High Steaks: ‘I’m sitting ... in the frontline’: Why Bob Katter won’t leave ‘life-and-death struggle’

Veteran MP Bob Katter could hold the balance of power in the next parliament and has plenty to get done. Here’s why he’s shooting down any suggestion of retirement in coming years.

Five decades after entering politics, veteran North Queensland MP Bob Katter’s vote could become more important than ever.

With multiple polls pointing to a hung parliament after next year’s election, Katter and his fellow crossbenchers could be crucial in deciding whether Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton can form a functioning government.

As one of the few conservative-leaning MPs in a crossbench dominated by Greens and Teals, Katter could be in a position to trade his Akubra for a crown – with the potential for him to be a kingmaker in his 51st year in parliament.

But the wily politician has been around too long to give any assurances on who he’d support if asked to help form a new government.

“I will back the one who gives me the best deal. I’m not there to play marbles,” he said, before launching into his views on Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton.

Bob Katter could be in a position to trade his akubra for a crown. Picture: Martin Ollman

“Albo’s a good mate of mine … we’ve always got along extremely well together … He’s got some spectacular scores on the board as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

“Peter Dutton, I think, shows the best judgment on either side of the parliament. I don’t think he was very successful in his ministries … but he stands very high as far as I’m concerned as a potential leader of Australia.

Bob Katter with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “He’s got some spectacular scores on the board as far as I’m concerned.” Picture: NewsWire/Martin Ollman

... and with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. “I really wouldn’t have any difficulties if Dutton gets the numbers.” Picture: Facebook

“I really wouldn’t have any difficulties if Dutton gets the numbers, nor if Albo gets the numbers … I’m out to get a deal for my people.”

He says this while sitting out the back of the Old Canberra Inn – one of the oldest licensed pubs in the city, with the original slab hut forming its backbone built in 1857.

The only request from his office while choosing a venue for our High Steaks meeting was “nothing too fancy – Bob wouldn’t like that”.

Katter orders a 300 gram rump steak – well-done – with sides of garlic marsh and green beans.

In the hope it’ll make me top-end tough, I get the same.

The only request from his office was “nothing too fancy – Bob wouldn’t like that”. Picture: Martin Olllman

Katter orders a 300 gram rump steak – well-done – with sides of garlic marsh and green beans at the Old Canberra Inn. Picture: Martin Olllman

If the Kennedy MP is thrust into a kingmaker position after next year’s election, it wouldn’t be the first time.

Both Labor and the Coalition courted him during tight parliaments across the 2010s in a bid to win his support.

His office in parliament is tucked away in a remote corner near the committee rooms where government MPs hold meetings – with a discrete set of stairs nearby also leading directly to the ministerial office wing.

It’s made access easy for ministers from both sides of government who have made the trip down to Katter’s office for clandestine chats over the years.

Despite hailing from one of Australia’s most remote electorates, he remains one of the most recognisable politicians in the country – which is clear when he arrives for our dinner.

“Hi Bob,” youthful patrons cheekily titter as the North Queenslander walks past.

His longevity – which includes half a century in politics spread across Queensland and federal parliament – is just one of the reasons for his high-profile, with his policies a consistent headline-grabber over the years.

That includes his push for a bounty to be put on cane toads, as well as calls for teenagers to get firearms training to help defend Australia in the event of an invasion.

“Every Australian boy at the age of 13 should be given a … heavy-calibre combat rifle and taught how to use it,” he reiterates.

“Pick a fight with us and you’ve got about seven million guerrilla fighters … sorry China! Too bad, so sad mate.”

“I remember as a 12-year-old getting my .303 rifle and I couldn’t believe it … my country trusted me with a rifle as big as I was … I felt 10-feet tall … and that put responsibility upon my shoulders.”

Talking about a ban on social media for under-16s passed by the parliament, Katter goes a step further.

“I feel very strongly that kids shouldn’t have access to a mobile telephone,” he says, nominating 17 as the cut-off age.

Bob Katter at the opening of the Queensland Parliament in 1975.

... and playing football in 1989. “If you’re sitting there with an idiot box stuck to your ear, you’re not out the backyard tossing a football around.’

“If you’re sitting there with an idiot box stuck to your ear, you’re not out the backyard tossing a football around, or playing chess. You’re not building a shanghai (slingshot), or a bow and arrow, or down the creek, having fun.”

While his comments point to an Australia of yesteryear, Katter has made up his mind that he wants to be part of its political future too.

He’s committed to running in next year’s election and shot down any suggestion of retirement in the coming years.

“I’m sitting behind a rifle in the frontline and there’s a battle going on. And it’s a life-and-death struggle for my country,” he said.

“What am I going to do? Shoulder my rifle and walk away and leave someone else to fight the battle?”

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