Independent MP Bob Katter sparked anger at a Brisbane press conference when he threatened journalist Josh Bavas during a tense exchange about his Lebanese background. (The Australian)
Independent MP Bob Katter sparked controversy on Thursday morning after he threatened to punch a reporter during a fiery exchange at a press conference outside Queensland’s state parliament.
Katter, holding an Australian flag, stood alongside members of his party to show support for upcoming anti-immigration March for Australia rallies. He demanded names of those who joined pro-Palestine protests, saying they should face deportation.
He told media: “If you have anti-Australian sentiments, then get the hell out of my country, because we are taking the names down now of anyone who treats our flag badly. The gloves are coming right off now.”
Clash with journalist
The exchange turned tense when Channel Nine reporter Josh Bavas noted Katter’s Lebanese heritage while questioning his stance. Katter immediately cut him off.
“I punch blokes in the mouth for saying that, don’t you dare say that,” Katter snapped. “My family have 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!”
Katter then refused further questions from Bavas, calling him a racist. He walked up to the journalist, shook his fist, and repeated the accusation.
Bavas tried to finish his question, but Katter continued to dismiss him. He added, “I don’t consider him a proper Australian, a fair-minded Australian. He sees people as foreign because of their heritage.”
Family background and past clashes
Katter’s grandfather migrated from Lebanon in 1898. The MP has often bristled when questioned about his ancestry. In 2018, he told another reporter that he “need[ed] a big hiding” for raising the issue.
On Thursday, his son, state MP Robbie Katter, stepped in to take over questions as his father’s outburst brought the event to a close.
March for Australia rallies
The rallies Katter supports call for sharp cuts to migration. The Brisbane march’s online description says, “Australia is changing in ways most of us never agreed to. Endless migration, weak leadership, and political cowardice have brought us here, and it’s time to put a stop to it.”
Katter told reporters he would be “front and centre” at the weekend protest. He said migrants should only come if they “tick the boxes” on values such as democracy, rule of law, Christianity, and equality. Asked directly if that meant banning migration from Islamic countries, he replied, “You can read whatever you want into it, right?”
Far-right activist Thomas Sewell had previously tried to link the marches to neo-Nazi groups, but organisers deny any connection.
Strong backlash
The threat against Bavas drew swift condemnation. Channel Nine backed the reporter, saying he was “just doing his job” and demanding a public apology.
“Mr Katter’s aggressive behaviour and threats were unacceptable,” said Fiona Dear, the network’s news director.
The journalists’ union also condemned the incident. “Media representatives, like all workers, have a right to be safe in their places of work,” said Cassie Derrick.
Bavas later said he had never faced such behaviour from an elected politician in nearly two decades of reporting.
