The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has appointed former Liberal Party ministerial adviser and state director Richard Shields as GM Government and Stakeholder Relations.

He replaces Paul Giles, another former Liberal Party journeyman, who left ICA in April after nearly five years.

ICA CEO Rob Whelan says Mr Shields will be responsible for engaging with all levels of government and member companies.

He says Mr Shields brings an insider’s knowledge of the workings of politics.

“We have a federal election looming, plus many issues and challenges on the legislative front and federal and state level,” he said. “His skills and strong political networks with the main political parties will immediately prove valuable.”

Mr Shields worked for the NSW Liberal Party for six years in roles including deputy state director and director of party affairs.

He also spent two years as an adviser to former Liberal senator Helen Coonan and another two years advising Liberal MP Andrew Thomson.

His public affairs roles include stints at coal seam gas explorer Metgasco and the Australian Hotels Association in WA.

“Forging strong and collaborative relationships with all sides of politics and with the senior ranks of member companies is at the heart of this role, and Richard’s political, business and communications acumen made him the ideal candidate,” ICA President Mark Milliner said.

Mr Shields starts in the job next week.