50 Years of Representing North Queensland
December 7, 2024
Bob Katter MP has marked a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years in Parliament. First elected to Queensland Parliament in 1974, Katter's political journey has been defined by his unwavering commitment to his regional Queensland constituency and his distinct, sometimes controversial, views.
Known for his outspoken nature, Katter has always been a fierce advocate for farmers, regional communities, and local industries, often challenging mainstream political trends.
He served in the Queensland Parliament from 1974-1992, became the Federal Member for Kennedy the following year in 1993, became an independent in 2001, and 10 years later founded Katter's Australian Party with myself.
On Saturday evening, I was incredibly surprised to find a lovely group of people had come together to commemorate my 50 years of service to state and federal parliament.
I find it humbling and, to be honest, a bit embarrassing that so many people would make such a fuss about a Cloncurry boy like me. But, of course, I'm thankful to be the recipient of such kindness.
A massive thanks must go to Paul McIver and his family (Goldtower Central) for making the event happen - and beyond that - for believing in regional and rural Australia more than most. Paul, you are an asset to your community.
Another big thank you to the Getbranded team (especially Madonna), who put together such a sensational event (and in such secrecy)! Every detail was considered, and it made the evening quite spectacular.
To the Kennedy electorate, whom I am privileged to serve, thank you for your continued support and constant desire to do good and make the world a better place for your fellow man.
Most of all, thank you to my wonderful wife, Susie and my beloved children, Caroline, Eliza, Mary Jane, Olivia and Robbie. The greatest joy, certainly in my lifetime, has been having a family. Seeing them working to benefit the community in their own unique ways is a blessing.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible before Christmas.
God bless,
Bob Katter
Photography courtesy of Sally Batt Photography.
James Blundell
Glenn "Minty" Mintern
Goldtower
ENDS
Bob: “Back in my day, we used an automatic gate opener.” Wendi: “I have one. The gate just automatically opened for me.”
Bloody Alex and his inner-city trendy accent… It’s pronounced “Boulia” ya drongo!
Radicalisation is happening NOW in Australia. If the alleged terrorist was radicalised in Australia… The threat is frankly, not only at our doorstep, it’s in our house! If this is not a warning shot that government needs to better protect our borders than what will be? For too long our government has allowed hatred and extremism to persist... branding anyone that speaks against such groups as ‘racist’ and ‘far right’. Australia should be a land of hope not hate... a land of opportunity… freedom … and fun. Government immediately stop allowing extremism under the guise of multiculturalism. Stop allowing those that hate our society and our way of life to live on our shores. Instead welcome those who value our cultures and beliefs.
In FNQ towns like Innisfail, Tully, Mission Beach, Atherton, Tolga, Mareeba and Lakeland, the banana industry is part of the very fabric of the community. Similarly around Coffs Harbour in NSW and Carnarvon WA. Thousands of wonderful people: 🍌 grow or work on banana farms 🚜 mechanics fix our tractors ⛏️ rural suppliers provide our equipment 🚚 trucks transport our fruit 📦 packaging companies provide our boxes 🏗️ engineering works make our trailers 🚜 earth movers fix our headlands and many others contribute proudly. We love our AUSTRALIAN BANANAS.
Mabel - A travelling irrigator like no other to soak the parched, rich black soil plains of the mid-west. Bob has a dream for untold economic wealth and prosperity... with dams, roads, rail, ports to facilitate huge agricultural, mining and processing growth. Bob met with the lads at JAM (Johnstone Agricultural Machinery) to share this dream and discuss his plans for ‘Mabel’ the travelling irrigator!
Woke, identity politics is killing Australia. We’re free. We’re capable of responsibility. We know who we. We know what we want to do. Stop telling us what we can and can’t do, and who we should and shouldn’t be.
Mythical ‘tribal’ groups own millions of hectares across Australia. Sure these groups earn millions in administration, houses and limited community facilities are built, but no individual title deeds are ever available. Not one single First Australian can own their own house on community lands. They can’t renovate or improve with pride, they can’t start a business, they can’t use the equity in their house as collateral… they have absolutely no means to improve their families finances unless they leave the region they call home. Successive governments keep throwing money at these communities but they will not remove the economic handcuffs that would allow businesses to grow, and homes and businesses to be built with pride through hard work and sacrifice.
AUSTRALIA NEEDS TO BETTER USE OUR GREAT MINERAL, AGRICULTURAL AND LAND WEALTH Australia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Our mineral resources are vast. Our agricultural potential is huge. We have millions of hectares of land unutilised or under-utilised. Australians should be swimming in wealth …. NOT drowning in debt. Successive governments have slowed our economy to a grinding halt in a ruthless pursuit of a WOKE agenda. A REVOLUTION is coming… Australians are starting to fight back against the corporate and political elite that have sold and squandered our great Nation. It’s about time that government starts governing for the betterment of Australians or GET OUT and let the independent fighters that TRUELY represent their electorates and Australia have a go!!!!
Everyday, wonderful and courageous men and women of our police forces put their personal safety to the side to protect Australians. Most make it home… some, tragically, do not. Today we remember and pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
