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Wisdom, Mongrel, Patriot - Episode 3: Nation Building or Nation Bleeding? Bob Katter's battle for "make money infrastructure"

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:01:12 GMT

If it makes money… they stop it.

If it costs money… they fund it.

That’s politics in Australia today.

Bob goes toe-to-toe with the Teals and Greens over laws that are strangling nation-building projects before they even begin, while Canberra racks up another $3 BILLION just to stay afloat!

They block mining.

They block infrastructure.

They even voted against protecting our state forests.

But don’t worry - there’s always money for bureaucracy and “projects” that don’t return a cent.

And while we’re at it… when did our universities become visa factories?

This episode pulls no punches.

��️ Nation Building or Nation Bleeding? Listen now.

Halve fuel excise or watch fruit rot, shelves empty

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:34:12 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has written to the Prime Minister to immediately halve fuel excise to deliver emergency relief from record price pressures crippling the nation’s freight industry, and protect Australia’s primary producers.

Mr Katter has warned the PM that farmers and freight operators being crushed by fuel costs across North Queensland are now reaching breaking point – with the escalating threat to their viability raising alarm that Australia’s biggest banana-growing region faces the prospect of fruit being left to rot this season, due to prohibitive fuel prices for harvest and transport.

“If we fail to act quickly, the consequences will not be limited to regional Australia,” Mr Katter wrote to the PM. “When farmers in Kennedy cannot afford to harvest and transport their produce, supermarket shelves across the nation will feel the impact.”

Mr Katter said that while farmers, truck drivers and families struggled under exorbitant fuel costs, the Commonwealth Government continued to collect both fuel excise and GST on every litre sold – “still taking the cream from every bowser while the people who grow and transport our food are pushed closer to the brink”.

With the North Queensland electorate of Kennedy accounting for one of the nation’s largest and most productive food bowls – growing 90 per cent of Australia’s bananas for our second-most bought supermarket item, after toilet paper – Mr Katter said reports of growers now questioning whether they could afford to harvest fruit this season were “an unacceptable situation for a country as wealthy and resource-rich as Australia”.

“We are being told farmers are letting fruit rot as the cost of picking it and trucking it to market no longer stacks up. That should send a chill through every government office in this country.”

With immense pressure on the road freight industry that underpins agricultural supply chains, major North Queensland operators fear the unsustainable burden of out-of-control fuel costs.

“Companies such as Blenner’s Transport and Curley's Transport – the lifeblood of our supply chain in North Queensland, moving produce from paddocks to plates – they are left with no choice but to pass on those increasing costs down the line,” said Mr Katter. “And the people at the very bottom of that chain are our farmers.”

Mr Katter said halving the fuel excise would deliver relief not just to freight companies and farmers, but also families across the country. “This is a simple decision the Prime Minister can make right now to protect Australia’s farmers and the supply chain that feeds this nation.”

ENDS

Wisdom, Mongrel, Patriot - Episode 2: Bob sinks the boot into government for selling Australia off and out

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:49:30 GMT

In this episode of Wisdom, Mongrel, Patriot, Bob Katter lays it out plainly: Australia has been sold off piece by piece, and ordinary Australians are paying the price.

From telecommunications to other essential services, decisions made in Canberra have stripped the nation of ownership, control, and long-term security. The promise that no Australian would be left behind, especially in the bush, has been broken.

At the same time, governments continue to pour hundreds of billions into bureaucracy, and inflate the public service with over $100 billion allocated to departments and billions more recently added, while failing to invest in the kind of nation-building projects that actually create wealth.

Bob argues it doesn’t have to be this way.

There is a path forward, one where Australia builds, owns, and profits from its own essential services, strengthens regional and city communities, and restores Australia's global stronghold as "the lucky country".

�� Follow Wisdom, Mongrel, Patriot so you don’t miss an episode.

Wisdom, Mongrel, Patriot Podcast - Teasers

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:53:12 GMT

Wisdom. Mongrel. Patriot.

Australia used to produce leaders - conviction politicians - who could speak plain English, stand their ground, and fight for the people who built this country.

This podcast exists because that kind of voice is getting harder to find. The visionaries are dying out. The risk takers are vanishing. Everyone is playing in the "safe zone" and our country is on the precipice...

Wisdom, Mongrel, Patriot is the place where Bob Katter’s most unfiltered insights are captured, preserved, and shared with Australians who still care about the future of this nation.

Hosted by two of Bob’s longest-serving team members, Elise and Kahla, the podcast dives into the issues shaping Australia, from farming and mining to sovereignty, immigration, energy, culture and the survival of regional Australia.

But don’t expect polished talking points or political spin.

Bob has never been known for that.

Instead, we bring you the real conversations, the stories behind the headlines, the thinking behind the fights in Parliament, and the blunt truths that rarely make it past the Canberra press gallery.

Sometimes it’s serious.

Sometimes it’s hilarious.

Sometimes it’s completely outrageous.

But it’s always authentically Bob.

Labor is drunk on power – killing the bush pub and Australia’s soul next in line in ‘woke agenda’

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:39:47 GMT

Labor is drunk on power – killing the bush pub and Australia’s soul next in line in ‘woke agenda’

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter MP led a scathing attack on the Albanese Government’s handling of the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 in Parliament, calling it un-Australian and warning that it was clear Labor was drunk on power moving legislation that threatens the heart of Aussie culture – having a beer at the local pub.

“The original Labor Party was born in the pubs of Australia. These fellas in those days would quite literally drag you out of a pub and punch you in the face if you didn’t take a union ticket out – yet here we are, debating a law that taxes beer. I cannot think of a better example of just how dangerous and drunk on power the Labor party have become. They are now threatening the very fabric of our social and community life,” Mr Katter said.

The Bill before Parliament seeks to freeze the automatic inflation-linked increase on draught beer excise for a two-year period from 1 August 2025 to 1 August 2027 but Mr Katter wants the increase scrapped indefinitely.

Mr Katter seconded his crossbench colleague, Barnaby Joyce’s, second reading amendment of removing the annual increase to keep alive an Australia tradition.

“Australia's identity very much comes out of the bush pub, and you are eroding the identity of Australians if you take that away. You are also eroding our ability to talk to each other,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter, who is infamous for talking with patrons of pubs all over Australia, said one of the most important places to learn about the state of politics and the state of the nation was by talking to people having a beer.

“As a member of parliament, I like to find out what people are thinking and what their attitude is towards the government's policies and the best way to do that is to go down to the local hotel.

“I’ve been shown an interesting graph which shows suicides amongst males in Australia – parallels the graph of the decline of the hotels and people going into the pubs.

“I know that, if I myself am really down, I just go down to the pub, have a lot of good fun with my mates and go home a lot happier and more relaxed than before. But, for people who are more traumatised by reality than, probably, I am, it really is a matter of life and death in many cases, and that's not an exaggeration.

“There's a little town called Maxwelton, and I love pulling up there because of all the cockies in the area and all the contractors and various other people that are employed in the cattle and sheep industry. You find out what's going on. You could have a good time at the Maxwelton pub. Well, it doesn't exist anymore, because of the impositions that government placed upon it.”

Mr Katter warned that while a freeze may superficially lower the pressure on draught beer prices, many in the hospitality and brewing sectors argue that a broader reform is needed to sustain small venues and local producers.

“Beer is tradition, it is community, and it is part of our social fabric. A two-year freeze on indexation isn’t enough when pubs are struggling under rising costs, regulatory burdens and declining patrons,” Mr Katter added.

“In the end, it’s about more than beer. It’s about protecting our way of life, our towns, and the simple Aussie traditions that bind us together,” Mr Katter concluded.

ENDS

“The people of Australia mourn for you” – Katter’s condolences

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 04:28:55 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter extended his support to the Jewish community in Australia during a condolence motion in Parliament House today. The murder of so many innocent, everyday Australians, including the youngest - ten-year-old ‘Matilda’ – MUST be condemned at the highest level.

Mr Katter said, “This wonderful little kid was murdered.

“This lovely little girl called Matilda, whose parents had migrated to Australia and name their first child born in this country ‘Matilda’ as a tribute. My heart bleeds for them. This innocent little girl was shot dead by Islamic Extremists.

“These murders were ‘known’ by the authorities, yet they were allowed to stay here and fester with their extreme beliefs, they were allowed to obtain weapons, they were allowed to travel overseas and return after ‘training’, and they ended up carrying out a horrific act of terrorism. There was a clear failure of the immigration authorities, ASIO, and the NSW Labor Government – firearm licensing. I’ll bet they don’t miss a night’s sleep over it.”

In paying homage to the victims of the Bondi massacre, Mr Katter extended his support on behalf of the Australian people, but slammed the bodies responsible.

“The people of Australia, they mourn for you,” he said.

“Who was responsible for that murder, a couple of rabid bloody lunatics. We have got mad dogs everywhere, but the question must be who let those mad dogs into the country?

“The first person that is guilty is the immigration department, and the Minister Tony Burke has to take responsibility for what occurred, which he has not done.

“Secondly, ASIO had them on the watchlist and yet they were still allowed to collect three high powered rifles that are registered. What is the point in having an ASIO if you allow these people to have high powered rifles? This is a gang that couldn’t shoot straight. They are an absolute disgrace to the government.

“Thirdly, the NSW government. The Liberal government when in power, refused to give this person on an ASIO watch list, a gun licence. Within months of the Labor party taking office, he gets his firearms licence and he gets three guns.

“What, does he belong to the western Sydney clay shooting club does he? What… does he go shooting deer on the outskirts of Sydney does he? What could he possibly want the guns for?

“So, the NSW government can take full responsibility for what has occurred. And my message to them is, don’t hide because YOU are responsible.”

Mr Katter lashed unvetted mass immigration but cautioned that it wasn’t the “religion” to blame.

“I must say that it isn’t the Islamic “religion”. Our neighbours the Indonesians are a Muslim country and they are excellent people.

“The rabid mad dogs that have been allowed into this country have been from the Middle East and north Africa.

“There are four wars going on there at last count. They are either killing each other or killing other people.

“They attacked kids having a good time at a music festival and then they pulled the same stunt here in Australia. I spit upon them. And the people responsible for bringing them into this country have not been yarded and they need to be yarded.”

ENDS

Katter slams Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:55:53 GMT

A submission responding to the exposure draft of the Bill was made during a two day allowable timeframe.

Katter slams Labor's abhorrent 'kill off the farmer' environmental Bill

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:17:35 GMT

Full transcript to the speech in the House of Representatives - 5 November 2025

Second Reading

Mr KATTER (Kennedy) (18:02): I wonder whether people in this place ever did a history lesson in their lives. I asked the lady (ALP Member) who was just speaking whether she'd ever planted a tree. In every single environmental meeting I have ever been to—

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Georganas): The member for Kennedy will refer to members by their proper title.

Mr KATTER: I don't know what her proper title is.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is the member for Macquarie .

Mr KATTER: The member for Macquarie—I simply asked her if she'd ever planted a tree. Could I ask you again? Have you ever planted a tree?

Ms Templeman: I've planted dozens of trees.

Mr KATTER: She has planted dozens of trees! Where?

Ms Templeman: I live in the World Heritage Blue Mountains.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, both members on both sides. I'm not going to have banter between both sides. It's through the chair that you ask the questions, and you're speaking through the chair.

Mr KATTER: I'll move on. What is happening here is about my ownership of land and the undermining of our freedoms, our integrity, our 'comfortableness' and our ease. They are being taken away and given to a bunch of bureaucrats sitting on their backsides in air conditioned comfort in Canberra. They're going to tell me what I can and can't do with my land. Who is better qualified to look after the land—a fifth-generation grazier, or fifth-generation cane farmer, or some beggar sitting on his backside here who's a fifth-generation public servant in Canberra? Who'd know more about it? Why is he living in Canberra in air-conditioned comfort, and why is he or she living out there in the wilderness? It's because they love the wilderness. That's why they're living there. Why are you living in Sydney? It's because you're terrified of the wilderness! You don't understand it. You've never set foot in it. You've never lived there. You've never aspired to make your country better off than it is.

It would be just wonderful if these people read some books and had an understanding of history. The authoritarian government in Britain said, 'I own your land,' to the people of America, and the Americans said: 'Hey, wait on a minute. I own my land. That's my farm. That's where I run my cattle. That's my land!' The authoritarian government in England said, 'No—we own the land!' That's exactly what you're saying today: 'We own the land, not you. We, the authoritarian government, the ruling class, own the land.'

I pose the question again: who would know more about the land—love it and protect it? Would it be the people who live on the land or the person sitting on his shiny backside here in Canberra? Your proposition is that the person sitting on his shiny backside here in Canberra knows best, rather than the person that's living there.

I'll tell you your collection of achievements. You brought in some bugs to solve a problem that was there. The bugs ran amok and created enormous problems, so you brought in the toads, to get rid of the bugs. The toads were eaten by the dingoes and by the goannas, so now there are no dingoes or goannas. You took away the predator—for example, crocodiles. There was a balance of nature. A mother crocodile has 60 eggs. My forebears, the blackfellas, took the eggs—a lot of them, not all of them. There was a balance that had been there for 30,000 years, but you took the balance away. You took away the human beings that were taking the eggs. Now, with 60 eggs a year—you imagine if every woman in Canberra had 60 babies a year. We'd solve our underpopulation problem very quickly! That is what is happening out there with the crocodiles.

Then there are the pigs in the national parks. In the good old days in Queensland, the Labor Party and its successor, the Country Party—it was dominated by Labor after the split—allowed you to go hunting. There were no pigs in the rainforest, because hunters went in and shot them. Then you removed the hunters. You removed my forebears, the old blackfellas, who used to take a lot of the crocodile eggs, so now the crocodile numbers are exploding everywhere. Now there are no fish in the rivers, because they're being eaten by the crocodiles. You think you know about nature and you start fooling around with it, but all you've done is disaster after disaster after disaster. Since you took the shooters out of the national parks—which is about half of North Queensland, I might add, with all the jungle—the pig numbers have exploded and now the cassowaries are doomed. There is no way that the cassowary can survive with the pigs taking their eggs, and there's no way that the turtles can survive the explosion of pig numbers. Are you doing anything about the pigs? Yes, you are; you've got traps—400 traps for about three million pigs!

In a pub, in the real world, where people like myself sort of live—I put on the record that when I said 'in the real world, in the pubs' they burst out laughing. They think it's funny that Australians still go down to the pubs and talk to each other. They are laughing at it. I'll tell you where Labor Party was founded and formed: in the pubs of North Queensland. As a published historian, I can speak with some considerable authority. As the great-grandson of one of the major financial creators of the Labor movement, I can also speak with authority.

I speak with authority when I say I am watching the cassowaries—the trademark of most of the councils in Far North Queensland—vanishing as the pigs take the eggs, and no-one is doing anything about the pigs except for 400 traps. Please excuse me for laughing. If you would license the shooters to go into the national parks, they would take out the pigs and, in 30 years' time, we would have cassowaries and we would have turtles. But, thanks to you people, there will be no cassowaries and no turtles. For those of us that live in this country, we love our cassowaries and we love our turtles. That's why we live in the bush. That's why we live in North Queensland. It's because we love the land that we choose to live there. You don't choose to live on the land; you choose to live in Canberra. That is the complete opposite to the people of North Queensland and their value systems.

There is a second thing happening here which is very troubling indeed. I don't say it by way of skiting, but speaking as a published historian, you don't get to publish a book unless you know an awful lot about history. They won't simply publish your book. Believe me, I've tried that. Knowing a little bit about our history, I think about the Mandarin class that ran China for about 400 or 500 years. Once you have a class of people whose children go into positions of power and their grandchildren go into positions of power—that is Canberra: five generations of power people. They haven't had to make a quid out of selling some beef, some cattle. They haven't had to make quid out of cutting cane by hand. They haven't had to make a quid milking dairy cows. They have made a quid by milking the Australian people. That's how they make a quid and you want to give them the power.

Well you want to read about the history of China and find out how the Mandarin class went against the property respecting countries like America, England, France and the European countries that had this institution called private property. When they got that institution going and speeding up, they became the rulers of the world, for good and for bad—and I won't go into good or bad. I'm just saying that that created the enormous power of the Mandarin class, as they were called, in China.

That is what is happening today. I lose my land rights, as a person that loves the land and has lived in the land all my life, and they're given to someone down here. My wife is from a city background. She got 15 acres of land in Charters Towers and put a thousand trees on what was land without a single tree upon it when she went there. You can multiply her by half a million in North Queensland, because we are the group of people who plant trees. We are the group of people that love nature. That's why we live there. You are the group of people that don't plant trees and don't live in nature. There's another one laughing. He thinks that's funny. He thinks it's funny that a Mandarin class should rule Australia and have all the power, and the people that live on the land should have no power at all. He thinks that's funny with his very peculiar sense of humour.

Honourable members interjecting— (ALP Members of the Parliament laughing loudly in the Chamber)

Mr KATTER: There you go. They're laughing again. That's very curious to me, very curious indeed. Let me tell you a name: a gentleman called Daniel Messina—a hell of a good young bloke. He worked in the mines and was captain of the rugby league team in Cloncurry. He comes from Gordonvale near Cairns. He saved his money and bought a small block of land. Then he bought another block of land. And then he bought 100 acres of very prime agricultural land, and he wanted me to see it. He insisted on me coming down to see it. I said, 'Daniel, why do you want me to see it?' He said, 'Just have a look at the ground.'

Every single square inch of that ground was covered in Singapore daisy and giant sensitive weed. The entire land was covered by them. That's what he wanted me to see. Two gentlemen that had lived there together were greenies, and they wanted to return to nature. So they took all the agriculture out and returned it to nature. And, within 25 years, every square inch of that land was covered in Singapore daisy and this other introduced species that I can't think of. You are naïve if you think that you just step away and it'll go back to being nature. No, it won't. The most powerful of the plants will take over. When you have a country that now has tens of thousands of plants coming in each year, whether we like it or not, then the most powerful plant will prevail. Invariably, amongst those 10,000 plants you brought in, there will be some very aggressive plants.

Sadly, that is what is happening in North Queensland—except on the land that people in North Queensland occupy. They live there because they love the trees, they love the jungle and they love the environment. That's why they live there. So they're going to protect it, and they're going to keep those weeds and bad guys out. There are no pigs in sugarcane lands, on the farms or in the areas where we're grazing cattle on the coast. There are no pigs there because we get rid of them. But on your land—the land that you look after, the national parks—there are 3½ million pigs estimated to be living on your national parks. You're breeding the pigs. We're trying to shoot them out, but you're breeding them.

Mr Abdo interjecting— (ALP Member laughing again)

Mr KATTER: There, again, he laughs! He thinks it's funny that there are 3½ million pigs destroying all environmental native flora and fauna. He thinks that's funny. He keeps laughing at it—a very peculiar sense of humour.

There's the other issue of authoritarian rule, the Mandarin class: 'We are the rulers, and we know what is best for you. You don't know what's best for you, but these people down here do.' The incredible arrogance of the presumption that is built into this bill is breathtaking. And I commend Barnaby Joyce for his words earlier on in this area. I'll tell you how to look after North Queensland. The Forty Mile Scrub is the most iconic national park in North Queensland—completely wiped out by fire! (Time expired)

The Gumtree Podcast Series - Episode 4

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:12:57 GMT

No Banana Imports & The Fight for Reserve Resource Policy

In this instalment of the Gumtree Series Podcast, Bob Katter cuts straight to the heart of the challenges facing Far North Queensland and regional Australia. Episode 4 dives into the looming banana import crisis, exposing the pressures placed on local growers and the broader implications for Australia’s biosecurity and food sovereignty.

Bob also takes aim at the lack of accountability within the federal government, questioning how long critical regional industries can withstand policy neglect. From there, the conversation shifts west to Mount Isa, where the uncertain future of the Copper Smelter raises urgent concerns for jobs, economic stability, and the long-term viability of resource communities.

Rounding out the episode, Bob champions the need for a Reserve Resource Policy, a framework to ensure Australia retains control over its own natural wealth and secures a fair return for its people.

Bold, unapologetic, and grounded in the realities of the bush, Episode 4 is essential listening for anyone who cares about the future of Australia.

Hosted by his Chiefs; Kahla Kruger and Elise Nucifora.

Katter attends Remembrance Day Ingham Service

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 01:46:59 GMT

Yesterday, Hon Bob Katter MP was honoured to attend the commemorative service held by the Herbert River RSL Sub Branch in Ingham. In a moving gathering of veterans, families and community members, Mr Katter said together, they reflected on the service of our Anzacs and all those who have served our nation.

"Thank you to everyone who attended the Ingham service with me yesterday in honour of our veterans," Mr Katter said.

"Also, a big thank you to the Herbert River RSL Sub Branch in Ingham for organising another wonderful, dignified and respectful event."

In recent years, Bob Katter has consistently emphasised the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. He has urged that our returned veterans be afforded dignity and fair treatment.

“Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day are both timely reminders for veterans, their families and for the general public to acknowledge the sacrifices that Australians have made, and continue to make, for our country.

At the Ingham service, Bob Katter reaffirmed his commitment to supporting our veterans and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. He acknowledged the courage of those who have served, the ongoing service of the RSL branches and the vital role of community remembrance.

The Office of Bob Katter MP looks forward to continuing to work with local RSL branches and veterans’ organisations across North Queensland to honour our uniformed service – past and present.

ENDS

Bush Battles, big dreams, and a mother’s legacy: The story behind Katter’s portrait

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 23:14:47 GMT

KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter MP, was formally honoured last week with the unveiling of his official portrait in Parliament House in Canberra.

The work, painted by renowned Australian artist David Darcy, joins the collection of portraits of former Prime Ministers, Speakers, Governor Generals and a small handful of others who have made a significant contribution to the nation.

Mr Katter used the occasion to pay tribute not only to his family and colleagues but to the generations of Australians whose resilience and ingenuity built the country.

“This is not a painting of ‘a person’ and I hope nobody sees it that way,” Mr Katter said.

“It’s recognition of people that have very strong feelings about this country, to make it a land of opportunity, to have the same wonderful opportunities that I and most of my generation enjoyed.”

In his speech, Mr Katter thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Speaker of the House Milton Dick, and acknowledged his long-standing friendship since entering Parliament with the Prime Minister, as well as the Speaker’s Charters Towers family connection.

“I have been good friends with Anthony. Always liked the bloke since we first went into Parliament together. Albo, we’ve had words in the past, but whatever your shortcomings may be, I consider you a good friend,” Mr Katter said.

He also recognised the work of Queensland grazier Russell Lethbridge and the Prime Minister in progressing the long-envisioned inland highway linking Far North Queensland to Melbourne.

