Queensland MP Bob Katter has threatened to physically assault a journalist during a press conference in Brisbane, where he voiced support for an anti-immigration rally. The incident occurred on Thursday morning outside the state parliament building.
Katter, the independent MP for Kennedy, was speaking alongside members of his Australian Party when 9News reporter Josh Bavas questioned him about his Lebanese heritage. Katter responded: 'I punch blokes in the mouth for saying that, don't you dare say that.' He later approached Bavas, shaking his fist, and accused the journalist of racism.
The press conference was called to endorse the March for Australia protests, which call for an end to mass migration. Katter demanded the names of attendees at recent pro-Palestine rallies and said those with anti-Australian sentiments should be deported. He also outlined criteria for migrants, including adherence to democracy, rule of law, and Christianity or a similar belief system.
Katter has a history of reacting angrily to questions about his ancestry. In 2018, he told a Sky News reporter he 'needed a big hiding' for raising the issue. His grandfather, Carlyle Assad Khittar, migrated from Lebanon in 1898.
Channel Nine's executive director of news, Fiona Dear, defended Bavas and demanded a public apology from Katter, calling his behaviour 'unacceptable'. The MEAA also condemned the threats, stating journalists have a right to safety in their workplaces.
