Veteran Australian MP Bob Katter has ignited a firestorm after issuing a shocking physical threat to a journalist during a press conference, following a question about his Lebanese heritage.
The explosive confrontation, captured on camera, saw the 79-year-old politician for the Queensland seat of Kennedy square up to Sky News Australia reporter James Rowe. The altercation began when Rowe questioned Katter about his previous comments regarding his own ancestry.
'We'll punch on here and now,' Katter declared, removing his jacket and adopting a confrontational stance towards the journalist. The MP's staff were forced to intervene, physically restraining their employer and de-escalating the tense situation.
The incident occurred in Mount Isa, northwest Queensland, following a press conference called to address different matters. The exchange quickly turned personal when the journalist referenced Katter's 2016 interview where he stated, 'my father was Lebanese'.
Katter's furious reaction appears to stem from his objection to being labelled by his heritage rather than his Australian identity. 'I'm not a Lebanese-Australian... I'm an Australian,' he asserted angrily before making the threat.
This is not the first time the outspoken MP has courted controversy with his aggressive behaviour. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation from political colleagues and media bodies, raising serious questions about the treatment of journalists and the standards expected of elected officials.
Sky News Australia has stated that it stands by its reporter and is considering its options following the threatening behaviour exhibited by the parliamentarian.