“That great inland highway will be completed within two and a half years, and I want to put on public record, thank you to both Russell Lethbridge and yourself, PM,” he said.

Reflecting on his early political influences, Mr Katter paid tribute to both former Prime Minister John Howard and his own mentors, Sir Leo Hielscher, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Lady Pearl Logan.

“I was and still am a great admirer of John Howard… But I appreciate Anthony Albanese – who like John Howard, is just an ordinary Australian,” he said.

“With the superstars that I had the honour of working with… Leo and Joe, Queensland became the biggest coal exporting state on earth.”

The Kennedy MP also reflected on his deep North Queensland roots, recounting stories of family service and sacrifice through war and hard work.

“If you add a kid who was born at the end of the Second World War - a kid that knows his family lost a son at Gallipoli and another at Changi, then you understand what you are looking at in that portrait,” Mr Katter said.

He paid special tribute to his wife Susie, describing her as the heart of their family and a driving force in his life.

“Susie, who I have been madly in love with for 53 years… She took 12 acres of land that did not have a single tree upon it. It now has 1,200 native trees of all variety upon it. A loving wife. Five wonderful children. The girl was good. Real good.”

Mr Katter also honoured the pioneers, pastoralists, and workers who shaped the Kennedy electorate and the nation.

“This painting does not represent a bloke called Bob Katter. It represents the Charlie Macdonalds, the Dame Mary Gilmores, the Sir Hudson Fisches, the Ernest Henrys, and the Thiess brothers… It will also remember the Leichhardts, the Burke and Wills, the Gilberts, the Edmund Kennedys and all those great trailblazers that lost their lives exploring what Geoffrey Blainey called ‘A Land Half Won.’”

He concluded his address with a heartfelt dedication to his late mother,

“Every single act of my life has been an affirmation of my mother… So mum, your contribution to Australia is 33 great little Australians that will carry the banner forward. So, this is for you mum. And for all the other mums that have created our great nation.”

ENDS

“Band-Aid on a compound fracture” Long term pain, short term gain as Isa survives Glencore-doomsday

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:34:41 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter thanked the Federal Government, particularly Minister for Industry, Tim Ayres, for his announcement today, but he warned the $600 million over three years jointly funded investment was going to limp Mount Isa along till the next election.

“We must put on record our appreciation of the involvement by the Minister. Robbie Katter said the Premier too has been helpful, but this game is not over. It is just starting. This proposal is a Band-Aid on a compound fracture. It might staunch the bleeding but it ain’t going to fix your leg.

“We must thank all the people who came to our meetings and put shoulder to the wheel here. Thank you to all fighters for their role in achieving this stay of execution, particularly the Mayor of Mount Isa, Peta McRae, Townsville Enterprise Limited, CEO, Claudia Brunne Smith, Paul Farrow from the AWU, Maria James, CEO of MITEZ and all those other fighters who have not slept a wink over the past few months in their effort to save our town and Townsville’s industrial base.

“To Glencore I say congratulations for out-negotiating not one government, but two. I take my hat off to them, these two governments have made a $600m bet that Queensland’s minerals economy is going to be much stronger by the time the next election comes around. How convenient.

“Another phrase comes to mind. Danegeld. For those that aren’t familiar with this, it was a tax levied by the Anglo-Saxons to pay off Viking invaders of England.

“We will eager learn more about this ‘transition authority’ they have proposed.

“We are pleased to be fighting another day but are fired up by this decision and it has made us more aggressively and relentless on pursuing a reserve resource policy for gas. A $600 million Band-Aid is helpful, but we need an outcome that solves the source of the problem.”

Mr Katter said he that he raised the issue with Minister Ayres when he visited his office late last night to discuss Mount Isa.

“Look, I thank the federal Minister who really has been very good to deal with on the Mount Isa smelter, unless he makes Reserve Resource Policy his next item, we are doomed and Glencore will continue to seek bailouts, after bailouts, just as they did in 2016, 2020 and have again now.”

ENDS

i] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-23/mount-isa-copper-smelter-life-renewed-operating-three-more-years/12639234

Katter's Pub Test Podcast - Episode 3

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 02:31:18 GMT

Bob discussed the gumtree movement on the latest episode of the Pub Test Podcast.

Katter flys to Canberra for urgent crisis talks

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 01:41:06 GMT

Image: Mr Katter in Canberra with his Chief of Staff, Kahla Kruger, and his Parliamentary Chief of Staff, Elise Nucifora

With the future of Australian banana growers under direct threat from proposed imports, and the livelihoods of hundreds of workers at the Mount Isa smelter and fertiliser plant on the line, Bob is demanding immediate Federal Government intervention.

“These decisions are destroying regional Australia,” Katter said. “I won’t stand by while we import fruit we can grow better ourselves, and watch the heart ripped out of Mount Isa by economic vandalism.”

Katter travelled to Canberra earlier this week to STOP banana imports from the Philippines that threaten local growers with unfair competition and biosecurity risks. At the same time, he is fighting to SAVE Mount Isa’s smelter and fertiliser plant, vital lifelines for jobs and industry in North West Queensland.

Successive governments deserve the cane after 20 years of ethanol ignorance

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 03:57:38 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has applauded the Albanese’s $1 billion “Future Made in Australia” biofuels announcement but said that successive former Labor and LNP Governments deserve the “cane” for failing to see the ethanol potential and letting oil companies run rampant around the country.

“Prior to 1992, 98 percent of our fuel requirements were produced in Australia,” Mr Katter said.

“Then Keating got control out from Hawke, and free marketed the Australian economy and it was like taking the steering wheel out of the car. The industry collapsed. Costello was just as much to blame.

“For 20 years, both major parties have spat in the face of ethanol. They’ve ignored the farmers, ignored the mills, ignored the science. Now, with the stroke of a pen, they’ve suddenly found religion in biofuels. Well, it’s better late than never, and we thank them for their efforts here,” Mr Katter said.

In the last parliamentary term, Mr Katter moved his Sovereign Fuel Security Bill, which would see Australia aim to become approximately 80 percent self-sufficient in fuel, reducing dependence on imports. He warned that without serious action, Australia’s fuel supply is vulnerable, fuel and fertiliser costs will remain crushing for farmers, and Australia’s industrial and regional communities will suffer.

“Farmers are paying 100 percent increases on two major cost input items, fuel and fertiliser. Electricity has also gone up 300 percent.

“You just can’t keep farming under these conditions; we must bring down fuel and fertiliser costs if farmers are to survive.

"Ten hectares of sugar cane produces over 10,000 litres of ethanol, and for every hectare of cane planted, 72 ton of carbon dioxide is pulled from the atmosphere. This stuff is pure magic. We can replace imported oil with home-grown fuel, cut emissions, and build up regional economies all at once.

“We need an enforceable ethanol mandate, not another round of studies and subsidies that vanish after the election. Every other major country on earth, including Brazil and the United States, mandate ethanol. So why are we the last?

“We need ethanol, and we need it now. But we need to make sure we don’t see a repeat of the ethanol mandate in Queensland where none of the oil companies that owned the petrol stations provided the infrastructure needed to offer ethanol. It should be legislated that these service stations will need be retrofitted to have ethanol capability as part of any biofuel industry.”

Mr Katter warned that Australia’s fuel storage supplies have diminished over the years which puts Australia at a national security risk, further demonstrating a sovereign fuel security necessity.

“The Government has said we have 30 days fuel supply, but I don’t even think it will last three days if there’s a situation where our fuel trade pathways are cut off. We must have supply of electricity and fuel if we are to survive as a country.”

“When the NRMA blew the whistle on this extraordinary situation, Angus Taylor under direction of his cabinet, put our fuel supplies in Texas, USA. I mean, how utterly absurd! That shows you the level of competence in our governments.”

ENDS

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/labor-earmarks-11bn-for-future-made-in-australia-biofuels-industry/news-story/e24cf62bada7edf93fe5c32c57db1837

https://www.bobkatter.com.au/govts-inaction-on-fuel-security-leaves-australia-vulnerable

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-22/government-to-buy-fuel-secure-national-stockpile/12173276

Katter urges Government to redivert leftover 2019 cattle flood disaster funds to combat devastating locust plague

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 01:09:21 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has today penned and delivered letters to the Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, the Minister for Local Government and Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, and the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, calling for urgent federal assistance to control the locust plague currently tearing through Queensland’s mid-west.

Mr Katter said the outbreak is “decimating pastures and crops, piling new misery on producers who are still reeling from repeated natural disasters in recent years.”

“In the Julia Creek floods of 2019, a hundred million dollars of federal funding may well have saved a thousand million dollars’ worth of cattle and maybe a hundred million a year in lost production,” Mr Katter said

“It is a classic example of the adage “a stitch in time saves nine” and Government needs to return to the agility that it had in years past.”

In his letter, Mr Katter stressed that local councils have sounded the alarm and urgently require additional resources to manage and contain the locust infestation.

“This plague has caused widespread damage to grazing country and cropping areas. Our producers are already battling from floods, fires, and droughts. They cannot be left to shoulder this crisis on their own,” Mr Katter wrote.

The correspondence calls for consideration of redirecting unspent funds from the 2019 North-West flood cattle disaster relief package, which Mr Katter says remain idle in Treasury.

“Our understanding is that there was an underspend from the 2019 flood recovery program, and those leftover funds, which have been accruing interest, are still sitting in Treasury. We’re simply asking that, at the very least, this interest be made available to support councils and landholders in fighting the locust plague now, and to strengthen long-term weed and pest management,” Mr Katter said.

The letter also pointed out that the Commonwealth has previously committed $20 million for pest and weed control in the south-west region and urged the Government to deliver an equivalent level of support for the North-West.

Mr Katter said the Treasurer’s role would be central to any immediate solution.

“Treasurer, your leadership and swift action will be vital in helping our communities manage this crisis and protect Queensland’s vital agricultural industry. Effective measures must be implemented without delay.”

Mr Katter reiterated that the issue is time-critical, with the potential to wipe out productivity in one of the nation’s most important cattle and cropping regions.

Katter Applauds APLNG Backing for Gas Reserve Policy, Slams Industry Opposition

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:14:49 GMT

Standing in front of the acid plant in Mount Isa, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter and Queensland State Member for Traeger Robbie Katter threw their full support behind APLNG’s call for a domestic gas reserve policy, labelling the move “long overdue,” while taking aim at the Australian Energy Producers peak body for pushing to delay any action until 2031.

“We’re selling our country’s gas for six cents a unit and buying it back for $16.60, how dumb are we?” Mr Katter said.

“We don’t make money shipping it overseas. It’s time we stop exporting our energy advantage and start looking after our own people and industry.”

APLNG’s support for a Reserve Resource Policy (RRP) marks a key moment of alignment between resource giants and the KAP, who have long warned that Australia’s failure to secure domestic energy supply would decimate critical regional industries.

“Three-quarters of what you see in Mount Isa relies on gas for chemical production, for metals processing, for power. Without a reserve policy, three-quarters of this industry vanishes,” Mr Katter warned.

Mr Katter recalled agreements made during his time in government, where gas was secured at $6 per unit for 25 years. But those contracts expired decades ago, and without a domestic reserve, Australians now pay nearly three times more to buy their own gas back from exporters.

“We had a deal. We switched from gas to coal, locked in a price of $6 a unit. That deal’s long gone. Now, we’re paying $16.60 for our own gas. Meanwhile, Qatar earns $29 billion a year from gas exports. We export the same amount and get only $600 million. This is how dumb we are.”

Mr Katter also raised concerns about the foreign ownership of major Australian assets, including ports and critical mining infrastructure.

“Newcastle is owned by China. Mount Isa is owned by Zurich. Is there anything left that we actually own? If you’re going to sell your country off, at the very least, make sure we get a quid out of it.”

The Katters are urging both federal and state governments to immediately implement a domestic gas reserve policy – not in 2031, but now – to protect Australian industry, regional jobs, and the nation’s energy security.

ENDS

Katter's Chiefs Launch Weekly Wrap and Mini-Pods

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:18:25 GMT

Each week, Bob Katter's Chiefs of Staff, Kahla Kruger and Elise Nucifora will take constituents through Bob's big achievements and activities of the week.

The weekly summaries include the legislative and policy movements within Parliament as well as happenings around the electorate and Bob's position on the big issues facing Australia.

KATTER’S CHIEFS WEEKLY WRAP

AUSTRALIA’S DEPENDENCE ON FUEL IMPORTS MUST STOP

We must build Australian oil refineries and convert our sugar mills to produce ethanol
Our fuel can, and should, be made in Australia and affordable. ��⛏️

�� STOP YOUR STUPID ADS AND FIX OUR FRI#^*N MOBILE RECEPTION ��

Our regions are being DISCONNECTED due to a bungled 3G to 5G switchover.
Telstra has an UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION. So, stop spending millions on stupid ads and deliver this essential service!!!!

�� MIGRATION MUST STOP ��

March on 31 August, not because of hate, but because we LOVE our country. All future migrants MUST VALUE the Australian way of life and belief system.

��BANKING BANDITS ABANDON THE NORTH ��

Closures of Bendigo Bank branches at Tully and Malanda are a devastating blow. WE MUST KEEP OUR BANKING SERVICES, PROVIDING A PEOPLES BANK AT POST OFFICES.

�� Happy Birthday, Karl Stefanovic ��

Karl’s a Crack Clay Shot and a good bloke.

��⛏️�� HUGHENDEN, JULIA CREEK - LANDS OF OPPORTUNITY

Yarns with salt of the earth legends who are the true meaning of “community”.

��80TH ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC��

We MUST NOT forget. We must teach in our schools the stories of the people that died to prevent the invasion of their country.

Katter Pays Tribute to Sir Leo Hielscher Ahead of State Funeral: “One of the Architects of the Queensland Miracle”

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:44:17 GMT

Bob's address regarding the late Sir Leo's Hielscher in the Federation Chamber 27/8/2025

Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has today paid tribute to the late Sir Leo Hielscher in the Federation Chamber of Parliament, ahead of the revered public servant’s state funeral to be held in Brisbane tomorrow.

“Queensland was once the Cinderella state of Australia,” Mr Katter said. “We had virtually no coalmining, very little mineral wealth, few cattle, we had nothing. And then Joh Bjelke-Petersen became Premier, with Sir Leo Hielscher by his side, the transformation began.”

Mr Katter credited Hielscher’s leadership and bold economic vision as the catalyst for Queensland becoming the world’s largest coal-exporting region, a global copper and aluminium powerhouse, and home to quadrupled agricultural output.

“These were men who strained every nerve, muscle and sinew to build a better life for Queenslanders. That's how they were driven, not to save the planet or for some other ideological pursuit—which future generations will laugh at on a grand scale. No; these people were serious people.”

In Parliament, Mr Katter recalled the visionary infrastructure programs driven by Hielscher, including massive investments in coal ports, railway lines, and power stations.

“They built the biggest power station in the world at Gladstone and fuelled it with free coal. That gave us the cheapest electricity on Earth, and one of the biggest aluminium industries on Earth.”

Reflecting on Sir Leo’s legacy, Katter said: “Public servants, normally, are bad. They do terrible things; they stop anything from happening and they make our lives miserable. There are very rare exceptions; Leo Hielscher was one of them. He made things happen. Two of the six biggest bridges in Australia are named after him, and rightly so.”

In September 2023, Mr Katter had the privilege of tabling in Parliament Sir Leo Hielscher’s blueprint to achieve “the Australian Dream”, The Great Queensland Dividing Range Scheme, to irrigate and flourish inland Australia and make these communities rich and diverse in their productivity.

“These were truly great men. These were men of freedom, vision and action. If you went in there with some restrictions and petty little rules and regulations, you would have been laughed out of their offices. Sir Leo Hielscher leaves behind an extraordinary legacy one that built modern Queensland.”

ENDS

Resignation of CEO might finally allow for CopperString

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 01:56:23 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party Federal MP Bob Katter has welcomed the resignation of Powerlink’s CEO Paul Simshauser. Particularly if it means that somebody might actually take the bull by the horns and build the vital CopperString electricity link between Townsville and Mount Isa.

“Two and a half years after the CopperString decision was approved – and still not a single order completed for the copper wire or the steel for the pylons,” Mr Katter said.

“When I had the responsibility under the Bjelke-Petersen government, I built the transmission line from Cairns to Normanton in three years – and that was without the billions being thrown around today.”

“I’m sick to death of Brisbane bureaucrats being paid an extortionate amount of taxpayers money to sit on their backsides and do nothing,” lamented Mr Katter.

“The timing appears particularly curious given the fact that Mount Isa is hanging on by a thread with the closure of the Glencore mine and smelter.”

“We’ve got huge political attention on Mount Isa and the CEO charged with the delivery of major infrastructure running to the hills. Maybe he assumed that his millon dollar pay-packet could be pocketed without any accountably, work or transparency.”

“We have got mines waiting, we have jobs on the line, and we’ve got a whole region that’s dependent on this line being delivered.”

“This CopperString connection is the key to unlocking billions in critical minerals, powering the region’s industry and securing its future.”

“PLEASE, PLEASE can we replace the CEO with someone who will actually do the job.”

“I challenge the Queensland government to urgently appoint someone with the capacity and determination to deliver this transmission line and unlock the vast economic wealth contained within the North West Minerals Province.”

ENDS

Australia should stand with Israel

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 02:25:45 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September, calling it “dangerous” and “not an Australian position.”

“Israel is surrounded by over a million people in Muslim countries, many of which are committed to the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people.

“We are told Israel’s retaliation has gone too far. But you can’t start a fight and then cry foul when there is backlash,” Mr Katter lamented.

Mr Katter said the influence of “extreme Middle Eastern diaspora politics” on Western governments was growing rapidly, citing the situation in the UK, France and Canada.

“France is almost under their political control, and a significant number of MPs in the UK Parliament have Middle Eastern backing.

“If you think this won’t happen here in Australia, then think again. The Liberal and Labor parties have flung open the doors, allowing hundreds of thousands of migrants into Australia with no plan for assimilation. They are from countries with no democracy, no rule of law, no egalitarian traditions and a history of religious persecution. Migrants, many of which, are unable or unwilling to adopt our values and traditions bringing the problems of the countries they fled from onto our shores.

“These are not small numbers. Many settle down in ethnic enclaves in Sydney and Melbourne and never become ‘Australians’ in any real sense.”

The Member for Kennedy emphasised that his comments were not aimed at the Islamic religion, pointing to Australia’s strong relationship with Indonesia.

“Our nearest neighbour, Indonesia, is overwhelmingly Muslim, and they are some of the best people I have dealt with in 50 years of public life. This is about history, values and behaviour. The Middle East has been in almost continuous warfare for 1,400 years. The only time they saw any peace was under the Crusaders.”

Mr Katter said history made the choice clear.

“On one side you have the Jewish people – persecuted for thousands of years yet thriving in a democracy that respects the rule of law. On the other, you have a region with an unbroken record of persecution against those of other beliefs. The Prime Minister and Penny Wong are dead wrong on this one. Australia should stand with Israel.”

ENDS

Katter: “Act now or Australia will lose”

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:54:00 GMT

BOB Katter the Federal Member for Kennedy, is hopeful that today’s “innovation and technology” roundtable, will result in some real solutions to the current crisis in Mount Isa and broader issues with metal processing in Australia.

"Minister Ayres is talking the talk. We now need him to walk the walk," said Mr Katter.

"Mount Isa, indeed, Australia's economic future hangs in the balance. Metal processing is the backbone of our economic prosperity, particularly if we are to become more than the world's quarry."

"We must have a national plan for processing our minerals onshore,” Mr Katter stated.

"Government should immediately move legislation to provide for a thriving metal processing industry. "

"This should include ‘Use it or Lose it’ legislation to stop stock traders sitting on our mineral reserves and a ‘Reserve Resource Policy’ to retain our resources for our use at a cheap price."

"Bailing out greedy multinationals should be off the table, but government must take some responsibility to allow companies to not only survive but thrive. "

“If we lose Mount Isa, we lose the backbone of North West Queensland. And make no mistake – talk won’t save it. Only action will,” said Mr Katter.

ENDS

Katter pays tribute: Queensland's greatest titan has fallen

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:32:16 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has paid an emotional tribute following the passing of Sir Leo Hielscher, describing the former Under Treasurer and architect of Queensland’s modern economy as a “giant of history” and “one of the greatest builders this state has ever known.”

“Queensland’s greatest titan has fallen,” Mr Katter said. “Sir Leo Hielscher – and I use the word ‘Sir’ with absolute reverence – left behind a state that was forever changed by his courage, clarity and commitment to building something better for future generations”

Mr Katter said that while many in public life are remembered for speeches or slogans, Sir Leo will be remembered for building ports, railways, power stations, and an entire industry base – and with it, the prosperity of Queensland.

“When Leo entered government, Queensland was a net importer of coal. Eleven years later, we were the biggest coal-exporting state on Earth. He was the financial engine behind the infrastructure boom – 6,000 kilometres of rail, massive ports at Gladstone, Bowen and Mackay and major dams and power stations that fuelled the state’s growth.” Mr Katter stated.

Sir Leo served as Under Treasurer for nearly three decades and was instrumental in the states industrial rise under Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Mr Katter acknowledges both men as pivotal, noting their legacy should be recognised in a permanent way.

“If we built statues in Queensland, then two giants deserve them – Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Sir Leo Hielscher. They were Titans of the economy. They didn’t just talk. They built”

Mr Katter recalled the legendary story of Leo’s uncompromising economic vision when a major mining company approached the state government seeking to export raw bauxite.

“Leo laughed in their face. He said: ‘We don’t export bauxite – we export aluminium.’ That set the stage for what became one of the world’s largest aluminium production hubs at Gladstone. He backed it with the cheapest power in the word, thanks to a 1,500-megawatt power station, government-owned, run on free coal, with negligible labour and debt costs.”

Describing his youth, Mr Katter said he was one of many Queenslanders whose life was changed by the wave of prosperity that Sir Leo helped usher in.

“Every Queenslander owes a significant debt to Sir Leo. Thank you for your service.”

ENDS

Katter meets with Minister and Department to save Mount Isa

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:52:47 GMT

On the first day of sitting, Kennedy MP Bob Katter met with the new Minister for Industry and Innovation, Senator Tim Ayres, and his department head to develop a rescue package for Mount Isa, which provides mining sector reforms and ensures taxpayer funds won't be used to bail out the international mining giant Glencore.

"Let me be quite clear; we don't bail out foreign billionaires," Mr Katter stated.

"Just down the road in Cloncurry, another copper mine, Ernest Henry, has recently announced record-breaking profits. Glencore was the former operator of this mine and got rid of it, claiming it wasn't profitable. That should give you a very clear picture of how incapable Glencore really is.

