Queensland MP Robbie Katter has defended his father, federal MP Bob Katter, after a heated exchange with a journalist at a press conference where the elder Katter was asked about his Lebanese heritage. Robbie Katter told the ABC that he does not believe his father will apologise over the incident, in which Bob Katter waved his fist at Channel 9 journalist Josh Bavas and shouted at him.
Robbie Katter said it was difficult for him to comprehend why the incident was "such a big deal", noting that his father is 80 and "not entirely physically threatening". The encounter unfolded at a press conference on Thursday, where Bob Katter, standing alongside his son, spoke about his intention to attend a March for Australia rally. Bavas asked the federal MP about his Lebanese heritage, prompting an angry response: "I punch blokes in the mouth for saying that."
Later in the press conference, Bavas attempted to ask another question referring to Bob Katter's heritage, which sparked another angry response. Bob Katter approached Bavas, waving a finger and his fist in his face, while calling him a "racist". Robbie Katter claimed the reaction was "provoked", saying the journalist touched on a deeply personal issue and kept pressing despite cues to stop.
Channel 9 has backed Bavas, labelling Bob Katter's claims of racism as "baseless and offensive" and calling for a public apology. Robbie Katter said he did not believe an apology would be forthcoming. He also said he was not worried the incident would impact his political standing. In a recent episode of Australian Story, Bob Katter's sister, Geraldine O'Brien, referenced their grandfather's migration from Lebanon, but Robbie Katter noted his father may have a different perspective on his background.
