Federal MP Bob Katter Threatens Journalist Over Lebanese Heritage Question
Federal MP Bob Katter threatened a journalist with physical violence during a press conference in Brisbane on Thursday morning, after being asked about his Lebanese heritage.
Katter, who was speaking alongside Queensland members of the Katter’s Australian Party about his intention to attend a March for Australia event this weekend, became agitated when Channel Nine journalist Josh Bavas asked him a question about his Lebanese heritage.
Confrontation Erupts
“Don’t say that!
Because that irritates me, and I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that.
Don’t you say that!
My family has been here for 140 years,” Katter shouted, claiming he had previously punched people for making similar comments.
Katter’s son Robbie eventually shut down the press conference after the confrontation escalated.
Background on Katter’s Heritage
Katter’s sister Geraldine O’Brien recently revealed on Australian Story that their grandfather, Carl Robert Katter, migrated to Australia from Lebanon in the late 1800s.
Katter’s Views on Immigration
Katter has been vocal about his views on immigration, stating that only migrants from countries with democratic values, rule of law, and egalitarian traditions should be welcome in Australia.
He claimed that 92 per cent of people migrating to Australia over the past 12 years have moved to either Sydney or Melbourne, and questioned whether they were truly integrating into Australian society.
Opposition Leader Criticizes Katter’s Behaviour
Queensland Opposition Leader Steven Miles condemned Katter’s actions, saying there was “no place for physical threats and attempts at intimidation in any workplace.”
Miles emphasized the importance of journalists being able to ask questions without fear of intimidation or retaliation.