A confrontation between veteran Australian lawmaker Bob Katter and a television journalist escalated during a press conference in Brisbane on March 15, 2024. The incident occurred as Katter discussed his planned attendance at the upcoming March For Australia, an anti-immigration rally scheduled for March 17 in multiple cities.
During the conference, Josh Bavas, a reporter from Channel Nine, mentioned Katter’s Lebanese heritage, prompting an aggressive reaction from the 80-year-old politician. Katter interrupted, exclaiming, “Don’t say that! Because that irritates me, and I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that.” He directed his pointed finger at Bavas, emphasizing his frustration.
Katter, founder of Katter’s Australian Party, which advocates for rural farmers, further claimed he was “restraining myself” from physically confronting Bavas. He accused the journalist of racism, a label that sparked additional controversy. Footage from the event shows Katter shaking his fist as he approached Bavas.
In a statement following the incident, Bavas expressed disbelief, stating, “In my near 20 years in journalism, I’ve never experienced that kind of reaction from an elected representative.” His comments highlight the unusual nature of Katter’s behavior, particularly towards a member of the press.
Following the confrontation, Fiona Dear, the director of news and current affairs at Channel Nine’s parent company, condemned Katter’s actions. She described his threats as “unacceptable,” while labeling his allegations of racism against Bavas as “baseless and offensive.” Dear called for Katter to issue an apology for his remarks.
Katter’s office has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the incident. As the press conference continued, Katter declined to answer further questions, leaving many in attendance unsettled by his earlier outburst. One reporter remarked, “I think it’s quite offensive to threaten a journalist.”
The incident is particularly notable given Katter’s status as Australia’s longest-serving federal lawmaker. Known for his eccentric views, he previously garnered attention in 2017 for abruptly dismissing discussions on same-sex marriage, stating that “every three months, a person is torn to pieces by a crocodile in north Queensland.”
Katter’s actions at the press conference raise concerns about the treatment of journalists in Australia, especially when politicians resort to intimidation tactics. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and heritage discussions in a country grappling with diverse cultural identities.