"I have said it repeatedly, if Glencore cannot make the Mount Isa copper smelter work on their own, the government should step in; not to throw money at what appears to be 'spectacular mismanagement', but to take control of the asset.

"This smelter is a vital piece of Australian industry, and government needs to act - swiftly and decisively," Mr Katter said.

Government must immediately:

(1) Reserve a portion of domestic production for domestic processing and manufacturing to ensure a national benefit, and

(2) Implement 'use it or lose it' so that multi-national organisations can't sit on our mining assets to influence international stock markets.

"We cannot compete with the Chinese when their governments build and own factories, provide subsidised power and don't require return on investment. Australia is already fighting an uphill battle; meanwhile, we are letting Glencore run riot and send our value offshore," Mr Katter warned.

Mr Katter expressed confidence that the government was beginning to see the writing on the wall.

"There is faith that this government will move to gain a stake in the copper smelter, not bail out the multi-national Glencore. If they want ownership partnerships, then it should come with government oversight, domestic processing guarantees and a binding commitment to Australian jobs.

"It is an insult to all Australian taxpayers that a single cent of their money would be spent on a foreign-owned corporation that has recorded massive profits in other divisions while allowing for our critical infrastructure to wither and die.

"A line in the sand must be drawn. Our assets must be retained for our benefit. Glencore can get with it or get out."

ENDS

Katter on Bega closures: "Australia sends its farmers into battle without shield or helmet"

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 06:02:43 GMT

Bob Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy, has slammed the closure of Bega's peanut processing plants in Tolga and Kingaroy, labelling it yet another blow in the deliberate destruction of Australian food manufacturing by governments that "should never be forgiven."

"This country used to have thriving industries: tobacco, peanuts, maize, flour, citrus, grapes, and about 30 major food lines. Each one smashed," Mr Katter said. "Now they tell me 46 per cent of Australia's fruit and vegetables come from overseas. You think the average Australian would believe their own government did this to them?"

Katter pointed to the sugar industry as a textbook example of what's gone wrong.

"Once upon a time, 23 of our 26 sugar mills were owned by local farmers. Now, go check it, every one of them is foreign-owned. The Nationals and Liberals gave away the industry under a so-called reform deal that handed over $270 million a year to reduce protections and open us to the mercy of the global market. Labor just rolled over and went along with it.

"We are the only country on earth that sends our gladiators, our food producers, into the ring without a helmet and shield. The rest of the world? Their farmers are supported to the tune of 41 per cent of their income. In Australia? Four per cent. You think we're 36 per cent better farmers than the rest of the world? Give me a break."

Mr Katter also condemned the hypocrisy of the federal government pouring $100 million into corporate giants like Bunnings and Officeworks to install EV chargers and solar panels [1] while regional food processors are shut down.

"While they shovel public money into Bunnings, Woolworths, and Coles, who already mark-up fresh food by over 200 per cent, we're shutting down regional factories and family farms that feed the country. It's completely absurd."

With the closure of Tolga's peanut processing facility, the Atherton Tablelands loses another key pillar of its agricultural base, putting growers, workers, and communities at risk.

"We are rapidly losing the ability to feed ourselves," Mr Katter warned. "When the ports close, or China decides to flick the switch on exports, or international prices go up, we'll be sitting here naked, with no shield, no helmet, and no food."

ENDS

[1] www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/28/australian-government-loans-100m-to-install-ev-chargers-and-solar-panels-at-bunnings-and-officeworks-stores

Ernest Henry mine profit is a “flashing neon sign” of Glencore’s failure

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:06:40 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has welcomed news that Ernest Henry mine has hit a record profit under its new ownership, while taking the opportunity to slam former operator Glencore for what he called "spectacular mismanagement".

"I am informed that Glencore shut the Ernest Henry mine because they claimed it wasn't profitable," Mr Katter said. "Well, the current owners have done it at a record-breaking profit. That should give you a very clear picture of how incapable Glencore really is.

"This is a flashing neon light as what I view as the sheer incompetence of Glencore's operations within this country," Mr Katter warned.

The Ernest Henry operation, near Cloncurry, was sold to Evolution Mining in 2022. Under this new ownership, it has delivered significant returns and reinvestment in the local economy. The success of the new operators adds fuel to long-standing concerns about Glencore's stewardship of Australia's copper assets, especially the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter and mining operations.

"If they cannot run Ernest Henry at a profit, and we can see that another company can do so with their eyes closed, then they have no business holding onto the copper mine or smelter," Mr Katter said. "It's high time they handed over the reins to people who know what they’re doing and are willing to invest in the long-term future of the Northwest Mineral Province."

Katter has long argued for the national interest control of critical minerals infrastructure, saying multinationals, like Glencore, prioritise overseas shareholders over Australian workers and regional development.

"What we are now seeing is proof that Australian-led enterprises can do what these foreign giants have refused to do: make it work, and make it work well."

ENDS

Katter backs ambitious rail and port plan: “We’ve waited since my grandfather’s time”

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:21:05 GMT

BOB Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy, has thrown his full support behind Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited’s proposal to build a rail link from Northwest Queensland to Karumba, hailing it as a bold and long-overdue vision to open up the region’s economic potential.

“We applaud them,” Mr Katter said. “Since my grandfather’s time, which was a long time ago, we have been waiting for a railway line from the Northwest to the Gulf. They were building it once, but when they struck gold, they stopped at Julia Creek.

“This company is doing what governments have failed to do for over a century – they’re getting on with the job, and I wholeheartedly applaud anyone involved,” Mr Katter stated.

Mr Katter noted the use of light rail from Nardoo Station for part of the journey, dramatically reducing transport costs. Mr Katter also noted current reports indicate $5 per tonne is being spent to move raw materials – something light rail and water transport can reduce significantly.

“Materials can be moved into the Leichhardt River Canals using the Panamax-class vessels. Once on water, freight costs are slashed dramatically. This isn’t a transport solution; it is a nation-building project. It opens up vast areas of untapped wealth, gives us the infrastructure we should have had generations ago, and puts Australian enterprise back in the driver’s seat,” Mr Katter observed.

Mr Katter said he hoped all levels of government would support the initiative, but stressed that even without it, the private sector leadership shown here was a more than welcome change.

“Too many times, we see bureaucrats and politicians sitting on their hands while regional Australia gets left behind. Well, these people aren’t waiting. They are building, and we should be backing them every step of the way.”

ENDS

Katter: Stop remote residents dying young

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 01:44:16 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said government must do more to provide health services to people in regional and remote areas after a Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) study found men are dying up to 13.6 years earlier, and women 12.7 years earlier than their metropolitan cousins.

"We are pleading with government to extend Medicare benefits to regional and remote residents to include telehealth appointments across the board, including for specialist nurse practitioners," Mr Katter explained.

"We need to put in place more avenues of access for non-metropolitan Australians to receive medical services."

RACGP's Rural Health in Australia Snapshot 2025 study also found that patients in very remote Australia use Medicare almost 50 percent less than those who live in our cities and experience longer waiting times to see a GP than those in major cities.

"There are people in my electorate who need to drive 20 hours to see the nearest specialist, and while they get state government travel assistance, it doesn't cover the cost of accommodation, taxis if needed, the extra costs of buying food while away from home, and taking days off work.

"The money saved on travel costs, especially as regional and remote flight costs are exorbitant, can be put towards covering Medicare rebates for non-metropolitan Australians who are suffering poor health outcomes from simply not living on the coast," Mr Katter said.

"And I hear people say, 'move to the city then', but who will mine the minerals to make your computers and mobile phones? Who will grow the food you eat and the fibres that make your clothes?

"As a country we need to do better at providing healthcare to every Australian. We need to support the people who feed and clothe us."

ENDS

Trump's tariffs should wake our government from its economic delusions

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:56:21 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has weighed in on President Donald Trump’s latest announcement of steep tariffs of 200% on pharmaceuticals and 50% on copper, warning that the decision underscores America’s bid to protect its industries - and highlights Australia’s dangerous failure to do the same.

“Trump’s protecting his industries from the uncontestable, government-backed mega-production coming out of China. Their factories aren’t built by the private sector - they’re built by the government, with government money, and they don’t need to service debt,” Mr Katter said.

“The Chinese government doesn’t throw money away on ego monuments and feel-good ‘net-zero’ whims. It builds factories that produce things, freeways and tunnels that create wealth and economic generation. That money, in turn, produces value. It’s deflationary, not inflationary.

“The Australin Government, on the other hand, have obliterated our production sector in favour of ideology and self-indulgence.”

Mr Katter said there were no domestic industries left that could compete on a global stage - except beef, grain, and mining (not processing) – and warned that places like Mount Isa, home to a major copper smelter, were in the firing line if trade conditions deteriorated further.

“You can’t expect a 25,000 mega-tonne refinery in Australia to compete with a 250,000 mega-tonne refinery in China. And yet our response has been to party on, strangling our industries and primary producers with over-regulation and skip down a net-zero path without caring about whether the money comes from. This had led us to become a net importer of nearly all our food, manufactured goods and fuel.”

“We are one of the most resource rich countries in the world, yet we are fast becoming an economic backet case. It’s economic insanity.”

He continued:

“A billion people go to bed hungry every night—and we in Northern Australia could feed half a billion of them, if the government got out of the way and stopped treating our industries like a nuisance.”

Mr Katter also took aim at the Federal Government’s trade policy, warning that Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ recent economic optimism was “delusional at best.” Katter reserved some of his strongest criticism for Foreign Minister Penny Wong, saying Australia’s relationship with the U.S. was already frayed—and that her approach to China was “worse than naïve.”

“She’s got us surrounded. Chinese warships circle us like crows around a carcass, and we call that diplomacy.”

Mr Katter said his party, along with other regional crossbenchers, would soon be pitching an ‘Omnibus Bill’ to reshape Australia’s economy and re-establish essential industries.

“This delusion must stop. Australia must follow America’s lead and start protecting our own industries, primary producers and manufacturers.”

ENDS

Katter warns PM and Premier: Fail Isa, fail the nation

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:25:36 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter says Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong shaking hands with foreign trade diplomats promising the riches of Australia's critical minerals is like trying to sell an empty box with "minerals" stamped on the side while our third largest industrial centre, Mount Isa, is collapsing taking Townsville and its port with it.

Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, today visited Mount Isa, a city built on mining and industrial manufacturing, as its people face the grim reality of a slow-motion industrial collapse 20 years in the making off the back of Glencore's threat of imminent closure should they fail to get a "government bailout".

Mr Katter spoke directly with residents, many of whom have spent generations working in the mines, smelters, and refineries that once defined Australia's critical mineral capacity.

"For decades, governments in this country have taken our mineral processing for granted, and at the same time Glencore has made short-term self-serving decisions on investment and energy that created risks for the entire country," Mr Katter said.

"The Mount Isa-Townsville industrial complex is not just important; it is the most important manufacturing production line in this nation. It is the only place in Australia where copper ore from across Queensland and beyond can be turned into usable copper – the copper that builds your homes, powers your electrical infrastructure, underpins weapons manufacturing, and drives the computers and technology that hold our country together.

"Yet governments have sat idly by while Glencore has been allowed to gain complete control over Australia's most valuable industrial asset, and they've made some disastrous decisions that are biting them and risking Australia's minerals production. And now, with copper prices strong, demand rising, and the world screaming for critical minerals, our processing capacity is being shuttered.

"For 20 years, governments and Ministers have come to Mount Isa for their photo opportunities, promised cheaper power, more competitive markets, and finally, CopperString. But every announcement has been just that – words and no action, and they've left every major decision up to a ruthless multinational trading company that is now threatening to walk," Mr Katter said.

"And while the Mount Isa smelter and Townsville refinery are collapsing, Penny Wong is overseas telling the United States that our metals are a strategic asset for their benefit. That is a betrayal of our country and makes a mockery of one of our biggest allies.

"This is not entirely the making of the current Prime Minister or Premier – but if Australia loses its capacity to turn copper ore into finished copper products, it will be their failure, that's the tough reality of government. And it will haunt them and all of us forever, that they presided over the complete destruction of one of their largest industrial regions.

Mr Katter said the time for discussion was over.

"The Prime Minister and the Premier know what needs to happen; they need to help our copper industry compete against other nations trying to corner global copper supply, break Glencore's stranglehold on the industry in Queensland, and build CopperString. And if they want to retain any sense of relevance to the USA and our allies, they will announce that this weekend.

"Anything short of this will be failure," Mr Katter said. "It will destroy our capacity to negotiate with the United States and our allies. And it will gut the economy of North and North West Queensland, leaving thousands of workers and their families behind – betrayed and abandoned."

ENDS

Reserve gas policy welcome, but Mount Isa/Cloncurry still on the brink

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:40:31 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has applauded the news that the Albanese Government has taken serious steps to see a gas reservation policy (RRP) on the east coast of Australia, but issued a stark warning that the detail of the plan will determine whether Mount Isa and North West Minerals Province survive or collapse.

"A devil is often in the detail – and we haven't seen that yet with this proposed review into the East Coast Gas Reservation scheme. While this announcement appears to be very positive, it may change, and my position may change on it," Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter warned the energy crisis facing Mount Isa was "absolutely critical", and said the town is not connected to the national electricity grid and relies entirely on gas for electricity, chemical production and industry operations.

"The copper smelter, the copper operations, the dozen copper mines, the silver-lead-zinc plant, make Mount Isa the third biggest industrial centre in this country, just behind Newcastle and Gladstone," he said.

"The complete collapse of Mount Isa's industrial base was imminent last week. The dominoes were already falling. Mount Isa pulls 3,000 jobs directly out of Townsville and fuels billions in industrial exports. If it goes under, it's not just a local issue – it's a national one."

Mr Katter said he sent a blunt letter to both the Prime Minister and the Queensland Premier, warning that, without action on a gas reservation policy, they would be remembered as presiding over the industrial destruction of the region.

"We are paying up to $16.60 for a unit of gas in Mount Isa, while the Americans and Russians are paying $5 US. It's impossible to survive or compete under those conditions. Give us RRP and we go forward. Deny us, and there will be a collapse."

Mr Katter said he had received no response from the Queensland Premier, despite personal representations by state MP Robbie Katter, but acknowledged that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken direct action by including new gas from the Northern Territory, including the Beetaloo Basin, in the policy.

"I know a lot of people won't like this, but for all the PM's shortcomings, he acted. He will also finish the great inland highway through Hughenden this year, which cuts 18,000km off the round trip for 15% of Australia's fruit and veg.

"The Queensland Government hasn't even had the courtesy to reply."

Mr Katter compared the situation to Western Australia, where a long-standing gas reservation policy is helping power the construction of a giant fertiliser plant.

"Here, we've got a fertiliser plant in Mount Isa that alone can bring in a thousand million dollars in a good year. And we're hanging by a thread."

He also pointed to the still-delayed CopperString transmission line project as another example of state government inaction.

"After two and a half years, there's not a single pylon up on CopperString. Not even an order in for the copper wire. When I built the powerline from Normanton to Cairns, it took me three years. That's how long they've spent twiddling their thumbs."

Mr Katter said a huge congratulations should be given to the strong advocates in the Mount Isa City Council, TEL, MITEZ, and the people of Mount Isa and Cloncurry.

"I want to thank the fighting spirit of the people of Mount Isa and Cloncurry, my homeland, and the very aggressive, proactive representations from Robbie Katter.

"Robbie listens to the people. It seems to me that the state government listens to the giant corporates. That contrast could not be starker."

ENDS

Katter demands increased defence spending in the north: “We’re unlikely to be fighting penguins in Antarctica… the threat is in the north”

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:50:56 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has warned that Australia is ill-equipped to go to war, with the majority of defence assets concentrated in the southern portion of the country. The time is now to secure Australia's strategic defence ports.

As recently as late last week, Mr Katter held discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister, making representations for the new amphibious army fleet to be ported at Cairns and for final funding to be provided for the ship lift so that maintenance can be undertaken on Australia's naval vessels.

"Unless we are going to be battling the penguins of Antarctica, maybe we should cast our eyes north to where the threat is more likely," Mr Katter said.

"To go to war now is not only inconceivable but a catastrophic failure of defence planning that echoes the same fatal mistakes made in World War II.

"In the Second World War, our three armies were sitting in the Libyan Desert while the Japanese prepared to invade. Whether it was dereliction of duty or outright stupidity, it was the most damning judgement on a government in this country's history," Mr Katter said.

"They knew we were about to be invaded, and they sent two forward scout groups to meet the threat — 3,000 young men and the 49th Battalion. Half of them had never fired a rifle in their life. Our Air Force was so under-equipped it was a joke; the Wirraway had machine guns on the wings and no chance of taking on Japanese Zeros."

Mr Katter compared the current state of Australia's Defence Force to those dark days, saying the government's claims of readiness are farcical in the face of the growing international military capability.

"We have a minuscule Air Force — barely one percent of, say, China's. Our Navy has arguably only 10 ships capable of defending our country. Patrol boats don't count. They've got no serious armaments. Canberra has spent $40.2 billion on patrol boats and drones that don't carry a single missile. Not one of them can hurt anyone. What are they even for?" he questioned.

"The Chinese flotilla that did laps around Australia (earlier this year) was a quarter of the size of our attack fleet in the Navy. What does that tell you?"

Mr Katter said the country needed a real defence plan built around actual deterrents.

"A hundred ships. That's your bare minimum. A hundred vessels loaded with serious missile systems and effective delivery mechanisms. That is our palisade. Ever since man was man, he has put up a palisade around his camp — whether it was thorn bushes or fire at the mouth of his cave. That's what we need: a missile shield at sea, backed by onshore mobile artillery and a real guerrilla army on land."

Mr Katter said his eyes would remain squarely on the Queensland Government's Budget to ensure that decisions and funding were made to capitalise on the strategic advantage of the Cairns Port and other key military sites in the north.

ENDS

Katter furious: No justice for graziers devastated by 2011 ban

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:07:26 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has expressed extreme disappointment and rage at the Federal Court's failure to grasp the true scale of devastation caused by the Gillard Government's short-lived 2011 live export ban.

Katter accused the Court of "turning their backs on those who bore the brunt of a government blunder" by underestimating the impact of the ban on long-term export numbers and industry viability.

Mr Katter said the Court's minimisation of the industry's losses is an insult to the thousands of families who suffered financial and emotional devastation and warned the ongoing delays in compensation will only compound the damage.

"At nearly 300 million people, Indonesia is one of the biggest countries on earth. There's a massive market for our beef. They need beef but they can't afford it if it's processed in Australia. We can grow it to one year old very inexpensively," Katter explained.

"If they grow the beast out and then process it there, it becomes very competitively priced."

Katter warned that Australia's cattle and sheep herds are plummeting, with live exports being one of the few remaining options for sustaining the northern economy.

"We need to quadruple our beef herd in Australia. And just the opposite is happening, it's the most extraordinary phenomenon. The cattle numbers have gone from 32 million in the late '70s down to 24 million and that's where they've stayed," he said.

Katter took aim at the ALP's economic legacy, particularly its handling of Australia's once-thriving wool industry.

"The Labor Party has earned their place in the history books. The biggest export earner for Australia for 200 years was wool. In 1990, it was Australia's largest export item at $6 billion per year. But Keating's obsession with free market economics completely demolished the wool industry. And what was left was destroyed by Labour's ban on live exports.

"So congratulations Mr ALP, you destroyed the biggest wealth earner for this nation."

Mr Katter said the Court must now ensure justice is delivered when it determines how much compensation is due to those who suffered under the 2011 ban.

ENDS

Katter to Woolies: “Not Sundays, not in Gordonvale”

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 01:57:53 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is calling on Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to reject Woolworths' push for Sunday trading in Gordonvale, warning the move will be "the final nail in the coffin" for small, family-run businesses in the southern-Cairns suburb.

"I plead with every Australian to understand this. I know it's easy to go to the bigger store, and when you think "food", you think "Woolworths and Coles". But it's because you've been brainwashed; you see it on your TV over and over again: morning, noon and night.

"But, it's not just one more trading day. It's the beginning of the end for the independent shops that hold our communities together," Katter pleaded.

"We will tenaciously oppose and take down the names of anyone that pushes 7-day trade at Gordonvale Woolworths.

"Look, I understand. I'm a person who can hardly ever get to the shops 9 to 5 during the week. I come from the Mount Isa and Cloncurry area; I've been a miner working continuous shifts, and I'd deeply appreciate a service like that.

"But do I want to live in a society with only one person I can sell food to and buy food from? Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's what we're living in right now."

Mr Katter said the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths is rapidly turning Australia into a corporate monopoly state, with suburbs like Gordonvale the latest target.

"Let's be clear: this is not about community choice or convenience. It's about wiping out the last little guys still standing. The butcher, the bakery, the fruit stall on the side of the road – all gone, so we can hand more power to the supermarket duopoly.

"These supermarket giants can do whatever they like; they can force their staff to work incredible hours, not to mention they own the major political parties.

"But they may not have noticed, but the major parties can't even get 33 percent of the vote; people just won't vote for them anymore.

"I will personally fight tooth and nail, snake and goanna. It won't be the Marquess of Queensberry Rules here, and if I fail, well, I'll go down fighting. At least I can know that.

"Please, we are Australians, and this is un-Australian. This has got to be fought with fire."

ENDS

Katter slams ACT's Reconciliation Day: "They're dying at 49 while Canberra takes a day off"

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 06:19:37 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has blasted the ACT Government for what he calls a "disgraceful display of back-slapping tokenism," as the nation's capital enjoyed a day off to mark Reconciliation Day – while First Australians in remote communities continue to die decades earlier than their non-Indigenous counterparts.

At a press conference in Townsville, Mr Katter announced his discovery of declining life expectancy figures in remote First Australian communities such as Doomadgee in North West Queensland .

"I have encountered sickening hypocrisy in my life, and I have kept these figures to myself because I don't want my country to be likened to South Africa, but I can't stay silent any longer.

"I am divulging now with great rage that the life expectancy for real fair dinkum blackfellas living on their community has slipped from 54 down to 49 [ 1 ] . For the rest of us, it's about 82.

"Every person in Australia should be sickened by this. Sick and tired and fed up.

"There's not one single person in Canberra doing anything about it, and they have the absolute hypocrisy of giving themselves a holiday to commemorate our First Australians.

"The only place where they voted Yes was Canberra and the place responsible for this sickeningly low life expectancy is Canberra."

Mr Katter said the situation was made more outrageous by the fact that, since the 1967 referendum, the Commonwealth has held the power to override states on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.

