The name Katter is a difficult one to ignore when tied in with national politics. Especially now there’s an actual political party called ‘Katter’s Australian Party’…
Ever since Bob launched into the stratosphere with a profile cartoonists cheered in welcome, the personality, the idiosyncrasies of the man’s political profile have bounced like a Sarah Palin gaffe into the gleeful hands of the waiting media.
And let’s not forget the united independent power (if I can put it that way) he shares with Australia’s two other pivotal independents, which now has the Labor party ‘by the balls,’ …and I’m using that metaphor because it seems only fitting given Katter senior’s fearlessness at using his own colourful array of one liners…
So when a media release popped into my inbox last night stating that the “Australian Party” has now endorsed Robbie Katter as its candidate for the seat of Mount Isa in the next state election, my curiousity was piqued...
Could there be another ‘Rob’ Katter? Is this the gay brother or are there a clan of Katters that given my NSW ignorance, I have not yet stumbled upon?
And what is it about families and politics?
Certainly politics is in the blood as much as mining is with this one. Bob Katter Senior (we’ll call him big daddy!) was a member for Kennedy from 1966 to 1990. His son followed on, and has certainly proven himself a vote getter. Bob junior first became a member of the House of Representatives in 1993; was originally a National Party representative but has continually been re-elected as an independent since 2001.
But is the world ready for another Katter?
Let’s take a closer look…
Robbie Katter, son of Bob junior, was born and bred in North Queensland (where else!), and as a resident of Mount Isa has worked in the mining industry and as a property valuer.
He has a similar look to his dad, but described himself on radio today as perhaps less confrontational and more considered than his father.
As a current councillor on the Mount Isa City Council he’s declared his political priorities as the provision of affordable housing and land in the mining mecca – which now relies on fly-in fly-out workers to meet production demands.
And like his dad, he’s already fiercely dedicated to the cause of the underdogs, or perhaps that should be the plight of rural and remote Australians. “For too long, Queenslanders have been neglected by poor governments. The state’s infrastructure has been sold off, its manufacturing and agricultural industries have been destroyed, and the rights of Queenslanders have been stripped away under the guise of political correctness. The Australian Party is out to change all of this and I am proud to be part of the team,” he says.
And with a state election set for next year, no doubt the Katter road show is about to swing into full gear!
The Katter political dynasty – quick facts about Bob Katter (jnr)
Bob for Prime Minister