Queensland MP Bob Katter threatened to physically assault a journalist during a press conference on Thursday, after the reporter referenced his Lebanese heritage. The incident occurred as Katter voiced support for anti-immigration protests planned for the weekend.
At the press conference outside Queensland state parliament, Katter called for the deportation of pro-Palestine protesters and demanded their names be recorded. When 9News reporter Josh Bavas noted Katter's own Lebanese heritage, the MP responded: 'I punch blokes in the mouth for saying that, don’t you dare say that.' Katter then refused further questions from Bavas and accused him of racism.
Katter's grandfather migrated from Lebanon in 1898. The MP has previously reacted angrily to questions about his ancestry in the context of his anti-migration views, telling a Sky News reporter in 2018 that he 'needed a big hiding' for raising the issue.
Katter threw his support behind the March for Australia protests, which call for an end to mass migration. Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell had described the march as 'our' public rally, though organisers deny any connection with Nazis. Katter said he would be 'front and centre' at the event.
Channel Nine executive director Fiona Dear demanded a public apology from Katter, stating: 'Mr Katter’s aggressive behaviour and threats were unacceptable.' The MEAA also condemned the incident, asserting journalists' right to safety in their workplaces.
