He has credited this experience with shaping his belief in the importance of a strong social safety net, quality public education, and accessible healthcare.

[1] After completing high school, Clifford traveled extensively and also trained with the Army Reserve before entering the construction industry.

He worked throughout Western Australia, spending six years in fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) roles, experiencing firsthand the boom and bust cycle of the mining industry.

He became actively involved in the party, serving as the Convenor of the Perth Regional Group and later as Co-convenor of the Election Campaign Committee.

[1] Clifford was defeated in his bid for re-election at the 2021 Western Australian state election, losing his seat when the Greens (WA) vote declined.