Queensland MP Robbie Katter has stood by his father, federal independent MP Bob Katter, after a fiery confrontation with a journalist over the family’s Lebanese heritage.
The clash happened during a press conference in Brisbane, where Bob Katter was speaking about his plans to attend a March for Australia rally.
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When Channel 9 reporter Josh Bavas asked about his heritage, the 80-year-old erupted, shaking his fist and shouting: “I punch blokes in the mouth for saying that.”
He also accused Bavas of being “racist”, insisting his family had been in Australia for 140 years.
Speaking afterwards, Robbie Katter said he was not shocked by his father’s reaction.
“I have a fair level of indifference,” he told the ABC.
“I’ve been attending press conferences with my dad since I was a little kid. I’ve seen plenty more aggressive confrontations than that interview.”
Robbie argued his father was provoked by a “deeply personal” question.
“The journalist didn’t take the cues and kept pressing and provoking,” he said.
Channel 9 has strongly backed Bavas, calling Bob Katter’s racism claims “baseless and offensive” and demanding a public apology.
Despite the backlash, Robbie Katter says the controversy won’t change his approach to politics.
“If it does, then I don’t want to be in politics.”
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