"The people, in the referendum in the 1960s, took the power off the state governments and gave it to Canberra. So they're running the show, and it's their responsibility to make this right.

"And what do they do? They give themselves a pat on the back and close the office instead of closing the gap. It's a feel-good holiday for the bureaucrats, but it's nothing but performative rubbish.

Katter said the ACT's Reconciliation Day – the only public holiday of its kind in the country – was "an insult dressed up as empathy".

"I am serving notice that I will find the decision makers and I will do my level best to destroy them."

ENDS

[1] https://crana.org.au/our-community/stories/2021/helping-people-become-health-seekers#:~:text=%E2%80%8B“The%20health%20statistics
%20here,It%20is%20preventable

Katters declare emergency for Isa and Townsville

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 28 May 2025 05:13:01 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, has declared an "impending emergency" for Mount Isa and Townsville unless immediate and decisive action is undertaken by the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments to prevent the closure of the Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville refinery.

Crisis talks, led by Katter's Australian Party Leader Robbie Katter, Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae, with key stakeholders, recognise that the future of the entire region is at risk if Mount Isa is lost as the administrative hub of the North West Critical Minerals Province.

"We need to implement 'use it or lose it' policy – meaning Glencore must be forced to sell if they won't operate," Mr Katter explained.

"The smelter must stay open and we need to make CopperString happen now. All of these things are linked; they all play a significant role in ensuring Queensland's economic stability and Australia's national sovereignty."

Mr Katter said the nation's future was at risk if governments continued to cave to foreign-owned corporations.

"There is $680 billion worth of copper in the North West Minerals Province – just sitting there. To put that in context, the 2024-25 projected federal revenue is $711.5 billion.

"And the audacity of Glencore to ask for $2 billion – this is not a handout to a foreign corporation – it absolutely cannot be. If Glencore wants government money, then at the very least, there must be a ceding of 50% control – or they get nothing.

"Let them close the mine if they want – then the government must, by law, impose rehabilitation and remediation. I've got mates who close mines and get hit with huge bills. But when it comes to big foreign corporations, it seems in Queensland, there's one set of rules for us and another for them.

"We will assert our sovereignty, and I'll tell you now – we'll be taking names of those who don't back us on this. Because if you're not fighting for Australia's ownership of its resources, you're not Australian.

"We've got to start having some tough conversations in Brisbane and Canberra, and that's really got to happen in the next four to six weeks, or we're going to be in deep trouble.

"I want to congratulate Mayor Peta MacRae, the Mount Isa City Council, and Robbie Katter – they're doing everything they can. But we need the rest of the country to wake up."

Bob and Robbie Katter are hosting a public 'Future of Mount Isa' meeting on Friday, June 6, at 6.30pm at the Barkly Hotel in Mount Isa. For more information or to register, please call 07 4743 3534 or email Bob.Katter@aph.gov.au.

ENDS

“Australians must own the Port of Darwin” - Katter

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 28 May 2025 02:57:14 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter insists that the Port of Darwin must be returned to public Australian ownership.

"The Port of Darwin must be owned by the Australian people," Mr Katter said.

"With an emerging diplomatic rough between China and the US over ownership, it is most extraordinary that the Australian Government appears unwilling, or unable, to see the value and strategic importance of such critical infrastructure.

"Why are we not fighting tooth and nail to ensure our most strategic port is not controlled by a foreign corporation? Even if it is our friends, the Americans.

"This megalomaniac obsession with globalism and free-marketism has crippled our nation. Until recently, key assets like the Darwin Port were owned by the Australian Government – as they were for all of our history.

"Now, we're watching foreign powers take control of our critical infrastructure while we stand idle. We're not in 1942 – we cannot give away Northern Australia again like we did with the infamous Brisbane Line.

"Well, let me tell you – the economic Brisbane Line is alive and well. Just like in 1942, when they were ready to surrender the North to foreign invasion, today's governments are handing over our northern ports, lands and infrastructure to foreign powers.

"They look after themselves in the south – Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra – while the North is left wide open and undefended.

Whether it's fuel security, food security or ports, everything north of Rockhampton gets thrown on the scrap heap.

"They'll build shiny tunnels down south but won't lift a finger to protect the gateway to our nation. The US and China see value in this port, so why doesn't the Australian Government?"

Mr Katter said New Zealand and Canada, like Australia, were now "reeling on the ropes" from decades of blind economic surrender, and it was time for the government to draw a line in the sand.

"Australia must own its ports, its power, and its future."

ENDS

Katter calls on young riders to saddle up

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 23 May 2025 01:27:31 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has thrown his support behind the next generation of riders during a visit to the Gordonvale Pony Club – urging more young people to take up horse riding, not just as a sport but as a proud part of Australia's heritage.

"Since the dawn of time, man has been riding horses, and he will continue to do so until the end of time," Mr Katter said.

"Our history, not just in Australia but across the world, has been shaped on horseback. You can't understand world history without understanding the role that horses played on the Silk Road – from China to Europe, those horses were the beating heart of civilisation.

"Working with horses gives you courage, discipline, and pride – all the things our country desperately needs more of," he said.

"Horse riding is the most enjoyable pastime – and it keeps you fit and grounded in the real world, not glued to a screen.

"I've never been real keen on trekking. I've done about six or seven hundred kilometres in the army and another eight or nine hundred kilometres along the road to St Francis station in my prospecting days. I've been extremely keen on horses ever since."

Kisten Bodkin, President of the Gordonvale Pony Club, said pony clubs are for anyone, even those like Mr Katter whose riding careers have been less than glorious.

"Horse riding builds more than just riding skills. We've always said that 'pony club is fun', and that's kind of our motto. Even when you're having a rough time, pony club is fun, and it's truly for everyone.

"Working with horses teaches personal responsibility and discipline, and gives a goal for young people to aim for, and we love seeing them excel at their passion.

"Even though it's an individual sport, you learn how to socialise with people of all ages and you make lifelong friends.

"We've seen ourselves and our children grow up, and while school friendships often drift apart, the pony club friendships just seem to stand the test of time."

Zoe Macor, Secretary of the Gordonvale Pony Club, said the club has become a multi-generational legacy in her family.

"My kids have grown up in the club and are now instructors here, and my grandchildren are coming up the ranks as well.

"It's wonderful seeing our children travel to state and national events. The kids see their instructors riding and competing, and have something to strive for.

"With three generations of our family involved in the club, well there's nothing quite like it."

Mr Katter encouraged locals to saddle up for a night of entertainment at the Gordonvale Round of the 2025 Great Northern Bullriding Series this Saturday, May 24th, from 7pm.

The event will raise funds for grounds and facilities upgrades, ensuring up-and-coming riders have a place to grow their skills for years to come.

ENDS

Katter declares KAP the only true Opposition as LNP fractures

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 20 May 2025 05:10:20 GMT

Federal Member for Kennedy, Hon. Bob Katter views the split of the LNP as an inevitable result of the failed election campaign and lack of policy and conviction of either party — reaffirming that Katter’s Australian Party is the only force offering genuine opposition and direction.

"Yesterday we had one party, the LNP, with no direction. Today we have two parties with no direction," stated Mr Katter.

"Australia is in desperate need of an Opposition that can hold the ALP Government to account. Instead what we are receiving is an Opposition in complete disarray."

"True to form, neither the Liberals or the Nationals can agree to a position on net zero, nuclear, coal or renewables. Instead they are both blindly going down the path of higher energy prices and severe energy shortages. They have no alternative, no criticism, no set direction."

"The Liberals and Nationals have destroyed almost every rural industry that has supported them. They deregulated or opened to the "free" market; sugar, tobacco, maize, peanuts, flowers, grapes, avocados, citrus and many other primary industries."

"The newly elected Liberals leader, Sussan Ley, led the charge to ban live-sheep export – overnight destroying the livelihoods of many hard working rural families. Littleproud has got very little to be proud of for not even fighting this in the slightest but rather standing behind wiping the tears from his eyes."

"Don't be fooled – cattle will be next. They are no friend to the farmer."

"For many years the policy lines between the ALP, LNP, Liberals and Nationals have been blurred, marred by political infighting rather than genuine and meaty debates on the direction that our once great nation is taking."

"One thing is true now more than ever, Katter's Australian Party is the true Opposition."

ENDS

Katter: Labor’s super tax to rip the guts out of middle Australia

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 16 May 2025 23:03:52 GMT

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has unleashed a blistering attack on the Chalmers short-sighted tax grab on superannuation that will "rip the guts out of middle Australia" and fundamentally change our attitude to placing our savings in super to fund our retirement.

Mr Katter echoed sentiments of many in the financial and agricultural sectors that are calling the plan, to impose steep taxes on unrealised capital gains in super accounts, ludicrous.

"Unrealised capital gains" are not an income or tangible money – rather, these gains are "theoretical, paper money". The asset must be sold before the gain is made.

"This policy will have a catastrophic effect on anyone that has a farm, house or similar asset that is held by a super fund. If the market value increases, you will get a huge tax bill and, unless you have significant savings elsewhere, you will have to sell the asset to pay this crushing tax bill," Mr Katter explained.

"Land appreciation doesn't mean you're rich in cash," he said. "It means your rates go up, your insurance goes up, and now, thanks to this lunacy, your tax goes up too. And for what? For a so-called 'equity measure' that punishes the people who actually invest in this country."

Investing in capital appreciating assets is a way the government has encouraged people to set themselves up to protect their future, and now the government is moving the goalposts.

"This isn't going to hurt the big corporates. This isn't going to hurt the mega-rich. This is going to break the back of middle Australia."

"You keep putting weight on the camel, eventually you'll break the camel's back," Mr Katter said.

"We had 276,000 farmers. Then Mr Keating started his deregulation dirty work, and the National Party carried it on. Now we have about 80,000 farmers. Well, you blokes won't stop until we have none."

"This story will be repeated for family run businesses and family owned housing investments."

Mr Katter is calling for the government to immediately withdraw the policy, warning that failure to do so will accelerate the decline of the nation's farming and small business backbone, and force more Australians off the land, out of business and onto the dole queue.

"If the government really wanted to do something helpful for Australians, it should legislate to require a large portion of super investment in Australian manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and other economy-generating projects, not create short-sighted, tax-grabbing policies that will drive investment overseas."

ENDS

Katter says "Thank you" to the fighters

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 05 May 2025 04:26:18 GMT

Elections aren't won by blokes in suits. They're won on the backs of the people who stand out in the sun and the rain, handing out how-to-vote cards for days on end. So, this victory belongs to them. God bless every one of you. I can't thank you enough.

The same goes for my wife Susie, my five children, and even my grandchildren, who have worked tirelessly throughout this campaign to make so much of it happen. I certainly couldn't have done this without them. To my staff, who give their all (and then some) daily for the people of Kennedy... Thank you.

Thank you to my staff Alice, Carly, Dom, Rachelle, Kahla, Ella, Elise, Alana, Kylie, Emma and Sarah.

I didn't get re-elected because I'm some sort of outstanding character. I'm just a boy from Cloncurry. More members of parliament might get similar results if they actually served their electorates and listened to the people every once in a while, and not some party room in Brisbane or Canberra.

You just do the job, and the cards fall where they might. I've had to make decisions that would be politically costly for me. Julia Gillard closed the cattle market into Indonesia, and I knew unless she was removed, that market would stay closed. Those people were my friends; that was my industry. Yes, I'm a mining man, but I've always had cattle. And I represent maybe the largest cattle electorate in Australia, so I couldn't just sit around and do nothing about it. I made an unpopular but necessary call, and by 10.30pm that same day, Rudd was prime minister. Within two weeks, the market was reopened, and within two months, the price of cattle doubled.

I now sit in my living room looking up at a picture of Edward "Red Ted" Theodore, a man who believed that saving our country from the Great Depression was more important than his political career and did what he believed to be the right thing, despite the enormous personal cost. To me, that is the only way to approach being a member of parliament.

Now, the Bridle Track Tunnel must be built. In February, we had 400,000 North Queenslanders trapped by flooding in the south and the west. If that rain depression had continued, there would have been 100 lives lost instead of only six. When we get that tunnel, it removes that danger immediately and forever. And it's only a tiny one kilometre of tunnel. Beyond its use as an escape from floods, it will open up the most diverse mineral province on earth. We can't get the ore out now because there's no port nearby. The finalisation of that road and tunnel opens up a wealth of opportunities for the Far North and North-West.

As an Australian, I have to live with the shame of how we have treated the First Australians of this country. I lie in bed at night knowing the ALP removed the market gardens and the right of First Australians to own land in their homelands. Jason Ned, who mustered more cattle than probably anyone in human history, up until the day he passed away, could not get a pastoral lease. Well, why won't you let them have pastoral leases and freehold titles? The original inhabitants of this country and they're not allowed to own a block of land, and they continue to die much younger than they should, from diabetes and related diseases because they can't own land to grow their own food! If it was a proper and fair world, Jason Ned would have died with a pastoral lease, the same as every other cattleman in Australia.

I think Queenslanders, and especially the young people, are finally realising they are living in the most restrictive society on earth. You can't even boil a billy on your own property without applying for a fire permit, which takes two months to get approved! You can't even protect yourself in your own home, even with your fists; they'll prosecute you instead of the one who came into your home and deserves to have his backside kicked from here to the Northern Territory. And that's what we (the KAP) plan to do with them. Free country? You live in the most unfree country on earth.

Well, the people of Kennedy know the major parties aren't fighting for them. If you ignore the North, if you ignore the bush, you do it at your own peril. The people are rising up in righteous anger, and I don't blame them one bit.

Katter applauds final approvals for Dungeness Breakwater and Dredging Project

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 02:44:57 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter MP, has applauded the Hinchinbrook community after the final State Government approvals were granted for the long-awaited Prescribed Tidal Works (Dungeness Breakwater and Dredging) project – marking a significant milestone in the fight to restore marine access to Dungeness and beyond.

With the State's final tick of approval and Hinchinbrook Shire Council's endorsement of the Change Application, the project is now primed for shovel-ready status. The works include dredging the Enterprise Channel to allow all-tide marine access, and construction of a rock breakwater to reinstate the former sea wall, which was devastated during major weather events, including Cyclone Yasi.

Mr Katter praised Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo and State Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, for their tireless, years-long fight to push the project through the bureaucratic mire.

"This is a win for the people of Hinchinbrook. Mayor Jayo and Nick Dametto have fought like hell – like true tiger fighters – to keep this project alive and on the agenda – and now the approvals are finally in hand," Mr Katter said.

With an estimated $12 million needed to complete construction, Mr Katter said he would turn his attention to putting the full weight of his office behind securing federal funding should he be re-elected.

"The next fight is for federal funding. And I give you my word: if I'm returned to Canberra, I will make this project a priority. I'll take it straight to the Government and demand the $12 million needed to get it done."

Mr Katter stressed the importance of the project not just for Hinchinbrook, but for the broader North Queensland marine economy.

"Once complete, this project will unlock all-tidal access for recreational and commercial fishing vessels not only into Dungeness, but also to the Palm Island group and the Great Barrier Reef. We've seen what all-weather access can do for small communities at Mission Beach. It has been life-changing for those businesses that use the waterways for their livelihood or lifestyle.

"The people of Hinchinbrook deserve nothing less than the same infrastructure."

ENDS

Katter slams “soulless bureaucracy” blocking veterans from paying tribute

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 06:05:03 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has come out swinging after Queensland's Weapons Licensing bureaucrats effectively shut down long-standing ANZAC Day commemorations by historical re-enactment groups, calling it "soulless, tone-deaf bureaucracy at its absolute worst."

Mr Katter was alerted by Robert Finlay—a member of the Australian Living History Federation—that living history groups were being blocked from participating in ANZAC Day and other commemorative events due to shifting interpretations of licensing conditions.

"These are not wild gun fanatics or some fringe mob," Mr Katter said. "These are our ex-servicemen, history enthusiasts, and community volunteers—many of them older veterans—who respectfully reenact military scenes to bring our past to life and honour our fallen.

"And now, some bureaucrat sitting in a Brisbane office has decided they know better than the Minister, better than our RSLs, and better than common sense—and has told them to stop."

The Australian Living History Federation and its member groups have followed the same licensing conditions since 2017, under exemptions MR4 and MR5 of Queensland's weapons licensing framework. These conditions set out the responsibilities for safe, respectful use of blank-fire and replica weapons during public displays.

"Let me be very clear," Mr Katter continued, "there's been no change to the Weapons Act. There's no new regulation. No incident. Just an overzealous department deciding ANZAC Day needs to be micromanaged and possibly cancelled, unless these groups jump through a whole new set of invisible hoops."

Emails from Mr Finlay show that despite providing all required notices and documentation—including safety guidelines and public liability insurance—the group was told they must now seek full approval for events they are merely participating in, not organising. Even attempts to clarify the matter with the Queensland Police Minister's office were brushed aside by Weapons Licensing, who appear unwilling to budge.

"This is bureaucracy gone rogue. And what's worse—it's at the expense of ANZAC Day," Mr Katter said. "We've got crime exploding in regional Queensland and they're worried about a bloke in a slouch hat firing blanks in a tribute parade."

"I'll be taking this to Canberra if it isn't resolved. These people are doing this out of respect, out of patriotism, and out of deep love for this country's history. And it's time our public servants showed a bit of the same."

ENDS

Easter 2025 message from Bob Katter

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 03:05:56 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has taken aim at supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths for refusing to display a simple nativity scene at Easter, calling it a disgraceful rejection of the very foundation of the holiday.

Mr Katter released a video over the weekend slamming the corporate chains after they declined to display a small pop-out featuring Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in a stable—an item offered to all supermarkets in Cairns.

“All the independents were more than happy to put it up,” Mr Katter said. “But Coles and Woolies? They turned their noses up at it.”

The outspoken MP said he was “furious” and reminded viewers that Easter is about much more than chocolate eggs and retail profits.

“Two thousand years ago, a baby was born in a shed out the back of a pub. This kid grew up and became pretty famous. He travelled around saying you should love your neighbour and make the world a better place.”

“Well, let me remind you what happened to the money changers in the temple. They burnt in hell. And there's a message there for the likes of Woolworths and Coles.”

Mr Katter accused the major supermarkets of profiting off Easter and Christmas while refusing to acknowledge their true meaning. “They make squillions off this time of year, flogging chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns months in advance—but when it comes to honouring what it’s all about, they disappear.”

This latest outburst follows Mr Katter’s ongoing campaign against the supermarket duopoly, including a protest with farmers and fellow MP Andrew Gee outside a Woolworths in Bathurst last week. The protest focused on skyrocketing grocery prices and the pressure being placed on Australian producers.

In March 2024, Mr Katter also introduced a private members bill to Parliament that seeks to reduce the market power of Coles and Woolworths by 20 per cent over five years and establish a new commissioner for food retailing.

“The fight’s far from over,” he said. “Whether it’s price gouging, crushing our farmers, or scrubbing out our Christian values—I’ll keep calling them out.”

ENDS

Katter flanks farmers to blow the whistle on supermarket markups

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:24:05 GMT

KAP Federal Member Bob Katter and Independent Member for Calare, Andrew Gee have been flanked by farmers out the front of a Woolworths in Bathurst in New South Wales to continue to crusade against the supermarket duopoly and to blow the whistle on the monstrous, unjustified markups of everyday fruit and vegetables.

"The ACCC said in their February 2025 report there was no evidence of price gouging despite the fact that they are among the most profitable supermarkets in the world. Well, if you believe that, you believe in the tooth fairy and we will be moving for the head of the ACCC to be sacked when Parliament resumes," Mr Katter said.

He said the rage he felt after reading the report left him with no other option but to prove farm gate prices in another part of the country were as bad as in north Queensland.

"It is clear we set the agenda last year when we started the parliamentary year with an enormously powerful pig suit "snouts in the trough" stunt. On that same day, Woolworths reduced the price of over 400 items of food, and we introduced the Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill. Then, every other party announced they would be moving for divestiture."

Mr Katter said that the farm price "stunt" in Bathurst drew the attention needed to ensure that Australian voters understood the two major "big boys" in the Parliament will look after the interests of the two "big boys" outside the Parliament, and that only independent MPs would be able to pressure the government into action.

"The spotlight has been put fairly and squarely on the supermarket giants and what happens to parasites under the bright heat of a spotlight? They perish," Mr Katter said.

Hon Andrew Gee said, "We need to get the snouts of the supermarket giants out of the money trough.

"They are wallowing in world-leading profits while paying our farmers a pittance and price gouging consumers on the way through. It's shocking behaviour in a cost-of-living crisis.

"Our Bill would give farmers a better deal at the farm gate and consumers a better deal at the checkout.

"It would even the playing field between farmers and consumers on the one hand, and the supermarket giants on the other.

"Coles and Woolies are amongst the most profitable supermarkets in the world. They have an 80 per cent market share and prices have risen 24 per cent in the last five years. These profits have been made at a huge cost to our farmers and their own customers. It's disgraceful.

"Farmers are leaving the land because they can't make a decent return, and consumers are at breaking point.

"Our Bill is a gamechanger that will finally bring these price gougers to account," Mr Gee said.

Mr Katter said he had been contacted by farmers and consumers from all over the country who had asked him to continue to fight on their behalf after being squeezed for years by the greedy supermarket giants and their market power.

"A number of our farmers pay themselves some of the lowest wages in Australia. Recent calculations are that most farmers are paying themselves less than $2 an hour," he said.

"The return that an Australian farmer can get for their produce is generally split with 50 per cent going to wages, a further 49 per cent covering transport, fertiliser, packaging and farm maintenance, leaving only 1 per cent for the farming family.

"I mean, are we just going to let them continue screwing the farmers down through the floor and charging the consumers a 'squillion' dollars? No bloody way."

The Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill introduced to Parliament in March 2024:

Forces divestiture of the supermarkets and their market power in the grocery sector to a maximum of 20 per cent within five years.
Provides for 100 per cent markup on the price paid to producers, to what is charged to consumers.
Scraps the 'food and grocery code of conduct', noting it fails to address power imbalances and instead provides a mechanism by which supermarkets control suppliers and producers.

FARM GATE VERSUS SUPERMARKET PRICES

Gee and Katter launch plan to protect Australia's prime agricultural land

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:16:37 GMT

Independent Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, and Independent Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, have announced a major new push to protect Australia’s most productive farmland, warning that without urgent action, vital agricultural land will continue to be lost to development and changing land use.

If re-elected, the pair will introduce legislation, titled the Protecting Australia’s Prime Agricultural Land Bill, to safeguard Australia’s prime agricultural land, ensuring it remains dedicated to producing food and fibre for Australia and the world.

