Health Minister Mark Butler has rebuked Bob Katter after he threatened a Brisbane journalist yesterday, saying his behaviour was “completely unacceptable”.
“Watchers of Australian politics know Bob Katter is a bit of a character, but that is completely unacceptable,” Butler told Seven’s Sunrise this morning.
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“The threat itself is unacceptable. And then the physical approach, frankly, to the journalist … it’s just unacceptable in this day and age, particularly from a political leader.”
During a press conference in Brisbane yesterday promoting this weekend’s “March for Australia”, Bob Katter approached Nine journalist Josh Bavas, brandishing his fist and yelling.
Bavas had asked Katter about the dynastic political family’s Lebanese heritage, triggering an outburst from the party leader.
“Oh mate, don’t say that because that irritates me, and I punch blokes in the mouth for saying that,” Katter shouted at the journalist.
Speaking alongside Butler was Liberal senator Jane Hume, who said Katter’s “colourful character” was not an excuse for his behaviour.
“There has to be consequences for this, you should always be able to feel safe and respected at work – journalists and politicians. The idea of threatening violence is entirely unacceptable. There must be consequences,” Hume said.
Nine, which owns this masthead, has called for an apology from Katter.