What you said about Bob Katter calling Channel 9 reporter Josh Bavas racist
Bob Katter’s tirade against a journalist has divided the nation. Whose side are you on? HAVE YOUR SAY
Out of line or out of his head?
Bob Katter has refused to apologise for threatening to punch a journalist and labelling them a racist during an outburst at a Brisbane media conference.
The maverick MP’s outburst divided many, with Mr Katter and Katter’s Australian Party claiming the aggressive response from the long-serving federal MP was justified, despite Nine calling for a formal apology for the attack on Nine News Queensland reporter Josh Bavas.
Mr Katter, speaking outside state parliament about his intention to attend a controversial anti-immigration march on Sunday, had argued that only migrants from places with democracy, the rule of law and Christianity should be welcome in Australia.
■ Bob Katter’s wildest and weirdest quotes through the years
He also said he had not seen a migrant in his North Queensland electorate of Kennedy in 20 years, and that they largely came from places such as Finland and Croatia – a claim disputed by Census data.
Bavas began asking Mr Katter a question, noting the MP’s Lebanese heritage.
Then Mr Katter exploded, yelling: “Don’t say that because that irritates me, and I punch blokes in the mouth for saying that.”
Mr Katter, pressed for clarity on his response, then strode up to Bavas, pointed his finger at him and accused him of being a racist.
It’s understood Bavas’s question – had he not been cut off – was to ask Mr Katter if he believed the values that people brought to Australia were more important than where they came from.
Another journalist then asked Mr Katter what was wrong with the line of questioning, to which he said: “I’m not dealing with the subject.”
Nine news and current affairs executive director Fiona Dear called for a public apology from Mr Katter and said his “aggressive behaviour and threats were unacceptable”.
Mr Katter, on social media, later demanded an apology from Bavas and said questions about his heritage questioned his loyalty to Australia.
KAP leader Robbie Katter accepted that his father’s response was aggressive but was surprised that this particular interaction, which “didn’t rate … on the Richter scale of aggressive responses” had become a national issue.
KAP deputy leader Nick Dametto said Mr Katter’s style was justified, and that Bavas had “poked the bear”.
Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom executive director Peter Greste said Mr Katter had been “unreasonable” in the press conference for shutting down a journalist’s legitimate questions.
Readers were quick to pile into the debate, many claiming Mr Katter went too far in his response.
Others, though, said he was simply giving his opinion in his usual colourful style.
See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>
WHAT YOU SAID
Bob is out of line
NCRWB
So journalists can’t ask questions that seek to discover relevant issues? Riiiiight …
JamesO
Reporter Josh Bravas looked capable of defending himself, and I would be making a formal complaint regarding Katter if I were him.
The Katter fiefdom needs to end.
Carla Fisher-Jacobs
A great leaders listens, why didn’t he let the journalist finish the question.?
Anthony Joy
It's a valid point. Now we’re know his vulnerability.
Clearly
His question – or the question he was going to ask – is quite respectful actually.
Chris
Doesn’t have the right to threaten and intimidate a person in public.
KimA
Way over time for this guy to retire into obscurity, he can’t control himself
I stand with Bob
Elaise Harigalie
When you asked silly questions, you get silly answers, move on, next chapter
Ronald
Good one Bob, someone has got to stand up for our country, it is going down the drain!
Helen
Good for you Bob. Some people just don’t know when to stop! Stand tall.
Pistol Pete …
Absolutely, we need to stand our ground, but it’s crucial to do so without appearing unreasonable.
Paul
Same here and I agree with him in that a Channel 9 reporter has no right to question his origins which is none of their business!
The Joker
Why’d Bavas need to raise Bob’s family heritage at all? Bob is an Aussie. I stand beside Bob to defend my country.
