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August 28, 2025 – Australia –
Veteran MP Bob Katter, founder of Katter’s Australian Party, incited controversy during a press conference in Brisbane when he shook his fist at Channel 9 reporter Josh Bavas after being questioned about his Lebanese heritage. The outburst, broadcast live, sparked immediate condemnation and raised concerns about media-hostility from public officials.
Katter, who was addressing his support for an upcoming anti-immigration rally, interrupted Bavas’s question by shouting, “I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that,” while accusing the reporter of being “a racist.” He emphasized his long Australian lineage, stating, “My family has been here for 140 years.”
Channel Nine’s parent company swiftly condemned Katter’s actions. Fiona Dear, Director of News and Current Affairs, called his behavior “unacceptable” and demanded a formal apology, labeling the racism accusation “baseless and offensive.”
Robbie Katter, the MP’s son and fellow party member, defended his father, downplaying the severity of the incident. He described Bob Katter as “not entirely physically threatening” and suggested that aggressive outbursts are typical in his longstanding political career.
Media commentators condemned the confrontation as emblematic of growing intolerance toward journalists. Independent watchdogs stress that politicians have a duty to respect press freedom—even during heated disagreements. A disturbing reflection of escalating political polarization, the incident underscores the fine line between assertiveness and intimidation in public discourse.
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