Former Victorian independent senator Ricky Muir has joined the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.
Mr Muir recently announced his resignation from the Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party, saying he wanted to focus on his newly established business and political future.
"Since the 2013 federal election I have built and maintained a good working relationship with elected representatives of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party in both New South Wales and, since their victory at the 2014 state election, Victoria,” Mr Muir said.
While discussions relating to potentially joining the party had been ongoing, Mr Muir said he had only recently decided to join.
"Since the 2016 Federal Election both my wife and I have had a desire to re-enter the political arena but have been focusing our time on growing our business,” Mr Muir said.
“We have both made the decision to join the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party to offer our assistance from experience gained during our time in Federal Parliament."
Mr Muir has said that the State Government failing timber workers in Gippsland was the final straw that led to his decision to become politically engaged again.
"Regional blue collar voters who thought the ALP would support their job, lifestyle, hobbies and interests need someone other than the Lib/Nat unholy alliance to vote for,” Mr Muir said.
" "With the ALP pandering to Green ideology and the threat of a ‘Great Forest National Park’, regional ALP voters who rely on the bush for work, hunting, fishing, prospecting and so on need to be aware of the ALP remaining close to the Green movement and campaigning against our jobs and interests."
Mr Muir said he had not yet made a decision as to whether he would stand as a candidate, or not.
"If I was to run as a candidate and be pre-selected I would run a ‘no bull’ campaign and offer Gippsland an alternative candidate who is willing to work with either side of Government in the best interest of the electorate, rather than simply promoting pre-written party lines."
In June last year, Mr Muir said he would seek other opportunities to return to politics, if he was defeated at the Federal election.
Speaking at a Rural Press Club of Victoria lunch, the Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party senator said he felt as he was one of the reasons behind the early election, he would like to continue in politics.
“They used my name and my face for Senate electoral reform, and I feel I have a certain responsibility for those wonderful voters in the 2013 election, who wanted a party other than the major parties,” former Senator Muir said.
“I see it as my responsibility to use my current profile to get back into government, in some form or another, and I will be absolutely pursing that.”
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party of Victoria chairman MP Jeff Bourman said he was delighted to welcome Mr Muir to their ranks.
“Since his term in the Senate ended in 2016 Ricky has been looking for a new platform to continue his involvement in politics, primarily so that he can continue his advocacy for the Gippsland region of Victoria,” Mr Bourmann said.
“He is passionate about fighting for the future of regional communities in Victoria and for maintaining access to the great outdoors for everyone.
“I’ve been working with Ricky on issues of mutual interest for a number of years now and it is clear that we are on the same page on many issues facing regional Victoria.
“He is going to be a natural fit for the party and we welcome him aboard”.
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