Veteran MP Bob Katter’s press conference in Brisbane exploded into a heated confrontation with a journalist.
BRISBANE, Australia — In a nation where political theatrics are a regular occurrence, the scene that unfolded outside Parliament House in Brisbane on Thursday morning was shocking even by Australian standards.
Veteran federal MP Bob Katter, known for his eccentric views and fiery demeanour, threatened to physically assault a journalist during a heated press conference, bringing a volatile confrontation to the very forefront of the national conversation.
The incident, which was captured on video and immediately went viral, has sparked widespread condemnation and a furious debate over the boundaries of political rhetoric.
It was a stark reminder of the often-unpredictable relationship between a politician and the media, and it all stemmed from a seemingly simple question about his own family’s heritage.
The Question that Ignited the Fire
Katter, the 80-year-old leader of Katter’s Australian Party, had called the press conference to announce his support for the “March for Australia,” a controversial anti-migration rally scheduled for the weekend.
Standing with an Australian flag, he spoke passionately about what he sees as a threat to Australian culture from recent immigration, stating that newcomers should “tick the boxes” on democracy and egalitarian values. He demanded that anyone who displayed “anti-Australian sentiments” should “get the hell out of my country.”
It was at this point that Nine News Queensland reporter Josh Bavas, one of the journalists present, interjected with a question. “You’ve got Lebanese heritage yourself,” Bavas began, a reference to Katter’s grandfather, who immigrated from Lebanon in 1898.
Katter immediately cut him off. The words that followed were a furious, on-camera threat that stunned the crowd of reporters.
“Don’t say that!” Katter yelled, pointing his finger directly at Bavas. “Because that irritates me, and I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that. My family has been in this country for 140 years… I have, on many occasions, punched blokes in the mouth, right? So I’m restraining myself today. Don’t say it!”
A Raised Fist and an Accusation of Racism
Despite Katter’s outburst, Bavas persisted, attempting to ask about his views on migrants who “arrive with good values”. It was then that the situation escalated. Katter stepped towards Bavas, his fist raised, holding it close to the reporter’s face.
“Don’t say that, because you’re a racist. You’re a racist,” Katter fumed. “You cannot say what you just said without being identified as a racist. This man is a racist. Don’t listen to him.”
The confrontation concluded with Katter refusing to take any more questions from Bavas, while his son, Queensland state MP Robbie Katter, attempted to step in and take over the press conference.
The Fallout and Katter’s Unapologetic Stance
The video of the exchange quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from media organizations and political opponents. Fiona Dear, the director of news at Nine News’ parent company, called Katter’s threats “unacceptable” and the accusations of racism “baseless and offensive,” demanding an apology.12
However, an apology from Katter seems unlikely. His long and storied political career is marked by a refusal to back down and a deep-seated belief in his own version of events.
This is not the first time he has reacted angrily to questions about his heritage. In 2018, he told a Sky News reporter they “need[ed] a big hiding” for raising the same issue.
The incident has highlighted the stark contrast between Katter’s anti-migration rhetoric and the reality of his own family’s history as a successful migrant family.
It has also put the spotlight on the divisive nature of the “March for Australia” rallies, which have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum for their anti-immigration sentiment and potential to stoke community divisions.
Ultimately, this fiery press conference in Brisbane was more than just a media event. It was a raw and unfiltered display of political anger that has shocked and divided a nation, raising uncomfortable questions about freedom of the press, political discourse, and what it truly means to be Australian.
While the physical threat was avoided, the words themselves have left an indelible mark on the political landscape.
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