Mr Gee said the need for action was clear, with urban expansion, explosion of lifestyle blocks, infrastructure and large-scale industrial projects rapidly consuming prime-quality farmland.

“Food security is a key part of our national security. As the population of the world increases, food security is going to be a critical global issue and may even be a source of future conflict. It’s fundamental to the ongoing success and prosperity of our nation,” Mr Gee said.

“Once prime agricultural land is gone, we can’t get it back. It’s a strategic national resource. You can’t grow food once the land is covered in concrete.”

For the Central West, Mr Gee said the legislation would help secure the region’s agricultural and economic future.

“This is about protecting the land that’s sustained our communities for generations,” he said. “This Bill backs our farmers, protects local jobs, and keeps the Central West one of Australia’s most vital food-producing regions.”

Mr Katter said “The French and the European Union have said, ‘if we remove the farmers, we have no one to look after the land’.

“Without farmers, the land turns into fire starters, feral pig pens and weed nurseries.

“Farms are carbon absorbers. Take sugar cane for example, in a 12-month period a vacant field becomes solid CO2 absorbing biomass. A hectare of sugar absorbs 50 tonne of CO2.

“If we lock agriculture out of our best grazing and food producing country then we will turn this nature wonderland into urban streets and industrial developments.

“This bill gives the farmer the power to say, “bugger off.”

The Protecting Australia’s Prime Agricultural Land Bill will ensure that prime agricultural land is preserved for agriculture while giving farmers agency and control over their land.

The centrepiece of the policy will be farmers deciding how their land is used, not governments or anyone else. It would mean that people buying rural properties containing prime agricultural land would have to use that land for agriculture.

It will take a strategic and nationally coordinated approach to supporting farmers’ rights to use and manage their land productively and ensure land use decisions do not undermine Australia’s future agricultural capacity and security.

ENDS

Katter: fuel for thought - Australia's energy madness

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 05:10:57 GMT

Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter has been out walking the streets and asking locals one simple question: “If you were the boss of Australia, what are the top three things you'd do?”

“And I’ve got to say – I’ve loved the answers. Real, honest, common-sense ideas. One of the most popular? Cheaper fuel. And they’re dead right,” Mr Katter said.

“Cheaper fuel isn’t hard. It’s not rocket science. In fact, there’s no country on earth better set up for ethanol than Australia. We’re one of the biggest sugar and grain producers on the planet. But instead of turning that into affordable, clean fuel – we hand our money over to foreign-owned oil corporations.”

“What sort of country buys all its petrol from overseas when it has the resources sitting in its own backyard?” he asked.

“We buy our fuel and even our solar panels from overseas – solar panels that are made in coal-powered factories in China, by the way – while we could be producing both our fuel and electricity here for half the price. Using our own workers, our own contractors, and supporting our own farmers.”

“If people keep voting for the major parties, this madness will continue. You’ll keep paying through the nose while the profits keep flowing offshore.”

ENDS

Reform it, don't just save it: Katters demand confidence for the North West

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 08:13:37 GMT

“This place needs to be allowed to play its role as the industry powerhouse for the state and national economy,” the Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter has said while in Mount Isa today.

Flanked by the Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, Mr Katter doubled down on calls for all levels of government to prevent Glencore from sitting on Australian critical minerals.

“The Prime Minister has said that the centre point of tariff negotiations with Trump are critical minerals,” he said.

“Well, the North West Minerals Province is Australia's trump card.

“It shows how out of touch Canberra and Brisbane are when you have on the same day, the Prime Minister touting our critical minerals and you have Glencore announcing they’re closing Mount Isa Mine and threatening to close the smelter – all due to energy prices.

“You simply can’t have a critical minerals future in Australia without CopperString and a functioning copper mine and smelter at Mount Isa.

“Australia’s sovereignty and international bargaining chip is being held to ransom by a Swiss-based global commodities trader, the Prime Minister must act urgently to defend what is rightly ours,” Mr Katter said.

The Member for Traeger called for new thinking in how to keep a copper smelter serving the whole region.

“We don’t want saving, we want reform. “We want arrangements such as an equity share or a new common user smelter, not cash handouts to Glencore. We need a special economic zone out here, and CopperString completed.

“We need confidence for the whole region and Australia’s critical mineral future that there will be industrial capacity – not left to be pending an arbitrary decision from the profit hungry Glencore’s boardroom.

“It’s immature of all governments to allow our nation’s sovereignty to be at stake,” the Member for Traeger said.

The Member for Kennedy echoed his calls to keep the Mount Isa Mine open.

“I will be doing everything humanly possible, even during this election period, to make sure the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader commit to keeping the mine and smelter open and securing our future wealth,” he said.

“Any money given will not be given to a foreign corporation as a gift. It will be to ensure an ownership role in the smelter,” the Member for Kennedy said.

The Member for Traeger also reiterated that CopperString’s completion was essential for any future for the North West.

“Firstly, cost figures of $14 billion are just so outrageous they’re laughable,” he said.

“I’ve had very reputable project builders confirm to me that the figure should be much more like four to five billion, today.

“PowerLink and others are out in the public domain squabbling about costs, with clear mismanagement to date, but the new Queensland government just need to tell us out here when it’s going to be built, and how projects can connect,” he said.

“Get that out of the road, and we have a Little Eva Copper, we have a copper smelter, we have more volume.

“We need all levels of government to step up and take charge of our State and Nation’s future, and we need them to do it now,” Mr Katter said.

ENDS

Katter swaps Akubra for bike helmet in push for Atherton trail expansion

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:20:17 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, joined by Hill MP Shane Knuth, Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti, and Tablelands Cycle Sports President David Prete, has called on state and federal governments to commit funding for crucial pre-works assessments on stage two of the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park (AFMBP).

Mr Katter emphasised the park's expansion would be vital for the economic prosperity of the Tablelands region and the broader Far North.

"This is a region that pumps out sugarcane, avocados, bananas, coffee and more for the rest of the country – really, it's the food bowl of the north – and what do we ask in return? Just a small investment in infrastructure that brings people here, keeps locals active, and gives people something to do besides staring at a screen."

Stage one of the AFMBP, delivered in 2013, was a collaborative effort involving Tablelands Cycle Sports (TCS), Tablelands Regional Council (TRC), Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and First Australians representatives. The trail network now spans approximately 55 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails designed and constructed by World Trail .

Stage two aims to add over 50 kilometres of internationally benchmarked trails, positioning the AFMBP on the national and global map for mountain biking destinations.

"These trails will be inclusive, world-class, and profitable," Mr Katter said.

"They'll get kids off the couch, tourists out of the airport, and dollars flowing into the Far North."

The existing trails meet almost all the criteria required for international trail recognition under World Trail benchmarking, including airport proximity, accommodation, and a natural landscape. The primary enhancement needed is increased trail density, which this expansion seeks to address.

"David and the team at Tablelands Cycle Sports have done the hard yards for over a decade. And I really must acknowledge the work they've done to get this project to where it is today. They've maintained the trails, raised the flag, and pushed all three levels of government to take this seriously," Mr Katter said.

"This isn't just about Atherton – better trails here mean a better chance for other northern towns like Cardwell and Mission Beach to increase the quality and quantity of their trails and capitalise on the momentum we are seeing elsewhere."

KAP State Member for Hill, Shane Knuth, expressed his longstanding support for the AFMBP and urged all levels of government to collaborate on funding stage two.

"I met with the Minister for Tourism recently and outlined how important this project is," he said.

"Mountain biking is a rapidly growing sport and so is the adventure tourism market worldwide.

"We have already seen Derby in Tasmania take advantage of this through significant government investment, which has paid off with an incredible increase in visitation numbers.

"The Atherton Tablelands is perfectly placed to take a big chunk of this market and become a world-class destination not only for tourism but as a training base for international competitors for the 2032 Olympics.

David Prete, founding President of Tablelands Cycle Sports, highlighted the potential of mountain biking for the region.

"Tasmania got in early – they saw the opportunity[ 1 ]. Derby now attracts 60,000 plus visitors a year, and Whistler in Canada makes more money in the biking season than the ski season," Mr Prete explained.

"Mountain bikers are high-value visitors – they stay longer, they spend more, and they come back[ 2 ]. This is a game-changer for Far North Queensland."

A completed business case indicates the project would return $4 for every dollar invested and generate nearly $70 million for the regional economy over the next decade.

"All we're asking for is funding to do the groundwork," Mr Katter said. "Stage one was a joint effort between Council, State, and Federal Governments – and it'll take the same kind of commitment again to make stage two a reality.

"This is a golden opportunity to secure the Far North's future. So Canberra – saddle up and back it in."

ENDS

[1] www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/how-mountain-biking-helped-tasmanias-derby-blaze-a-prosperous-new-trail/news-story/62bf8806cfc19484c6528357d173009e

[2] www.tourismtasmania.com.au/siteassets/documents/ttas-ua-mtb-enthusiast-profile.pdf

Katter responds to opposition budget reply

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 03:39:49 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has welcomed key elements of the opposition's budget reply speech, particularly the commitment to a reserve resource policy (RRP)—a policy Katter has championed for over 15 years.

The policy works to ensure a percentage of Australia's natural resources, in this case, gas, are reserved for domestic use before being exported. It is designed to safeguard Australia's energy security, lower domestic prices, and prioritise Australian industry.

While acknowledging the opposition's move towards protecting the nation's natural wealth, Mr Katter also praised the Albanese government's commitment to regional infrastructure.

"We praise the prime minister for committing to the great inland highway, and we thank the opposition leader for the RRP, which we've been screaming for—for more than 20 years," Mr Katter said.

"We ask questions in parliament, and these questions stay in their memory bank," Mr Katter said. "The opportunity has arisen for him [Dutton] to act upon those questions.

"I hope it is more than me preaching for RRP, but I'm not sure if I've ever heard anyone else preaching for it," Mr Katter remarked.

For nearly two decades, Mr Katter has been a sustained and lone voice in the parliament pushing for a reserve resource policy after being part of the inner-power group in the Queensland Bjelke-Petersen government, which implemented a similar policy and saw Queensland's development proposer and household electricity bills remain stable.

"Queensland's (former) reserve resource policy meant most of the state's electricity was coming from the world's biggest power stations and had zero input costs – the coal was free, taken by law, by the government under the RRP," Mr Katter explained.

With Australia paying up to $16 a unit for its gas, while countries like the United States paid about $6 a unit, Mr Katter said the nation "could not compete" in manufacturing – a key influence in rising cost-of-living pressures.

"Gas prices threaten the entire existence of industry in Australia. With the grim outlook for coal and all mineral processing – Australia is looking down the barrel of 200,000 jobs vanishing and, within three years, a plateau of the iron ore industry.

"The outlook is as barren as the middle of the Simpson Desert.

"And until now, governments (past and present) would rather export our resources, sell off our assets and let foreign companies prosper, rather than implement a reserve resource policy and retain our assets; which would reduce the ever increasing costs of living," said Mr Katter.

"But let's see if the LNP are serious about this or not, or if it is just another 'polly promise' on election eve."

ENDS

Katter praises close the gap initiative, but market gardens are crucial

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:44:16 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has praised the efforts of government services and community groups in reducing the rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and rheumatic fever by half in the First Australian populations of Mornington Island, Doomadgee and Mount Isa.

“While this is a fantastic outcome moving towards closing the gap, we need to do more; we need to get back to the basics with people having access to fresh fruit and vegetables,” he said.

“When I was minister for Aboriginal affairs in the Queensland Government, communities had market gardens so every family could access fruit and vegetables without paying premium prices for freighting it from down south.

“People in the community were taught and paid to manage these market gardens and the whole community benefited,” Mr Katter said.

First Nations Health executive director Christine Mann said a partnership with Orange Sky to provide access to clean linen and clothing has reduced the incidence of scabies, sores and infected skin conditions and North West HHS have recorded a decrease in RHD in First Australian communities.

The project also includes training health workers, clinicians and community members in the risks and signs of RHD.

Ms Mann is also proud of fostering a culturally inclusive and safe health service.

“We are fortunate to have dedicated First Nations staff that exceeds the national target by three times, with First Nations people currently representing 10 percent of our workforce who work tirelessly to shape solutions to provide services that work towards closing the gap.

“Having a strong and well-represented First Nations workforce, that is complemented by skilled and passionate clinicians and health service support staff, is a solid way we can enhance the accessibility of the health service, ensure culturally safe health care and improve patient experience for First Nations,” Ms Mann said.

ENDS

Katter says the Gulf was built on buffel, Brahman and bitumen

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:53:37 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has voiced strong opposition to the proposed listing of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS), highlighting its vital role in Australia's beef industry, urging the government to abandon the proposed listing.

"Buffel grass wasn't brought here by accident – it was introduced because it's one of the best options we've got. It holds the soil together and keeps the cattle fed even during drought," Mr Katter explained. "The Gulf and Peninsula were built on buffel, Brahman, and bitumen."

A WoNS listing could impose legislative restrictions, mandate removal efforts, and initiate biological control research aimed at eradication. Such measures threaten one of Australia's most vital pasture species, which underpins the livelihoods of countless Aussie farmers and sustains production of beef that is essential for domestic and international food security.

"Buffel grass is essential to the northern cattle industry, and to label it as a weed would be counter-intuitive, turning all of the North into a weed-infested dust bowl," Mr Katter emphasised.

Talk to any northern cattle farmer and they will tell you it is not just good cattle fed, buffel grass protects soil, cools the ground, sequesters carbon, and supports native fauna. Its deep-rooted resilience has dramatically improved rainwater efficiency and environmental sustainability across Australia.

"Buffel grass is not some noxious weed—it's an improved pasture grass. It holds the soil together, soaks up the rain, and has improved sustainability while reducing erosion," Katter said.

"Meanwhile, terrible invasive species like lantana, prickly acacia, rubber vine, and feral cats and pigs, should be demanding our attention. Why on earth are we wasting our time even talking about this?"

Mr Katter criticised the narrative surrounding buffel grass as being rooted in anti-livestock ideology rather than genuine environmental concern.

"Rural and regional Australia will not survive without an effective, improved pasture—buffel is the best pasture grass we've got, and anyone saying otherwise needs their head read," Katter declared.

KAP Leader and Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said the federal government's consideration of adding buffel grass to the WoNS registry, a move driven by ideologically-motivated environmentalists, was extremely misguided.

"These people are fools - they can't be bothered to take consequential action on the myriad of extremely serious weeds and pests that are destroying Australia's native ecosystem, and yet they want to pursue this," he said.

"The fact remains that we have to feed our nation and, buffel grass, for what limited environmental risk it poses, is one of our best performing pastures and one that underpins the entire northern beef industry.

"The need to be able to deliver on our food production demands leaves for dead any perceived environmental risks buffel grass poses.

"Sometimes you have got to wonder if these 'green' groups, whose bidding the government is doing here, won't stop until our entire agricultural industry is dead and we import everything into this country."

AgForce Queensland Cattle President Lloyd Hick said, "This is not an isolated issue. It is part of a broader pattern of decisions being made without industry input, with disastrous consequences for agriculture and Australia. If the beef sector does not push back hard on this, it will be taken as a win and another critical pillar targeted next.

"Producers are increasingly frustrated as time and energy that should go into food production is spent pushing back against agenda-driven ideas and re-educating city-based decision makers who think they understand the land—but don't."

ENDS

2025 Federal Budget: “The country is playing catchup and chasing our tail”

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 01:25:40 GMT

Katter's Australian Party Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has issued a critical response to the 2025 Federal Budget, highlighting serious concerns about its lack of proactive infrastructure planning, onerous regulatory overreach, and obvious lack of investment in agriculture and mining industries.

"The 2025 Budget reveals a government more focused on reactive policies rather than proactively addressing the needs of our nation.

"Our agriculture and mining sector is the backbone of our country's economic growth and prosperity.

"But it is clear that the country is nothing more than a quarrying nation. Its income comes from iron ore, coal, bauxite, silicon – none are processed. We are giving our most vital resources to foreign landlords while shutting down our most lucrative industry: coal," said Mr Katter.

Supermarkets

$38.8 million has been allocated for a crackdown on misleading and deceptive pricing and $2.9 million to support suppliers to enforce their rights under the grocery code of conduct.

"I can't see these measures providing any of the real significant reform that we need to break the duopoly and make the supermarkets more accountable to the Australian public," Mr Katter said.

"Already, the Australian supermarket sector is seen as the most profitable in the world. They are making these profits from heartache, equally experienced by both consumers and suppliers. We need real and significant reform which includes forced and mandatory divestiture, a maximum 100% markup and removal of all onerous regulation imposed on suppliers.

"Government is also proposing to reduce the cost of 30 essential products in remote First Australian communities. However, not one cent is being provided to allow these communities to become self-sufficient through the restoration of market gardens. "Give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you'll feed him for life." Government needs to learn from the parable."

Bank charges and scams

The Budget proposes to remove unfair, excessive credit card surcharges, ban debit card surcharges, and provide $6.7 million for anti-scam support.

"This measure may be applauded, but to really protect the Australian consumer, we need continued and guaranteed access to, and acceptance of, cash. Further, banks should be required to repay consumers that have fallen victim to scams."

Critical minerals and mining

Katter voiced strong opposition to the federal government's approach to critical minerals, noting its obvious omission from the key budget documents.

"The "Future Made in Australia" has been hijacked by the "Wokie Greens" as a "junket" for costly renewables," he said.

"The critical minerals sector is a strategic asset for this country, and yet the government is sitting on its backside while promising that we'll be swimming in wealth. We'll be drowning in foreign ownership and green tape.

"The so-called 'use it or lose it' legislation is needed to address the bottlenecks in mineral extraction, but the reality is that new mines are being held to ransom by unnecessary regulations.

"Significant investment is required to ensure Mount Isa remains the industrial and service hub of the NW Minerals Province. This Budget lacks that detail," Mr Katter said.

"And coal should not be regarded as a dirty word but instead be seen as a cheap and reliable energy solution to provide for Australia's wealth and economic generation for many years to come.

"We make no apologies for being the black warriors. Coal is King."

Infrastructure: reactive, not proactive

"Look at the state of our infrastructure: we are reacting to problems as they come up, rather than planning ahead," Katter said.

"If we are truly serious about the future, we need to focus on proactive infrastructure."

Mr Katter also highlighted the need for crucial infrastructure projects, including:

Bridle Track Tunnel
Fast track CopperString (transmission line connecting Townsville to Mount Isa)
Inland highways from the Atherton Tablelands to the mid-west
Bruce Highway – the Seymour and Gairloch Bridge
HIPCo (Hughenden Irrigation Project Corporation) as a template for Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Richmond, Doomadgee and Burketown
Diversion of the Upper Herbert
Reuben Richardson's pump storage project

Maintenance and upgrades to key roads and rail lines

As stated above, funds are urgently needed for all-weather access roads in key areas to support emergency management and regional development.

In response to Mr Katter's question in Question Time, the Prime Minister confirmed that $17 billion was allocated for the Bruce Highway, and another $97.3 million for the completion of the Kennedy Development Road (between the Lynd and Hughenden section of the Great Inland Highway).

"When the Bruce Highway was cut off at the Ollera Creek Bridge, transport and freight came to a halt. Communities north of Townsville were cut off for nearly three weeks and an area that produced 15 percent of Australia's fruit and vegetables were unable to get to market.

The supply chain was seriously impacted, and it was felt around the country," Mr Katter said.

"What is not clear in the Budget is where this $17 billion will be allocated. Since November 2021, $40 million has been allocated for the Gairloch and Seymour areas, yet no construction has started.

"Construction of the Bridle Track Tunnel, which will provide emergency evacuation for Cairns and the surrounds must be a priority and connecting the Great Inland Highway (Lynd to Charters Towers section), and key roads like the Bruce Highway at Seymour and Gairloch must also be fast-tracked to ensure our industries remain uninterrupted.

"Every time we see a heavy rain depression, Townsville and Ingham are subject to flooding. It is time we introduce flood diversion measures for the Upper Herbert and Ross Rivers to reduce downstream impacts.

"These are just a few of the projects that could provide long-term economic stability for the country. Instead, we're stuck with a Federal Budget that is playing catchup rather than laying the foundations for a prosperous future," Mr Katter added.

Transport

"$130 million in loans for Rex Airlines is the last thing we need in rural Australia after decades of overpricing and unreliability. This loan was required because Rex (like others before them) arguably abandoned rural Australia for more profitable routes.

"What's needed is a government owned, rural focused airline that provides connectivity between very remote locations and their administrative centres. These tickets should be subsidised by government to a price equivalent to the public transport subsidies in Brisbane."

Fuel and energy

"$150 wiped from a family's power bill for the second half of this year" is a shortsighted vote grab," Mr Katter said.

"And a further $8 billion has been allocated for renewables and low emission projects.

"However, these measures do not acknowledge that the most cost-effective and reliable power source is still from coal-fired power generation.

"We need real measures to reduce the cost of electricity, and investment and upgrade rather than the shutdown of our coal fired power stations. To ensure that Australians can have continued access to cheap, reliable power, we cannot afford the extravagance of renewables," Mr Katter said.

"For fuel, we need a serious plan for Australia to become self-sufficient in fuel. We have all the natural resources to rival the most self-sufficient fuel resources in the world – 10 hectares of cane produces 10,000 litres of fuel that we could use in our cars (ethanol). Yet we are almost solely dependent on fuel imports. Even our fuel reserves are stored in America."

Health & rural communities

GPs have seen an $8.5 billion injection to ensure visits across the country continue to be bulk billed.

In response to health announcements, Mr Katter pointed to the government's failure to adequately address the needs of rural communities.

"The government has failed to significantly address the shortage of GPs in rural and regional areas, and their approach to pharmacy regulations will only make it harder for rural Australians to access the medications and services they need.

"A lot of these measures, whilst effective in metropolitan areas, will do little to address the current health crisis due to the lack of healthcare workers in regional Australia.

"We also need a national cap on pharmacy ownership and, where appropriate, the roll out of accreditation for issuing of repeat scripts."

Additionally, Mr Katter stressed the importance of supporting First Australian communities with better nutritional standards, focusing on developing local market gardens to provide fresh produce.

Housing

Katter also took issue with the government's approach to housing, calling for the removal of land restrictions in non-metropolitan areas to encourage growth and alleviate pressure on urban centres.

"Whilst this measure has been noted in repeated budgets, all housing development is still hamstrung by onerous regulatory oversight, making housing unaffordable and out of reach for everyday Australian families.

"It is noted that $120 million has been provided for the national productivity fund to remove red tape relating to modern construction, but this does not go far enough to address excessive regulations imposed by the three layers of government that are prohibiting the release of land and substantially increasing the cost of building.

