvey and $23 million for the Doppler radar stations. He has also voiced concerns about the State Government's prescribed burning program, local government mergers and the now abandoned plan to close the Jakarta trade office.

Reflecting on his 11-year Parliamentary career, he said he was proud of his achievements and for standing up for constituents.

"I will walk away feeling pretty content," he said.

"I can look back and say we have made a difference."

He said he already had offers to work in the agricultural sector after he finishes his parliamentary term next year.