Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for federal Member of Parliament Bob Katter to “have a look at himself” following an incident where the Queensland MP verbally abused and threatened a journalist.Katter, 80, labeled Channel Nine reporter Josh Bavas a “racist” and gestured aggressively towards him after being asked about his heritage.
Senior mps condemn Katter’s aggressive behavior toward a reporter asking about his heritage.
- Bob Katter threatened a journalist asking about his Lebanese migrant heritage.
- Prime Minister Anthony albanese called Katter’s behavior “not what we expect of any Australian.”
- Senior MPs across the political spectrum have criticized Katter’s actions.
- A formal censure motion in parliament next week is not anticipated.
The incident occurred Friday morning after Katter held a press conference concerning his intent to join an anti-immigration rally. Bavas had inquired about Katter’s Lebanese migrant heritage.
Crossing the line
Katter, known for his distinctive public persona, approached Bavas, shook his fist, and threatened to punch him. This occurred shortly after Katter remarked that he had previously “punched blokes in the mouth” for similar comments.
While Katter is generally well-regarded, many members of parliament believe his behavior on Thursday was unacceptable.Nationals leader David Littleproud, whose electorate neighbors Katter’s, described the MP’s actions as unbecoming.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or how iconic you think you are,” Littleproud said. “We’ve been given a privileged place in parliament to go and to actually debate ideas with intellect.”
Littleproud added that while Katter presents a bold image, public service demands accountability. “when you put yourself into the public sphere… you’ve got to live up to your duty,” he stated, emphasizing that such behavior is inappropriate for a federal parliamentarian. He expressed a desire for Katter to apologize but conceded it was unlikely.
Calls for Accountability
Liberal senator Jane Hume echoed these sentiments,telling another news outlet that Katter must address his outburst. “You should always be able to feel safe and respected at work – journalists and politicians,” Hume said. “The idea of threatening violence is entirely unacceptable. There must be consequences.”
Hume suggested that Katter, as an independent, might still face scrutiny from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC). The IPSC,established last year,handles conduct for parliamentarians and staff,investigating unreasonable behavior that risks work health and safety. Parliamentarians can be referred to the commission by various individuals, including their staff and party leaders.
katter’s son, Robbie Katter, a state parliamentarian, commented that his family’s migrant heritage is a “deeply personal family dimension.” He suggested his father’s aggressive reaction was understandable given the nature of the question about a perceived personal matter. Robbie Katter also noted his father is an “80-year-old man” and admitted he is “a lot more aggressive than other 80-year-olds.”