"The proposal to ban foreign buyers from buying existing dwellings for two years, and to target land banking by foreigners is applauded, however, the question should be asked, as to whether or not this will increase the market competition for new builds."

Family tax reforms & corporate accountability

On tax, Katter emphasised the need for income splitting to support families and called for an abolition of current immigration policy.

Income splitting would allow families with parents of differing wages to split their high wage for tax purposes so that less overall tax is paid by families.

"We must abolish immigration and start again.

"Government should be using the monies spent on supporting immigrants to instead support Australian families by providing $20,000 per child per year to their primary carer/s," he stated.

Katter also proposed the abolition of ASIC, arguing that corporate oversight should be handed over to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with stronger penalties for corporate wrongdoers and proven law enforcement capabilities.

"Corporate rogues must be stopped and prohibited from reforming," said Mr Katter.

Emergency management

In terms of emergency management, Katter called for a portion of the $6 billion in annual GST revenue from insurance to be specifically quarantined for infrastructure projects that reduce flood risks and allow for relief and recovery.

"Raising, sealing, and widening roads, as well as building new roads to connect Cairns to the Tablelands, as well as flood-proofing the Bruce Highway are crucial investments in disaster mitigation.

"The Government also needs to address the shortfalls with the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool that has left premiums in northern Australia four times the amount the southern cities pay. This is grossly unfair particularly as the Pool may now be completely absorbed by those impacted by the recent cyclone in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales."

Telecommunications

Katter also acknowledged the government's commitment to the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) for mobile phones in regional and remote Australia but warned that while it's a step in the right direction, the policy only covers emergency calls (000) and basic voice calls, not data or streaming.

"This is fine for emergencies, but it falls short for businesses, schools, and communities that rely on robust connectivity including data for everyday communication and economic activity," he said.

Fun and freedom

The beer tax has been frozen for two years from August 2025.

"This will assist many of the fabulous brewers and publicans that we have in the north and restore our sovereign rights to enjoy a beer at the pub without sinking all your hard earned," Mr Katter said.

Summary

In response to the 2025 Budget, Mr Katter said he was once again left with little faith the country would return to its nation-building potential in any foreseeable future. Instead, the Budget is a mix of band-aid and tokenistic solutions that will do little to generate the real wealth that our nation needs.

"It spends billions on tokenistic, "Wokie Green" causes - squandering the nation's wealth and stopping job creation.

"It is clearly an anti-development anti-jobs agenda, with no mines and no agricultural consideration, whatsoever.

"This budget is full of metro lollipops and its only outcome is decay."

ENDS

‘Axe the tax’ says Katter about ever-increasing alcohol excise

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:08:48 GMT

Bob Katter has welcomed the prime minister's decision to freeze the beer excise, which currently increases biannually, but says this is a temporary fix and doesn't go far enough to support consumers and hospitality venues.

"People are paying through the nose for a simple beer at the pub," Katter explained. “Let’s call it what it is – double-dipping. The government is slugging people who’ve already paid tax on their hard-earned wages, and now they’re taxed again just to enjoy a cold one with their mates.

"This freeze is a start, but it's a band-aid on a bullet wound. A tax that has gone up more than 80 times in 40 years? We’re talking about the third highest beer tax in the world!

"I mean, let's just think about the flow on effects here," Katter said. "People are working longer hours, they're going out less, absorbed in technology more than ever – let me tell you now – this story doesn't end well for any of us.

"This is about more than alcohol access. The pub is where you take a load off alongside your fellow man, whether he lives modestly or he's a millionaire. Seated on a stool at a bar, we are all the same.

"Small pubs are the heart of these regional towns and communities, and are closing every single week. And on that figure, I do not exaggerate. Meanwhile, this year Canberra will cash in to the tune of $8 billion from alcohol tax alone.

Mr Katter called on the prime minister to take long term action and respond to the concerns of the hospitality sector.

"The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) have put forward sensible solutions – a fair go for pubs, clubs, and their workers. It’s time for a review. We need the government to say where they stand on this," Katter said.

Paul Grover, owner of the Silkwood Hotel, believes the freeze should be on all alcohol, not just beer.

“They call it an excise, but strip it down and it’s a tax,” Mr Grover said. “Alcohol is alcohol and not everyone drinks beer. This is like taxing someone differently depending on the colour car they drive. It doesn’t make sense.

“When GST was brought in, they assured us that no tax would be taxed again but here we are.

“We’re getting less and less people through the door. If that’s not sending alarm bells to the government that they’re killing an industry then I don’t know what will.

Mr Grover believes the live music industry is also at stake.

“Even the biggest names at one time played in smaller venues, and if the government keeps killing our pubs, there will be nowhere for up-and-coming acts to perform. So, without that avenue you can say goodbye to local talent.

“Every way we turn it’s getting harder and harder to keep the doors open,” Mr Grover said. “Wages are going up, plus increases to the super percentage, and now electricity is going up too.

“It’s hard not to feel like small business is being shafted by the government and it’s just wrong.”

ENDS

Fighters secure $75,000 disaster grants – at long last

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 01:25:20 GMT

Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, together with Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto, has today welcomed the activation of Category D Disaster Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 for impacted farmers following the devastating North Queensland floods, attributing full thanks to the sheer determination and unrelenting fight of local leaders and industry champions.

More than $50 million in extraordinary disaster recovery packages were also announced to support North Queensland’s recovery, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The package includes increased grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers, $50,000 for small businesses and not-for-profits, as well as funding for councils and community facilities across the region to assist with clean-up, repairs, and long-term reconstruction.

At a press conference in Ingham today, Mr Katter extended his heartfelt thanks to the dedicated locals who refused to take no for an answer.

“I want to thank Leah Russo, Grower Director with Canegrowers, for her tireless advocacy and sharp focus on what her growers needed,” he said.

“Shane McCarthy, President of AgForce Queensland, was relentless in keeping the pressure on and making sure the voice of agriculture couldn’t be ignored.

“Lawrence Di Bella, QCAR Herbert District Manager, provided firsthand evidence of the destruction and losses, making the case for support undeniable.

“And I pay special tribute to Robert Lyon, a Herbert River district cane grower, who fought like a tiger for his community. He made sure the reality on the ground was heard loud and clear in Brisbane and Canberra.”

Mr Katter also praised the leadership of Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo and KAP State Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.

“Ramon Jayo stood tall for his people every step of the way, and Nick Dametto was a bulldog in Brisbane, ensuring the fight stayed front and centre,” Mr Katter said.

“The combined effort of these people—and their refusal to back down—delivered this outcome. Without them, we’d still be stuck in the bureaucratic mud.

“We thank the Prime Minister and the Minister, but I want to be very clear, it is because of this group of people with a tiger in their tank —that the grants have finally been delivered.

“The people of Hinchinbrook and the Herbert can take heart that their fighters on the ground never stopped swinging.”

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said after the region had suffered the largest flooding event in over 50 years, it would come as a great relief to those who are eligible for the increased grant funding.

“These grants will provide a leg up for many small businesses, primary producers and community organisations to assist them to rebuild at a time when it can feel like they have lost everything,” he said.

“I would like to thank all those who have advocated and worked towards this important outcome for our district.”

Mr Katter stressed the need for faster action in future disasters.

“We all know North Queenslanders are resilient, but we shouldn’t have to fight this hard or wait this long.

“When you’ve got crops in the ground rotting and machinery out of action, decisions should be made in days—not dragged out over weeks.”

Mr Katter vowed to keep pushing for a more responsive disaster funding system that treats North Queenslanders with the urgency and respect they deserve.

“But today, we celebrate the win—and we thank the fighters who never gave up.”

ENDS

Katter fighting for fairer location classifications for teachers

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:32:55 GMT

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is supporting calls for Mount Isa and Cloncurry to be classified as ‘very remote’ so teachers can access the federally funded Reduction of Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).

“We have written to the minister for education requesting an urgent review of the location classification systems in use and how we can streamline results and definitions across Australia,” Mr Katter said.

Currently, education uses the ABS Remoteness Structure, which classifies Mount Isa and Cloncurry as ‘remote’, while health officials use the Modified Monash Model (MMM), which classifies the North West towns as ‘very remote’.

“While both location’s classifications use data collected during the national census every five years, with the results collated into the Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Areas (ASGS-RA), the differing results for our teachers living and working in remote areas is significant,” Mr Katter said.

HELP provides financial assistance for students to pay costs associated with higher education. During 2024, the HELP scheme covered nearly $122,000 of education costs for the majority of students taking up work in very remote locations and $175,000 for graduates of medicine, dentistry and veterinary studies.

“Despite being a wonderful place to live and raise a family we have difficulty recruiting qualified and experienced teachers to the North West, and when they see their fellow public servants who work in health being given extra benefits to work in areas away from the coast, well it’s not fair is it?” Mr Katter questioned.

“I may be biased when it comes to how good it is living in north Queensland, but I am not blind to the challenges people in remote areas contend with; issues our coastal cousins could not even comprehend.

“Not many metropolitan families would be comfortable with unqualified teachers instructing their children, waiting eight weeks to see a GP and paying between $125 and $300 for that appointment, waiting years for knee operations that will alleviate disability, driving a 20-hour round trip or paying $800 for a two-hour flight to the nearest city with no inflight meal or entertainment.

“Yes we are tough in the North West but enough is enough; we demand the governments do more to progress remote communities towards having access to the same services provided to our city cousins,” Mr Katter said.

Queensland Member for Traeger Robbie Katter has also contacted the federal education minister on this matter.

ENDS

March 2025 - Bob Katter and industry reps requesting expanded Cat D funding

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:47:32 GMT

Govts fail the north – still waiting for relief

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:19:06 GMT

As North Queensland marks one month since record-breaking floods devastated the region, the answer is becoming more clear as to why Category D funding has taken so long to be activated.

It is standard procedure for state governments to request this funding from the commonwealth, and past disasters of this nature and magnitude have seen such requests approved almost immediately.

Mr Katter's office understands the state government only requested funding on Monday, March 3rd. So, why has the state government failed to act until now?

At a press conference today, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter called out the premier for failing North Queenslanders by delaying essential funding for beleaguered farmers and communities.

Flanked by representatives from AgForce, Canegrowers, and Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR), as well as KAP Deputy Leader and Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, Mr Katter shared the plight of the North's farmers.

"North Queensland is not some distant, irrelevant outpost; it is the beating heart of our nation's agriculture and resources," Mr Katter declared. "Our farmers and graziers are the ones who put fresh food on the tables of every Australian every day. To treat them as anything less than vital is an affront to the very fabric of this nation."

Today, QCAR also published an open letter to the prime minister[i], highlighting the situation faced by local producers, such as Caroline and Trevor Crisp of Helens Hill. The Crisps endured devastating losses, including the death of more than 50 cattle and extensive property damage. Their recovery costs will exceed $200,000.

Mr Katter has consistently called for disaster relief, urging the government to raise grants for flood-affected farmers from the current $25,000 to $75,000.

"It's truly beyond comprehension that in past disasters, the state government has recognised the scale of damage and responded, but now, when North Queensland is on its knees, we're being offered a pittance," Mr Katter said.

"The Queensland government has more than dropped the ball on this. This isn't just about fairness; it's about survival. If this goes on for much longer, many of these farmers will not recover."

The approach of Cyclone Alfred, which is set to impact south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, compounds the situation's urgency. While this weather event will require a significant response, Mr Katter warned that North Queensland must not be forgotten in the wake of fresh devastation in the south.

"Do it now—declare a Category D disaster, increase the grants, and show the North they are not the forgotten Australians," Katter stressed.

Mr Katter praised the ongoing efforts of AgForce, the Australian Banana Growers' Council, Canegrowers, and QCAR, for their advocacy and support during this challenging time.

"These groups have been the backbone of our communities, fighting day and night to ensure our farmers get the help they need," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Katter noted the prime minister is already in Brisbane responding to the threat of Cyclone Alfred, yet still has not visited Ingham, which was inundated in early February. While the prime minister's presence in the south is timely, the lack of attention to the north is inexcusable.

ENDS

[i] https://qcar.org.au/an-open-letter-to-prime-minister-anthony-albanese/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI0k15leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVIYq0we3EFlsgAgxkSLcs3MH9Nt93AyqAhUx7C-NlIX7oTQv_QLMh-tCw_aem_N7wvfxNWHOKALNqklxwVGA

Katter demands Medicare review as breast screening returns to Cairns

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:11:02 GMT

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has welcomed news that Cairns, as of this week, has a reinstated breast screening service, however, he is livid that government would risk the lives of our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters by not reviewing Medicare rebates in line with cost of living increases.

“Once upon a time, we had one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but successive governments have let it go to wreck and ruin. Wait lists are months long; doctors are working round-the-clock and postponing their retirements so that their patients can keep receiving the care they need, and some clinics have been without a doctor entirely, some forced to shut down.

“We have pensioners in my electorate performing dental surgery on themselves, people waiting years for vital operations and now we have women who are dying because they don’t have access to early intervention programs,” Mr Katter said.

Gordonvale GP Dr Lisa Fraser agrees the current healthcare arrangements are not good enough.

“Breast screening is a national issue, but everything is experienced more acutely in rural areas, and as a community we are suffering.

“I don’t understand the logic of the bean counters down south,” Dr Fraser said.

“The cost of a late cancer diagnosis, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is astronomical, especially compared to the cost of early intervention measures like image screening.”

“We are not seeing new graduates interested in breast imaging because the Medicare rate is ridiculously low.

“Increasing the Medicare rate for breast imaging would encourage people to choose it as a career ensuring services are available for early cancer detection,” Dr Fraser said.

ENDS

Katter says: time to deal with crime in the north

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 05:32:15 GMT

Following a major crime rally in Cairns over the weekend, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has renewed calls for immediate action to tackle North Queensland's crime crisis, pushing for the introduction of Castle Law and Relocation Sentencing as real, effective solutions.

Mr Katter, who attended the rally alongside KAP State Member for Hill Shane Knuth, praised the event organisers and the victims who bravely shared their stories.

"A huge thank you to Brynie Risser-Guyatt, Emily Cocks Wheeler, and Allissa Tenni, as well as the victims who spoke out," Mr Katter said. "This rally was sparked by a horrific attack, but it's just one of many. The people of Cairns and Townsville are living in fear, and they have had enough."

Mr Katter said the rally underscored the growing lawlessness in the region and the failure of the state government to respond.

"This is the reality we now face: law-abiding Australians are terrorised while weak governments do nothing," he said.

Alongside Mr Knuth, Mr Katter outlined Katter's Australian Party (KAP) solutions, including Castle Law—which would give homeowners the right to defend themselves—and Relocation Sentencing, a policy that would take repeat offenders off the streets and place them in remote areas to work.

"We will not stand by while our communities live in fear," Mr Katter said.

Thank you to Through KK's Eyes Photography for sharing these powerful photos.

"The crowd made their voices heard loud and clear. There was overwhelming support for these policies—people have had a gutful of offenders getting a slap on the wrist."

Mr Katter also took aim at the state government's failure to adequately address the crisis, rejecting the idea of spending more taxpayer dollars on ineffective solutions.

"I'm not going to provide $800,000 a year to look after these little criminals," he said.

"There's no room in the jails. And I'm not going to build a billion-dollar jail, and neither is the government!"

Mr Katter criticised the Queensland premier for failing to acknowledge the dire state of the justice system.

"I don't want to accuse the premier of telling fibs, but if he doesn't know there's no room in the jails, then he's either ignorant or he's telling lies," he said.

Instead, Mr Katter called for a return to tough, no-nonsense policies that would send repeat offenders far from urban centres.

"We're going to do what was law in this country 200 years ago—send them 800km from here. They'll live in a tent, just like I lived in a tent for two years defending my country," he said.

"The answers are there, and they're clear. Castle Law: you come into my house, you better be the one worried—not me."

ENDS

Bob Katter outlines his demands ahead of the federal election -7News Exclusive

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:02:53 GMT

One of the MPs to be courted by both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton is the country's longest serving politician, Bob Katter.

This election, Katter’s vote is more important than ever before. So, who will he back?

Katter requests flood support to include power outage impacts and agriculture losses

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 02:44:51 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has called on the prime minister to urgently address the financial hardships faced by farmers and small business owners in the wake of recent natural disasters, particularly the severe flooding and power outages that have crippled communities across Northern Queensland.

In his latest correspondence to the prime minister, Mr Katter has requested to extend financial assistance to the agricultural sector and small businesses suffering from these devastating events.

Increased Freight Costs and Agricultural Losses

Mr Katter said that farmers, particularly those from the Tablelands, Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook regions, have suffered immense losses due to road closures that halted access to major fruit-growing areas for nearly three weeks.

“The inability to transport produce to markets, coupled with increased freight costs once access was restored, has placed a substantial financial burden on local farmers, particularly banana and avocado producers.

“Some agricultural businesses didn’t experience direct property damage and are now ineligible for these flood relief grants, but these farmers faced significant losses due to the disruption of their operations.”

Support for Small Businesses Facing Losses

Small business owners across the north, many of whom lost weeks of revenue due to road closures and power outages, also feel the strain.

Mr Katter said that many of these businesses were ineligible for funding because their premises were not directly inundated by floodwaters. However, the loss of power—rendering refrigeration and other essential operations impossible—has caused significant stock losses, impacting their ability to continue trading.

In particular, the Forrest Beach Supermarket, which lost over $9,000 in perishables, has shared its struggles with Mr Katter. The supermarket and other small businesses in the region could not claim compensation due to power-related damages despite suffering significant financial losses. Additionally, small businesses that have struggled to maintain their workforce through the disaster urgently need wage subsidies to support their employees during this recovery period.

Even news outlets across the north were impacted by road closures. The Mareeba Express (Mareeba Shire) and the North West Weekly (Mount Isa City Council) lost thousands of dollars in income; unable to send their papers to print.

Mr Katter said he was calling on the prime minister to broaden the eligibility criteria for small businesses to include compensation for power-related stock losses and to introduce wage subsidies for those businesses that have gone above and beyond to keep their staff employed during the prolonged flooding event.

“Farmers and small business owners in my electorate have been hit hard by this disaster, and they need the government to step up and provide the support they deserve,” said Mr Katter.

“These businesses, many of which are the backbone of our community, are suffering not only from the direct impacts of the disaster but from years of inaction on infrastructure upgrades and disaster preparedness. I urge the prime minister to ensure that these industries receive the financial assistance they need to rebuild and recover.”

Mr Katter has provided the prime minister with additional documentation from local agricultural groups and small business owners to further highlight the extent of the financial hardship caused by the recent disasters.

ENDS

Katter gives dept a good kick

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 01:37:00 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has called on the Department of Infrastructure to make haste and determine the outcome of the Queensland Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) grants and declare the successful applicants before the federal election is called and before caretaker mode is enforced.

“Grant recipients have been revealed in other states but not for Queensland,” Mr Katter said.

“And if it goes into caretaker before those grants are awarded, it’ll be at least six months before anyone knows if they’re successful, but worse still, the whole grant program could be thrown out if there is a change of government. It is just not good enough that they are taking this long.

“We have applicants like Cloncurry Shire Council who have spent countless hours collating information for their airport upgrade application only to be told the guidelines have changed at the eleventh hour and they should consider re-submitting.

“Changing the rules halfway through a game is far from ideal, especially if the delay causes Queensland applicants to miss out on this vital funding because an election is called and government business grinds to a halt,” Mr Katter said.

“The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts need to fast track assessments and get their recommendations to the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister who makes the final decision.”

Cloncurry Shire Mayor Greg Campbell said, “The airport is the gateway for FIFO staff at the Ernest Henry Mine, Dugald River, Eloise, Great Australian Mine (GAM) and Rocklands.

“It will also be the main access for workers on the CopperString project and for the new Eva Mine,” Mr Campbell said.

The rPPP grants offer regional councils and other organisations between $5M and $50M to improve local infrastructure and cover project costs of construction materials, leasing equipment, project labour and administrative overheads and aim to foster partner relationships between governments and community to deliver multi-purpose regional precincts tailored to local needs.

With a project completion date of March 31, 2027, the grants can be utilised to deliver projects involving creating or expanding regional infrastructure neighbourhoods, commercial hubs or recreational areas.

ENDS

Katter supports AgForce on live sheep

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:25:29 GMT

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, whose electorate has about 2.5 million head of cattle, strongly supports recent statements by AgForce slamming the Commonwealth decision to ban live sheep export by sea from 2028.

AgForce CEO, Michael Guerin, has recently called this decision "a grubby deal, pure and simple, that will destroy an industry and hollow out communities in the west."

With the Western Australian election on our doorstep and the federal election looming large, the recent decision to ban live sheep export could very well play a pivotal role in who will take government.

"Western Australia's sheep industry has been crucified by this decision. Our cattle industry has far from recovered from a similar knee-jerk decision. This recent ban has made all livestock businesses fearful and undermines the confidence of supply that international buyers need," Mr Katter said.

"We have sought reassurance from government that there will be no knee-jerk decisions made about live cattle export. Our Australian producers and international markets must have clear, unequivocal statements that the government is committed to cattle live exports and the livelihoods of the many Australians that this industry supports.

"Australia is one of the very few countries that actively regulates livestock exports, from our farms to overseas feedlots and abattoirs. If Australia stopped exporting livestock, animal welfare would decline in our current export markets as we are the only exporting country that invests time and money in animal welfare education at our overseas markets.

"If Australia was to withdraw from this trade the progress to improve animal welfare standards would cease to be.

"While we firmly support the opening of abattoirs in Australia and creating jobs for Australians, chilled meat exports will never replace livestock exports and our current importers will simply replace our livestock with those of other countries who do not provide training and education in livestock welfare resulting in further decline of animal welfare in these countries," he said.

Queensland Member for Traeger Robbie Katter is also closely watching the Western Australian election as his electorate is home to many livestock management businesses.

"Successive governments have really failed our farming families, and that needs to change. People who work with livestock care about their animals, whether they be beef or dairy cattle, horses, or fish stock.

"It is about time government cared too," he said.

Under no circumstance does either Bob or Robbie Katter condone animal cruelty but nor do they condone the actions of government and animal industry oversight bodies that could have, and should have, done their job and put measures in place to prevent animal cruelty from occurring.

"Australian farming families have been let down by the industry bodies and by the governments they have paid millions of tax and levy dollars to; they have been double crossed by people who were meant to represent them and ensure animal cruelty does not occur in Australia's live export industry," Mr Katter said.

ENDS

‘Don’t leave rural Australia hanging – make mobile USO happen’ - Katter

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 02:57:43 GMT

KAP Bob Katter, the Member for Kennedy, has cautiously welcomed the government's announcement[i] to improve mobile service coverage through a Universal Service Obligation (USO) which will enforce mobile phone providers to guarantee service, particularly in regional and remote areas.

