A press conference held by veteran Australian lawmaker Bob Katter took an unexpected turn on Thursday when he confronted a journalist, shaking his fist and threatening violence over a comment related to his Lebanese heritage. The incident occurred outside the Queensland Parliament in Brisbane as Katter discussed his participation in the upcoming March For Australia, an anti-immigration rally scheduled for March 10, 2024.
During the event, a reporter from Channel Nine, Josh Bavas, pointed out Katter’s Lebanese background, prompting a heated response from the 80-year-old politician. “Don’t say that! Because that irritates me, and I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that,” Katter exclaimed, gesturing aggressively towards Bavas. He further stated that he was “restraining myself today” from resorting to violence.
As the confrontation escalated, Katter accused the journalist of being a “racist” while stepping closer and shaking his fist, a moment captured on camera by news crews. Bavas later commented on the experience, stating, “In my near 20 years in journalism, I’ve never experienced that kind of reaction from an elected representative.”
The incident drew immediate criticism from media representatives. Fiona Dear, director of news and current affairs at Channel Nine’s parent company, described Katter’s threats as unacceptable. She characterized his allegations of racism against Bavas as “baseless and offensive,” calling for a public apology from the lawmaker.
Katter’s office has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incident. Following the confrontation, another reporter expressed concern, stating, “I think it’s quite offensive to threaten a journalist.” Katter’s son, Robbie Katter, who is also a state lawmaker and was present during the exchange, acknowledged the situation with a simple, “Point taken.”
Katter, known for his populist views and advocacy for rural farmers through the Katter’s Australian Party, has a history of controversial statements and actions. In 2017, he gained notoriety for an offbeat comment about crocodiles, emphasizing his eccentric approach to political discourse.
As Australia’s longest-serving federal lawmaker, Katter’s actions and rhetoric continue to draw attention, raising questions about the treatment of journalists and the nature of political discourse in the country. The incident serves as a reminder of the tensions that can arise in political settings, particularly regarding sensitive topics such as heritage and identity.