Independent Australian MP Bob Katter is caught up in a fresh controversy after a heated exchanege with a journalist who referred to his Lebanese heritage during a press conference.
Kattar called the media briefing to support an anti-immigration rally outside Queensland’s state parliament. Katter firmly criticized people he claimed showcased ‘anti-Australian sentiments’ while holding the Australian national flag at the pro-Palestine demonstrations.
ALSO READ: Remembering Bob Simpson: The Architect of Modern Australian Cricket Passes Away at 89
In a viral clip, he said, “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.”
Watch:
A Katter’s Australian Party press conference was derailed this morning after Bob Katter threatened a journalist when asked about his Lebanese heritage.
The dramatic scenes unfolded outside Parliament House in Brisbane as the KAP MPs addressed the media calling for the… pic.twitter.com/IdLQKZrHL6
— 10 News Queensland (@10NewsQLD) August 28, 2025
The press conference took a tense turn when Channel 9 Queensland journalist Josh Bavas mentioned Katter’s Lebanese background. Reacting angrily, Katter raised his fist and responded, “Don’t say that! Because that irritates me, and I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that.”
He further accused the reporter of being a racist. “You’re a racist. You cannot say what you just said without being identified as a racist. My family have been in this country for 140 years,” he said.
ALSO READ: Relentless Skies: Australia’s East Coast Will Endure A Week Of Nonstop Storms Every Day
The Guardian states that Channel 9’s parent company, Nine Entertainment, has demanded a public apology from the MP and is in talks about taking legal action.
This is not the first time Katter has faced criticism for controversial remarks. Back in 2017, when he was asked a question about same-sex marriages, he totally dismissed it and instead claimed, ‘Every three months, a crocodile tears a person apart in North Queensland.’