"This is a win. For the last 18 months we have been tenaciously working with the Minister and her team to get a real and enforceable USO that will deliver essential mobile coverage, regardless of one's distance from metro areas."

Mr Katter said, "A USO is of immense value to us. The coast has these giant mountains everywhere, so coverage is bloody awful, and out west there is no coverage at all. The Low Earth Orbit satellites haven't worked nearly as well as they should've, so it is big news for us.

"However, we note that it is one thing to make a commitment on the eve of an election, but another entirely to ensure it is actually enforced."

As a long-time advocate for universal service across rural and remote Australia, Katter has fought tirelessly to hold Telstra accountable for its substandard services in these areas.

The privatisation of Telstra was one of the core reasons Mr Katter walked away from the National Party in 2001, and it has since been a constant issue for constituents across Australia as the giant telco has failed to provide adequate, reliable service.

"When the government sold off Telstra, they legislated a USO, requiring the newly privatised Telstra to keep delivering to the bush.

However, the metro-corporates in Telstra soon found a way to avoid this responsibility by self-determining that the requirement did not include mobiles and charging a small fortune for land-line "connections".

Recently, Mr Katter called for the nationalisation of Telstra[ii], saying, "Australia can no longer afford a privatised telecommunications sector that fails its people", after hearing from hundreds of customers who were frustrated with the company's utter failure to transition from 3G to 5G.

He pointed out that the government's renewed focus on improving mobile services, particularly in regional and remote areas, closely mirrors the concerns he has long raised about the failings of Telstra and the broader telecommunications sector.

"The solution is clear: we need a telecommunications sector that works for all Australians, whether they live in the city or the bush. People have had enough of the tyranny of distance and Telstra's monopoly over rural services has gone on long enough," Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter reiterated his commitment to working with all levels of government and industry to ensure that rural Australians are not left behind in the digital age. He also called for continued vigilance to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure does not fall under the control of private interests that prioritise profits over people's needs.

ENDS

i https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/rowland/media-release/albanese-labor-government-building-australias-mobilefuture

ii https://www.bobkatter.com.au/nationalise-telstra-katter-calls-for-buyout-of-telco-after-hearing-100s-of-customer-complaints

Katter slams Powerlink & APA for killing off CopperString

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:32:21 GMT

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has blasted Powerlink and APA over comments made to the Australian Financial Review effectively killing the essential CopperString electricity link from Townsville to Mt Isa.

Mr Katter has called the transmission operator and power generation companies' comments short-sighted and greedy, and demanded the immediate sacking of all executives.

"It would appear that a conflict of interest exists when the people in charge of delivering this project are the same people 'allegedly' trying to kill it off to protect their current monopoly position," said Mr Katter.

Labelling the project as a must-do to open up North West Queensland for industry development and wealth generation, Mr Katter said CopperString will not only provide a reliable source of power for families who call the North West home, but it will allow companies to have confidence in commencing operations and in growing their businesses in the region.

"APA CEO Adam Watson's comments are him protecting APA's monopoly on power generation in the North West," Mr Katter said.

"Joining the NEM (National Electricity Market) would mean APA, who have gas turbines and a solar farm near Mount Isa, would have competition rather than the complete control of power production in the region."

The original CopperString project saw transmission lines commencing at Hughenden and working installation both east and west simultaneously; however, Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser wants all work to concentrate on completing the Townsville to Hughenden line.

"Waiting for the east section to be completed before starting the western half is a farce.

"They also want to change the Townsville to Hughenden line from a 330kV line to a 500kV, which implies the project will need re-scoping, negotiations with landholders and First Australian groups will need to be re-scheduled," Mr Katter said.

"It will also mean small business outlays to join the network will be increased to install more equipment to be able to step down voltage to make the power usable."

Mr Katter said he can see future state government knocking the project on the head without finishing it to shift funding for the Olympics or another pleasure palace or tunnel in Brisbane.

"CopperString is a nation-building project," he said.

"CopperString will connect mineral-rich North West Queensland to the NEM power system via a high voltage power line from Townsville to Mount Isa, which will provide a reliable energy source so the region can develop mining and other industries with confidence," Mr Katter said.

Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle echoed Mr Katter's thoughts on CopperString.

"While there are always concerns about project costs, investing in infrastructure that drives economic growth and wealth creation is always justified, especially when you look at the returns we'll see. This corridor is a critical economic link and connecting it to the national grid is the key to unlocking its potential," she said.

"It's an investment that will generate wealth for generations to come and it's worth every penny."

ENDS

Katter welcomes expansion of recovery works for flood-ravaged NQ

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:30:03 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has applauded the critical advocacy work of local representatives and industry groups in securing funding from the prime minister in response to recent floods.

Late last week, the prime minister confirmed the expansion of Category C and D funding to fast-track recovery works in flood-affected regions of North Queensland with Mr Katter responding and requesting an increase to $75,000, to assist farmers and primary producers.

"I commend the efforts of AgForce, the Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC), Canegrowers, Queensland Cane, Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), and other organisations for their tremendous advocacy and the critical data they have provided. Without them, many would be facing an even tougher road to recovery.

"We have fought hard to ensure that North Queenslanders receive the necessary support to recover from these devastating weather events. This additional funding is a step in the right direction, but $25,000 is simply not enough to get our farmers back on their feet," he said.

Mr Katter reiterated his commitment to ensure no affected individuals or businesses are left behind.

"We are committed to working with the government and the opposition to ensure that nobody falls through the cracks. This isn't about politics – it's about delivering real outcomes for our people.

"I personally thank Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for visiting the flood-affected areas and witnessing the devastation first-hand, but we now must tenaciously fight for recovery and learn from past mistakes.

"It is absolutely imperative that we work to reduce such widespread impacts in the future. The North suffers from devastating flooding every single wet season, and we must do what we can to mitigate this for generations to come.

"We've witnessed good announcements, but what matters now is how fast this money gets into the hands of those who need it," Mr Katter said.

"Our people don't have time to wade through bureaucratic red tape. We need fast, effective action."

Mr Katter vowed to keep the pressure on to ensure the region receives the funding and resources necessary to recover fully.

"This is just the beginning. We'll fight tooth and nail to ensure every household, every farmer, every small business, and every community gets the help they need."

ENDS

Katter calls on PM to lift disaster grants to $75,000 for flood-affected farmers

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 01:10:15 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has written to the Prime Minister calling for Category D grants of up to $75,000 to be urgently approved.

"We appreciate the support provided so far, but $25,000 is simply not enough to get our farmers back on their feet," Mr Katter said.

"We've seen in past disasters that governments have been willing to go further—why should North Queensland farmers be treated any differently?"

Mr Katter pointed to multiple examples where primary producers impacted by disasters received significantly higher levels of assistance:

"In 2019, following the Julia Creek flood disaster, farmers were eligible for grants of up to $400,000.

"In the 2022-23 wet weather events in the Gulf and mid-west, primary producers in those areas could apply for co-contribution grants of up to $150,000.

"In 2021, farmers affected by cyclone Niran in Innisfail received $75,000 'Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants' to help with crop re-establishment and clean-up costs.

"In every one of these disasters, governments recognised the scale of the damage and stepped up with proper funding," Mr Katter said.

Speaking with industry bodies, including AgForce, QCAR and Canegrowers, and impacted farmers in the disaster epicentre of Ingham, Mr Katter said the damage to cane and cattle farms had been severe, and the current funding levels are inadequate.

"Cane farmers have lost their crops, their farm infrastructure is damaged, and many who own harvesters are being locked out of support entirely due to outdated eligibility criteria," he said.

"Meanwhile, graziers have seen their cattle drowned or poisoned after eating toxic lantana in the absence of dry feed. Their fences, sheds, and essential infrastructure have been destroyed. These people need real help, not scraps."

In his letter, Mr Katter demanded the immediate activation of Category D disaster grants of up to $75,000 to give flood-affected farmers a fair chance at recovery.

"Category D funding exists to fill recovery gaps, and right now, there is a gaping hole in support for our primary producers," he said. "We have to give these farmers what they need to rebuild."

ENDS

Aus Post CEO must go: Katters demand action as essential services decline

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, is calling for the immediate sacking of the Australia Post CEO, Paul Graham, as his pursuit of profits and removal of LPOs threatens the future of essential postal and banking services in regional and remote Australia.

"Paul Graham's arguable obsession with profiteering undermines the foundation of Australia Post. His decision to reduce staffed post offices is devastating communities that rely on these services," Mr Katter said. "We are calling for his immediate removal and a change in direction at Australia Post."

Mr Katter's statement comes after the Burke Shire Council stepped in to keep the remote Burketown Post Office open, following the impending retirement of the town's postmistress. Unfortunately this move will see the post office lose the region's only in-person banking facilities.

While Mr Katter thanked the Council for preventing the loss of the postal service, he warned this is only a temporary fix. The Burketown LPO serves not only the immediate community but as far west as the Northern Territory border, and is the central hub for mail distribution to Doomadgee, Gregory, and surrounding cattle stations.

The LPO is one of many nationwide facing potential closure due to retirements or staffing issues. According to Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp, these closures will undermine the ability of remote communities to thrive.

"The LPO is an absolute necessity and a vital aspect of the community," Mr Camp explained.

"Australia Post did have a meeting with our Council but the government needs to put up their hand to keep it going. With the current proposal from Australia Post, no banking can be done. This is a hindrance to our small community.

"Those from my generation can find internet banking difficult, not to mention that connectivity is unreliable, at best, in remote areas. Our community cannot survive without an LPO."

Mr Katter agrees. "The nearest post office is hours away, and the nearest banking facility is a seven-hour round trip – Burketown residents will be left absolutely isolated if they lose that service.

"We thank the Burke Shire Council for stepping in, but let's be clear – this is just a band-aid fix. We need a long-term solution. We must find a permanent operator, and we need Australia Post to overhaul its approach to regional and remote Australia.

"Paul Graham's turned Australia Post into a profit-making enterprise, when it should be a service to Australians," Mr Katter said. "One of the greatest CEOs in recent Australian history, Christine Holgate, understood this – she never closed a single service outlet and fought to keep Australia Post serving all Australians. If Paul Graham's focus is purely financial, then he needs to be removed."

To address the systemic issues in Australia Post, Mr Katter is demanding a restructure of the postal system. He supports the calls from Angela Cramp and the LPO Group for the government to provide a subsistence payment of $100,000 to support remote LPOs, similar to how pharmacies are supported.

Australia Post was set up as "a service for the public," KAP Leader and Member for Traeger Robbie Katter explained. "Out in the regions we don't have the same level of luxury as the city where there are multiple options for couriers to get people what they want and need.

"Closing down post offices, or creating conditions where they close down, is not conducive to that.

"Also, there is a great opportunity across Australia for those postal centres, which are already doing a bit of banking activity, to get into lending.

"The banking functions can help subsidise the cost of the activities of the post office and keep the whole operation viable."

ENDS

Katter fights for cash mandate

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:18:07 GMT

MEMBER for Kennedy Bob Katter this week proposed a submission to Treasury regarding mandating cash acceptance to ensure cash remains a universally and legally accepted means of payment throughout Australia.

“The most reliable method of payment is cash and we will fight for its survival so we have submitted our argument to the federal treasury demanding protection for cash to be legal tender and accepted without question.”

Having consulted with his electorate and further afield, Mr Katter has identified several key issues including limited digital connectivity in regional and remote areas, disaster resilience, economic sovereignty, consumer choice and the vulnerability of some segments of our communities in using technology.

“The banks and big business are trying to bully us into doing business their way but we will fight them at every turn to make sure they are being fair and providing the services we need, when we need it,” Mr Katter said.

“We need to force banks to better protect people from scams. The best way to do this is to mandate that the banks reimburse people when they have been tricked out of their money and the banks have allowed these transactions to occur.

“Digital transactions make it easier for scammers. Banks must step up and offer reimbursements - not step back and strip us of our ability to protect ourselves by using cash,” continued Mr Katter.

“Additionally, during natural disasters, some towns in the Kennedy electorate can be without power for weeks; this can mean limited or no mobile phone coverage, internet services, or EFTPOS, so cash is needed to do basic transactions when food and other goods become available.

“When digital banking systems fail, physical cash remains the only reliable means of transaction. Without proper planning to ensure the continuity of cash distribution networks, businesses struggle to operate, aid efforts are hampered, and vulnerable populations are left without access to basic necessities.”

The submission posed four recommendations:

Legislate mandatory cash acceptance,
Protect and expand ATM and banking infrastructure in regional Australia,
Enhance cash resilience planning in emergencies and against scams, and
Support public awareness campaigns.

“Cash is a pillar of financial independence, community resilience, and economic fairness, particularly in rural and regional Australia,” Mr Katter said.

“The Federal Government must act decisively to enshrine the right to use cash and mandate its acceptance across the economy. We call on the government to take immediate action to protect Australians’ right to choose how they pay and ensure that no one is excluded from the economy due to the imposition of a cashless agenda.”

ENDS

Katter demands PM flood-proof vital NQ road

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:15:44 GMT

DURING parliament sittings, Member for Kennedy Bob Katter raised the devastating impacts of the recent northern floods and the significant exacerbation of these impacts caused by the complete closure of all roads north that left about 300,000 residents in North Queensland without vital food and supplies, and crucified the banana, avocado and other northern fruit and vegetable industries.

"Across Cairns, the Tablelands, Cassowary Coast, the Peninsula and North West Queensland our grocery shelves are empty and our fruit goes unharvested and rots on the ground, all because our cries for a flood-proof road have been ignored," he said.

"Fair go, we are living in the wettest part of Australia, however it can be remedied with more suitable road alternatives to provide all weather access."

Mr Katter reminded the Prime Minister that the Kennedy Developmental Road (Hann Highway) could have been that unbroken chain in supply for goods to and from North Queensland; however, it remains unpassable to heavy vehicles.

"There is just 10.8 kilometres of unsealed road that needs attention, plus the elevation of critical crossings such as at Bundock and Einasleigh.

"Not only would sealing the Kennedy Developmental Road be a lifesaver during wet seasons but it will cut 1800 kilometres from the fruit and veggie freight route reducing transport costs which we hope would be passed onto shoppers," he said.

"Additionally, we urgently need key sections of the Gregory Development Road (The Lynd to Charters Towers) widened and key crossings raised; and works completed to raise the Gairloch floodway, the Seymour River area and the Bruce Highway.

"These have been in planning for over 12 months; now we need action," Mr Katter said.

"The priority works on these three critical access routes must be completed prior to the 2025-26 wet season.

"In the longer-term, government must fast-track works to flood-proof Ingham by diverting the Upper Herbert River and allow for the emergency evacuation of Cairns by building the Cairns to Tablelands Bridle Track tunnel," he said.

"The north demands urgent action and we are sick and tired of Brisbane neglecting the north while they build giant pleasure domes for themselves."

ENDS

KAP backs bank deal but demands long-term solution for regions

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:49:04 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has commended the government's deal with the major banks to ensure regional bank branches remain open, but has called for a long-term solution.

"I've got to pay credit to the government here," Mr Katter said. "They've moved against going cashless and they've moved against the closure of regional banks.

"Though there's probably been more closures in the outer suburbs than the towns and regions. People think this is an issue for the bush, but the outer suburbs have done worse off than us.

"So yes, we have to praise the government for this initiative. As well as all those who rose up in righteous anger over the closures – just as they did for the cashless proposals.

"But, while this provides temporary relief, it is not enough. We can't keep kicking the can down the road. We need bold action to secure regional banking services for the future."

The Katter's Australian Party (KAP) has long advocated for banking services in regional Australia, where communities face significant barriers to accessing essential services.

In 2023, the KAP's state and federal MPs successfully pressured one of the big four to reverse regional branch closures.

Mr Katter has a long history with the banks, being one of two ministers responsible for the success of the State Bank of Queensland (SBQ) and the Queensland Industry Development Corporation (QIDC).

"In Australia, we have this thing called recourse lending. If you go broke, not only have you lost your house and the money you put into it, but for the rest of your life, you will carry that debt on your back, and the banks will hound you until the day you die. But, if it's a peoples' bank, then I am confident that would not occur."

The Member for Kennedy has previously called for establishing a true government-owned or postal bank, which would be a reliable option for Australians in regional and remote areas.

"This is not just about preventing closures; it's about creating a system that works for everyone, no matter where they live. There are solutions; we just need the political will to make them happen.

"Now, we've got to ask ourselves, why are the banks scared of a peoples' owned bank?"

KAP Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter welcomed the government's intervention but cautioned it's only one part of the solution.

"The Federal Government's assurance the banks will be forced to maintain their bricks and mortar presence in rural and remote communities is welcome, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. What's the use of a bank branch being open in Cloncurry or Normanton if, when people walk in there to get a loan for a home or a business, they have the city-centric bank's lending appetite stacked against them?" Mr Katter said.

"By their very nature, private banks lend only on the basis that the risk they absorb will pay off in profits to their shareholders; they have no other motivation or obligation.

"A public bank - which we know can be physically facilitated through the Australia Post network that already functions partly as a bank, though not a lender, through its Bank@Post services - would be able to prioritise the Australian people who live in the non-urban places that the private banks pass over time and time again."

ENDS

Katter calls for urgent action to address continuous NQ flooding

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 04:29:09 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, is urging state and federal governments to take immediate action to protect North Queensland from the continued devastating impacts of flooding.

At a press conference with Anthony Albanese and David Crisafulli, Mr Katter emphasised the urgent need for strategic infrastructure projects to safeguard the region's future and reduce preventable fatalities.

"The Prime Minister and Premier are dead right, we keep doing this all the time," Katter said. "Please can we divert the Upper Herbert? If we divert the Upper Herbert, this doesn't happen."

Katter highlighted the critical situation, pointing out that half a million people live north of Townsville and are regularly trapped due to road closures along both coastal and inland routes.

"People are fighting for food... having to get it flown in. They are scared that they'll have no food on their plates, and some will go hungry during this time.

"This is Australia in 2025 and still nothing is getting done."

Mr Katter also stressed the need for a tunnel to provide a safe route west in and out of Cairns.

"We need a tunnel to get off the coastal plain," Katter said. "And the Prime Minister put the first money into the alternative highway. So the alternative highway, Prime Minister, well... it's far from being an alternative highway."

Katter outlined three key measures that must be urgently prioritised to protect the region:

1. Cairns to Tablelands' Bridle Track' Tunnel

2. Completion and widening of the alternate inland highways, and

3. Diversion of the Upper Herbert to flood-proof Ingham

"These three things need to be addressed. And I promise you this. The Ministers and people responsible will pay if nothing is done... I have an enviable reputation for being able to destroy people.

"There are a million people that live in North Queensland. Now you better build that diversion, or else I'm coming after you and so are they."

ENDS

North Qld celebrates as ADF called in to reconnect the Bruce

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:04:30 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, believes that common sense has prevailed as the federal government today announced the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been called in to deliver temporary repairs to the Ollera Creek Bridge - reinstating the now-cut Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham.

After calling on the federal government to deploy the ADF to assist with the bridge's restoration and resumption of vital traffic flow, Mr Katter publicly shared his thanks.

"We thank the Prime Minister for his urgent intervention to ensure the ADF have been deployed to provide immediate temporary repair of the Bruce Highway at Ollera Creek, reconnecting our northern flood-ravaged communities," Mr Katter said.

"We are deeply appreciative – after phoning all day yesterday and today – the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, are intervening in this matter," Mr Katter said.

Continuing, Mr Katter said, “however, we MUST ensure that any temporary solution allows the passage of heavy vehicles that are essential to get our produce to southern markets and restock our northern communities.”

Mr Katter believes it is critical in significant weather events that all authorities work together to fast-track what is often an extensive, arduous recovery process for people who are already going through a nightmare-ish experience.

"We hope this will open up the road almost immediately to Ingham – where there's been what has been described as near-rioting as they've tried to ration food out in the supermarkets in Ingham.

"There's also some serious worries about the Abergowrie school where some 60 pupils from Cape York are dealing with a serious lack of supplies.

"There are many stories like this, proving this bridge needs attention NOW and we are deeply appreciative of the immediate action by the federal government on this problem."

Mr Katter confirmed that his staff have been fielding calls from concerned residents (and their family members) as those in outlying communities remain without electricity, running water and food provisions.

"My team and I are working hard to assist in managing this continuously evolving situation however we can," Mr Katter said.

"If your situation is dire – please – call the SES, and if you're in an emergency, call triple zero. Keep an eye on your neighbours and have grace for each other.

"We will continue to work closely with local disaster management groups, Councils, residents and other stakeholders to provide whatever assistance we can."

ENDS

Katter calls on PM to deploy army, fast-track disaster relief

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 06:29:06 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has spoken to the Prime Minister tonight to inform him of the unprecedented situation in north Queensland following the severe flooding event, with the destruction of the Bruce Highway at Ollera Creek Bridge cutting off a critical transport link between Townsville and the northern communities.

Mr Katter has also urged Prime Minister Albanese to deploy the Australian Army to assist with the bridge's restoration and ensure traffic flow resumes as soon as possible.

"I have spoken to the Prime Minister tonight and advised him of the situation. The Emergency Management Minister, Jenny McAllister, has also been informed.

"The army has the resources and capability to ensure that the bridge can be restored to a point where it can take traffic almost immediately," Mr Katter said.

"We've asked the Prime Minister to direct the army to step in now—we desperately need their cooperation and help – especially in the immediate situation.

We've also requested they activate disaster funding and throw their full weight behind the clean-up and rebuild.

"This cut bridge is at a critical location on the Bruce Highway with no suitable alternate routes available, apart from a sub-standard, inland goat track adding hundreds of kilometres to the journey south. Unless immediate action is taken, severe shortages are likely as fresh produce cannot be transported to southern markets, and goods and services cannot be transported north to communities across the Cassowary Coast, Cairns, Atherton Tablelands, Gulf and Cape.

"If there are problems, please get in touch with Mayor Ramon Jayo of Hinchinbrook Shire Council, KAP State Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, or my office. Nick and Ramon are doing a marvellous job, and I'm sure that Ramon has been assured through Nick that he has a pathway to the Premier, just as I have assured him that he has a pathway to the Prime Minister," Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter also called on the Prime Minister to make a statement regarding the cyclone reinsurance pool, ensuring that insurance companies do not exploit the situation.

"Insurance agencies need to know they're under the spotlight here, and we are watching them closely. We need to make sure that insurers have been granted access to the cyclone reinsurance pool for the situation in Ingham, ensuring they stand by their commitments.

