In 1968, Halligan was awarded his Accountancy Certificate, and began to practice as an accountant. Working in Papua New Guinea Fiji and Nauru. Ray was employed with the Papua New Guinea Development Bank, as well as private companies in the country. For a time he was Chief Accountant for the Nauru Phosphate Corporation. Halligan is a member of the National Institute of Accountants.
From 9 March to 31 December 2001, Halligan was the Shadow Minister for Local Government. From 1 January 2002 to 20 March 2005, he was the Shadow Minister for three portfolios: Housing, Works and Services and Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. From 20 March 2005 to 2008he was the Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs .
Since 24 May 2005 to 2009, Halligan was the Deputy Chairman of Committees for the Parliament of Western Australia. He was the Deputy Chair of the Joint Standing Committees on the Corruption & Crime Commission, on Delegated Legislation and had been a member of the Standing Committee on Constitutional Affairs. Halligan was the secretary for the parliamentary wing of the Liberal Party in Western Australia.
Halligan was awarded a Liberal Party Meritorious Service Award for his services to the organisational wing of the Liberal Party of Western Australia in 2017. His contribution includes being President of Cowan Division 1994–1996 and again 2010–2011. Also, being Cowan Divisional Treasurer 1988–1994. He served on the State Executive of the Party 1994–1996 & 2010–2011.
References
"Hon Ray Halligan MLC". Leader of the Opposition: Western Australia. Retrieved 2 April 2006.