Katter throws down gauntlet for drought debate

One day one of a western tour, MP proposes robust debate on drought solutions

KAP Leader and Member for Kennedy Bob Katter toured Hughenden to visit the site of a proposed Hughenden Dam. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

OUTSPOKEN politician Bob Katter has called for a robust debate on national drought policy.

Senator Pauline Hanson and her lower house counterpart, Member for Kennedy Bob Katter landed in Charleville Monday afternoon to kick off a listening tour of southwest Queensland.

It wasn't long before Mr Katter said he wanted to face off with Member for Maranoa David Littleproud.

"I haven't put this to Pauline, but I would like to have a debate with them," Mr Katter said.

"I want the Member for Maranoa to turn up and debate (drought policy).

"I look forward to the debate - I'll have it wherever he wants it.

"He's got a lot of lap-dog National Party supporters out here, so let's have it out here, where they are."

Hanson and Katter are on day one of their 'drought tour'.

Bob Katter and Pauline Hanson in Charleville on Monday.

"We feel that the Labor and the Liberal National Party - the government - are doing enough for regional and rural Queensland," Ms Hanson said.

"Bob and I have travelled quite extensively across the state, we are hearing it from the people: they are devastated.

"People don't often see politicians out here, and I think that us coming out here is going to put pressure on the government to actually start listening to the people."

As well as drought policy, hot topics for the tour will be the beef industry, building dams, and the big one: pushing mulga.

"I didn't know about the Mulga until (party member) Rick Gurnett insisted on me meeting with Dan McDonald," Mr Katter said.

"It wasn't an issue to me until I actually listened to someone from that area telling me about it.

"So it will come up on this trip, I'm sure."

After Charleville, the tour moves on to Cunnamulla, St George, and Roma.

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