"I spit on the insurance companies—except for Sure Insurance and Allianz, who I am told are doing the right thing. Any attempt to exploit this disaster through unfair pricing will be called out," Mr Katter warned.

"I will also be watching Coles and Woolworths very closely to ensure they don't take advantage of North Queenslanders.

"Any profiteering—whether by big retailers or insurance companies—will be exposed, and I will make no apologies for ensuring the public knows exactly who is taking advantage of this crisis," he said.

Mr Katter has also submitted official correspondence to the Minister for Emergency Management and the Prime Minister requesting their support in the aftermath of the flood event.

In his letter, Mr Katter said, "The economic and social consequences of this disruption cannot be overstated. Towns such as Ingham, Cardwell, and Lucinda have suffered extensive damage, including severe beach erosion, road failures requiring immediate remediation, destruction of homes, and the loss of businesses' ability to operate. The clean-up effort will be monumental, and without immediate financial support, these communities will struggle to recover.

We urgently request the federal government's full backing in rebuilding and recovery efforts. We call on you to:

Activate the Category D Disaster grants.
Provide immediate emergency financial relief for families displaced by the disaster.
Establish a dedicated federal funding package for businesses that will struggle to operate due to infrastructure failures and flood damage.
Prioritise rapid reconstruction of the Bruce Highway at Ollera Creek Bridge to restore vital transport links.
Ensure affected towns receive sufficient cash flow to sustain daily commerce and recovery efforts.
Allocate federal disaster recovery funding specifically for Ingham, Cardwell, and Lucinda, ensuring these towns are not overlooked in favour of larger regional centres."

ENDS

Katter condemns Department of Home Affairs for removing Australian flag from official portraits

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 07:16:50 GMT

PROUD Australian and Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, yesterday declared his first action in Parliament for 2025 would be the Allegiance to Australia Bill.

In the media release [1] , Mr Katter noted a Department of Home Affairs decision to remove Australian flags from all buildings.

To clarify, "the Department of Home Affairs issued instructions to remove all Australian flags for the official photos of all senior staff," Mr Katter said. This was the subject of an article in The Australian [2] and raised in a Senate hearing [3] last year.

Mr Katter seriously questioned this decision made by a senior bureaucrat.

"They are public servants, paid using our taxes, not wanting association with our flag," said Mr Katter.

"Seriously, what kind of tax-payer funded government workforce are we allowing?"

Mr Katter believes that senior government officials disassociating themselves from the Australian flag for 'cultural purposes' is infinitely more concerning than the simple removal of some flags from a building.

"Enough is enough. This highlights the essential need for Parliament to proceed with the Allegiance to Australia Bill 2025 [4] ."

"You will take the pledge of allegiance to Australia, or your federal funding will be withdrawn."

ENDS

[1] www.bobkatter.com.au/katter-reinstates-patriotism-with-allegiance-to-australia-bill

[2] www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/home-affairs-ordered-flags-be-removed-from-officials-photos-in-cultural-reforms/news-story/4ccd4edc11b52de408225afd8ed6aa58

[3] https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wKC9TQtRBnEvMHnMy5EpoO3AIvN433Fg/view?usp=sharing

[4] https://drive.google.com/file/d/175A6JQfvjdMByMyC4E1SXgtDjq9MG4vn/view?usp=sharing

Katter reinstates patriotism with Allegiance to Australia Bill

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 08:45:31 GMT

PROUD Australian and Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, is asking Australians to join him in pledging allegiance to Australia, declaring his first action in Parliament for 2025 will be the Allegiance to Australia Bill.

From national supermarkets refusing to stock Australia Day merchandise to government departments banning any display of the flag, Mr Katter said that the nation has been led down a dark path by minority interest groups.

"The Department of Home Affairs issued instructions that there will be no Australian flags in any of their buildings," Mr Katter said, referring to actions taken by the federal government department late last year.

"Enough is enough, can you believe an Australian government department stifling patriotism? We are Australian. We are allowed to be proud," Katter declared.

Mr Katter, who "celebrates Australia Day every day", plans to bring the Allegiance to Australia Bill 2025 to Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity.

"We are moving legislation – the Allegiance to Australia Bill. You will take the pledge of allegiance to Australia, or your federal funding will be withdrawn.

"Every public servant that gets their money off the Australian people – not by growing a crop or raising a cow – is to pledge allegiance.

"If you are not proud and not prepared to have allegiance to this country, then you shouldn't be working for the Australian public service," Katter insisted.

The Bill intends to promote national pride and unity amongst all Australians, as well as ensure all public servants, students, government workforce, subsidised companies, and the Australian public recognise and acknowledge the importance of allegiance to Australia and the importance of the delivery of public services to the betterment of all Australians.

The pledge of allegiance to Australia would mean the recital of the verse:

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of Australia, and to the nation for which it stands,

one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Mr Katter is proudly known as the biggest supplier of Australian flags for constituents and believes there is power in patriotism.

"I don't care if you've been here three minutes. If you love Australia, you are just as much an Australian as I am.

"The Sikhs I know that have come to Australia, beat their chest and look up to God in heaven and say, ‘I'm an Australian, I'm an Australian’. They are so proud of becoming an Australian, and that is the patriotism we need in this country."

Leading up to Australia Day, Mr Katter and his team orchestrated the #FlyTheFlag campaign, walking the streets of the Kennedy electorate, distributing packs containing small Australian-made flags and stickers, a poem and a letter encouraging people to fly the flag.

"When the Australian flag flies, it reminds you that by day you can navigate using the sun. By night you navigate using the Southern Cross; it will always lead you home."

ENDS

Katter welcomes farm connectivity funding

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:59:13 GMT

Katter's Australian Party (KAP) Federal Member Bob Katter has today acknowledged the federal government's efforts in providing an additional $20 million for the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) but has emphasised that while this initiative is a step in the right direction, it falls far short of addressing the fundamental issues facing farmers in rural and regional Australia.

"While I certainly commend Minister Rowland for recognising the importance of connectivity and investing in this ag-tech program, the truth is this is only part of the solution. We need to ensure that all farmers, particularly in remote areas, have access to reliable telecommunications and infrastructure across the board," Mr Katter said.

"I've had a constituent case recently where this person lives on an isolated cattle station with no service and no ability to call emergency services. Had this program been operating at the time, and the station had proper service, then perhaps her husband may not have lost his life."

Mr Katter also reiterated his longstanding opposition to the privatisation of Telstra, highlighting the continuing challenges it poses for rural Australians.

"Telstra should never have been privatised. In a perfect world, reliable phone lines and internet access would be as basic as water and power. Unfortunately, under the privatised system, that's not always the case for farmers in places like Julia Creek or stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria," he said.

"Anyone who thinks that when Mary Murgatroyd's phone breaks down in Julia Creek, she'll get it fixed quickly under the current system is kidding themselves. If we're serious about supporting our farmers and rural communities, we need to rethink the privatisation of our telecommunications network. Essential services like telecommunications should never be sold off."

Mr Katter said it was essential that Telstra honour its Universal Service Obligation (USO) and the legislation supporting it be amended to guarantee farmers and regional Australians receive the service they deserve.

"It is high time we put the USO back at the forefront of telecommunications policy. We need clear and definitive legislation to ensure Telstra is compelled to honour the USO and provide reliable, accessible service for all Australians—no matter how remote they are," Mr Katter said.

He pointed out that while programs like the OFCP help improve connectivity for ag-tech solutions, farmers still face significant hurdles in accessing basic services such as reliable phone and internet connections, which are essential not only for business but also for emergencies.

"We're seeing real benefits from this program, and I don't want to downplay that. But what's needed alongside it is a government that prioritises the basics—whether it's ensuring we have enough water for irrigation, energy for operations, or phone lines that can stay connected in weather events or a piece of equipment goes down," Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter said that he would continue to put pressure on the government to continue improving telecommunications across rural Australia, alongside their work on programs like the OFCP.

Applications for Round 3 of the OFCP will open in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26.

Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program is also now open. Mr Katter is seeking constituents to advise him of their black spots before February 7.

ENDS

CopperString connected wind farm approval sparks call for community royalties

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 02:46:03 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has cautiously welcomed the news of the Prairie Wind Farm
gaining EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) approval, noting that its progress and alignment with North Queensland’s CopperString 2.0 will carry with it growth and ongoing investment with the mid-west communities.

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has cautiously welcomed the news of the Prairie Wind Farm gaining EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) approval, noting that its progress and alignment with North Queensland’s CopperString 2.0 will carry with it growth and ongoing investment with the mid-west communities.

He said that while his primary goal was to keep coal fired power in Australia, he understood the strategic importance this particular project had to CopperString and the Hughenden community.

Windlab, the developer behind the Prairie Wind Farm, has told Mr Katter’s office that the EPBC approval was a major milestone for the North Queensland and that situated in the Flinders Shire, project will power one in every six Queensland homes.

“It cannot be over emphasised that existing coal fired power stations must be kept in the mix but the Prairie Wind Farm’s location in Hughenden is a better example of how renewable energy projects should be done but we’ve seen plans for wind farms on the coast and in the wet tropics, and it’s nothing short of madness,” he said.

“These are areas of incredible natural beauty and biodiversity, and they should not be turned into industrial wastelands. North Queensland has no shortage of remote, wind-rich locations like Hughenden that are far better suited for this kind of development.

“The area’s remote location and high, consistent wind speeds make it a far more suitable site for a wind farm. This is exactly the kind of investment that is enabled by CopperString, which will unlock North Queensland’s vast mining and energy resources and position north Queensland as a powerhouse for Australia.”

Mr Katter praised the Flinders Shire Council for their advocacy to ensure the Windlab development brings with it the economic and social infrastructure to support the growth of the whole region.

“The Council has done a wonderful job working with Windlab to ensure the project fosters growth in the region and we throw our full support behind them in their pursuit to see improvements to road, housing and services in the town as part of the project’s influence.”

Mr Katter also said he supported Flinders Shire Council’s push for a Community Benefit Royalty Framework.

“This framework will ensure that communities impacted by CopperString and the projects connected to it receive an additional, consistent source of revenue,” Mr Katter said.

“It’s vital that local governments and communities are engaged in decision-making processes and that investors understand the importance of sharing the benefits of these developments. This approach will help strengthen the towns and regions that are driving Australia’s energy future.”

The CopperString 2.0 project, a 1,100-kilometre transmission line linking Mount Isa to the national electricity grid, will provide the infrastructure needed to harness the region’s renewable energy resources, including wind and solar farms. Mr. Katter reiterated his strong support for the project, which he says will transform the region’s economy.

“CopperString is the largest infrastructure spend ever committed to in this state outside of Brisbane, and its successful delivery is essential to providing for the future of all of regional Queensland,” Mr Katter said.

“David Crisafulli has promised over and over again he’s building CopperString but Powerlink needs to get moving, the world is waiting for Powerlink.

“It will connect these renewable energy projects to the national grid, ensuring reliable and affordable power for our industries and communities.

“Hughenden is setting the gold standard, and it’s a model we should follow moving forward, be it energy projects, mining or dams.”

ENDS

Katter congratulates Kennedy fighters for funding wins

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:22:37 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has congratulated the seven successful grant recipients for the Growing Regions Program - Round 2 and the Housing Support Program - Stream 2 grants for the Kennedy electorate, totalling over $50 million.

The Growing Regions and Housing Support grant programs are available to shire councils. The successful grant recipients for Round Two of the Growing Regions Program are:

• Boulia Shire Council was awarded $10.42 million for their Shire Community Hub, which replaces outdated and dispersed accommodation with a fit-for-purpose, multipurpose Hub featuring a multimedia library and resource centre, a post office and flexible spaces for visiting officials, commercial leases and cultural displays.

Boulia Shire Mayor Eric Britton said, "The approved funding for the Boulia Shire Community Hub will be a gamechanger in council enthusiasm and productivity. It will be the centrepiece of Boulia. We commend the support given to rural and regional Queensland."

• Burke Shire Council received $4.1 million for their Burketown Health and Wellbeing Precinct Stage 1 - Splash Park and Playground, including an amenities block.

Mayor of Burke Shire Council, Ernie Camp, said, "The kids and community will really benefit from this project. The chlorinated water will really help with mobility health issues as well. Hopefully the pool in stage 2 will be approved as well."

• Cloncurry Shire Council received just under $6 million for the Scarr Street Revitalisation Project and CBD upgrade, which will see upgrades and enhancements to footpaths, parking, stormwater, kerb and channel, water and sewer, shade and shelter, landscape and irrigation, as well as artistic works.

Mayor Greg Campbell said, "Always great to receive support from the federal government when the community is trying to build critical community infrastructure."

• Flinders Shire Council received $1.796 million for the Showgrounds Development, featuring a new multipurpose recreational hall with office spaces, kiosk storage space, and public toilets.

Mayor Kate Peddle said, "We are thrilled to receive funding of $1.796 million for Hughenden Showgrounds. This project, which includes a new workshop area, secretary's office, kiosk, and storage area, marks a significant upgrade to our current facilities—a heartfelt thank you to our community's champions.

"As the name 'Growing Regions' suggests, we are indeed a region on the rise, thanks in part to innovative projects like the CopperString initiative. This grant allows us to continue this momentum, enriching the lives of our residents by ensuring we are maintaining and improving the facilities that support us. I sincerely thank Minister King and Mr Katter for their support of this project; you have our gratitude.

"Our community thrives because of the tireless efforts of our volunteers who provide invaluable social and sporting opportunities. This grant is a testament to their hard work and dedication, ensuring they have the facilities needed to continue their amazing contributions.

"This grant is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in the spirit of our community. It symbolises our commitment to supporting the volunteers who make Flinders Shire a vibrant and welcoming place to live."

The successful grant recipients for Stream Two of the Housing Support Program are:

• Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council received just under $19 million to construct a new sewerage pump station and rising main in Balamba.

• Mornington Island Aboriginal Council received $1.8 million to construct road infrastructure to support the dwellings across two lots on Lardil Street, Gununa.

• Cassowary Coast Regional Council also received $10.3 million to deliver trunk infrastructure works at Eaton Estate.

In response to the grant wins, Mr Katter said small towns thrive off government grants and programs. "These are excellent grants – we really need them to get important community projects off the ground," he said.

Mr Katter said the town of Richmond was one example of how the grants could provide significant social benefits to small communities.

"A little tiny grant of $5,000 given to Richmond grew into a half-a-million-dollar leading interpretive Mesozoic museum in Kronosaurus Korner," he said.

"It's terrific to see places like Hughenden, with a fresh council, fresh leadership, and exciting project opportunities, get such big wins so early into their new term.

"So we congratulate all those in Council and in the communities who fought like tigers to get their community projects across the line."

ENDS

PMs flying visit to Isa shines light on North West’s vital role

Dominique.Moon@aph.gov.au (Dominique Moon) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:53:13 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has welcomed Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King to Mount Isa today, saying that their brief stop-over enroute to the Northern Territory is a recognition of the North West’s vital contribution to the country.

“Albo’s visits to the North West are really starting to rack up. I think this might be his fifth or sixth visit, and after Opposition Leader visited the Isa a few months ago, it really goes to show how much influence an unaffiliated member of parliament can have,” Mr Katter said.

“But is it any wonder that he keeps visiting the North West, a place that has the largest mineral deposits in the world, he knows how vital it is to national interest.”

Mr Katter said the Prime Minster needed to intervene on Glencore’s copper mine closure, which has left nearly 2,000 people jobless, and kick-start Copperstring to get the region producing minerals as soon as possible.

“The most important thing that the Prime Minster can do for Australia is to increase mineral exports out of North and North West Queensland,” Mr Katter said.

“Mining is not easy. We pay the highest electricity costs in the world and if we want to stop mine closures, then we need to deliver Copperstring as fast as humanly possible.

“He needs to tell Glencore, ‘You’ve got to mine as much copper as you can, and if you can’t, then get out of town and let someone else in to do it.’ If we were in the United States, this would never happen. There is a snowflakes chance in hell they’d let some foreign company control the boom gates to a major commodity, which is exactly what Glencore is doing in Mount Isa.”

Mr Katter said Australia was at risk of producing less copper in the future at a time when this mineral is critically important to defence, energy and telecommunications infrastructure.

“The cost of energy and the amount of red tape is making it impossible for mines to get off the ground. It’s unacceptable Australia should be in this position when we are supposed to be a mining country- not a quarrying country.

“We’ve got to get the mining industry to maximise production. We’ve got to get big infrastructure built in regions with critical minerals.

“We’ve got to build the North West, and we’ve got to build it big.”

KAP Leader and Member for Traeger Robbie Katter, who also welcomed the brief visit, said the Prime Minister’s approach to Glencore’s abandonment of the lucrative Mount Isa copper resource would define his commitment to protecting Australia’s sovereignty surrounding critical minerals.

“The PM and his team have made comments that protecting the strategic use of our critical minerals is a matter of national security and essential to protecting our sovereignty, and we need to see that sentiment enforced out here in the North West,” he said.

“Ensuring continued mining of this asset, with or without Glencore, should be a high priority for him as should unconditionally supporting the build of CopperString.

ENDS

Katter praises RACQ for Bruce Hwy funding win but remains cautious on rollout

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:03:04 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has congratulated the RACQ and other road users for their tremendous advocacy in cementing today’s Australian Government's announcement of an additional $7.2 billion to upgrade and enhance the 1,673 kilometres–long Bruce Highway in Queensland.

The announcement made by the federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, only days after the launch of the RACQ’s “Fix the Bruce” campaign, will provide 80 per cent of the funding required to ensure that all Queensland sections of the Bruce Highway are rated a minimum of ‘3-stars’ for safety.

Mr Katter, a vocal advocate for improved roads in North Queensland, did not hold back his frustrations at the years of neglect of the Bruce.

“Enough is enough. We are now seeing fatal accidents every three to four weeks in North Queensland, and the state government, sitting nearly 2,000 kilometres away in Brisbane, couldn’t have cared less. Their neglect has been nothing short of criminal.

"We welcome the news today and thank the Minister for providing leadership on this. We are now calling for the Queensland government to play their part and provide their portion of funding and get the road works started without delays and cost-blowouts.”

While acknowledging the significance of the funding, Mr Katter pointed out stark disparities in infrastructure allocation.

“Brisbane is lavished with $36 billion and 36 kilometres of tunnels, yet North Queensland has had almost no funding and ZERO tunnels.

“The Bruce Highway is our lifeline, yet for many years successive Queensland governments have treated it like an afterthought.”

Mr Katter said he remained cautiously optimistic, but there are still big questions to ask and have answered.

“Is $7.2 billion enough, particularly given the Queensland Government’s history with cost blowouts? How long before works start? Will the works consider the wet season and delays it brings? Are contractors going to be local? Where will priority areas be? Is fixing to a 3-star rating enough? Will speed limit reductions continued to be used in blackspot areas to get a ‘false’ safety rating? What about ongoing funding? “Is this Federal funding contingent on state action?

“I will be joining leading advocates, like the RACQ, local councils and road users to ensure that these funds are used where they’re needed most and not swallowed up by bureaucratic inefficiency.”

Mr Katter’s frustration with government action to-date has been palpable.

“It really has got to a stage now where, quite frankly, the next blood to be spilt will be that of the government in Brisbane and Canberra. Let us pray for these poor families that have suffered such tragic loss over the last few months, and I say, let us hope that this funding is delivered quickly and in the right places in Far North Queensland.

“This funding must translate into real, tangible improvements on the ground. Our communities deserve nothing less. It’s time for action, not just announcements.”

ENDS

Katter speaks out about health emergency

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:31:35 GMT

FEDERAL MP Bob Katter is demanding immediate action by the government to address a dire doctor shortage in the North Queensland electorate of Kennedy.

Mr Katter believes an overhaul of the health system is required at the federal level and has written to the Minister for Health, Mark Butler MP.

Mr Katter is echoing the call of KAP deputy leader and state member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, who has long been on the ground advocating for improved medical service delivery in towns like Cardwell and Ingham.

Mr Katter was adamant he could not ignore the cries of the doctors, nurses, mayors and other concerned constituents who contacted him about this crisis.

“We are hearing from medical professionals across regional and rural Australia, as they struggle to provide critical care,” Mr Katter explained.

“It’s not their fault. They are trying - really trying - to do their job, without access to real support and appropriate funding.”

Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Ramon Jayo, expressed his concerns to Mr Katter, requesting federal representation for the shire, home to more than 11,000 residents.

“As the region with the oldest demographic in the state,” Mayor Jayo wrote, “Hinchinbrook was fortunate enough to have a generous representation of practitioners to patients, a matter our Council utilised extensively in promotion of liveability in our district, but that is no longer the case.”

“I understand that there is little or no incentive anymore to draw doctors out to true rural and regional areas. When you consider that cities such as Townsville and Cairns are classified in the same rural/regional category as say Ingham and Hughenden, you must question whether the incentive is real,” he concluded.

One unnamed GP in the Kennedy electorate had this to say,

“Patients come with long lists… (which means) going home and checking results for hours…

“…missed results and fatigue-related errors due to extreme workloads, system dysfunction/communication, and long wait lists at the hospital…

“This is real. We cannot maintain standards with this level of funding. We close or we go complete private billing.”

With declining incentives to attract and retain medical practitioners to regional areas, healthcare quality across many towns has been significantly reduced, with patient wait times of anywhere between four to six weeks.

“We don’t have time up our sleeve. Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean people don’t get hurt or sick,” Mr Katter warned.

“This is not a fight we will give up – this is literally life and death, and we plan to see this through to the end.”

ENDS

Katter supports Mount Isa Council decision on rodeo funding allocation

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 04:48:36 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter says he stands by Mount Isa City Council's decision to allocate $1 million in funds to support the future of the Mount Isa Rodeo.

This week, the state government announced a $2 million funding commitment to the Council as part of the Mount Isa Transition Fund – an initiative to support the region's economy beyond the impending closure of the Glencore copper mine.

Council pledged half of those funds to the Mount Isa Rodeo's administrators while keeping the rest for other "key economic development activities".

Rodeo administrators have since caused some controversy, saying all $2 million should be allocated to the rodeo, when in reality, Council has a responsibility to the entire community as the copper mine's closure draws near.

Mr Katter does not believe locals will be convinced, saying rodeo administrators should appreciate that Council and the state government have stepped in when they didn't have to.

"Having a rodeo, the most local of activities, run by people who live thousands of kilometres away, just never made sense to me," Mr Katter said.

"You know, if you went to Mareeba, Ingham, or Cloncurry and said a government body or an external entity should take over the rodeo, they'd think you were off your head.

"That $2 million in funding is to rebuild the future of Mount Isa, not just to rescue a board that ran the rodeo into the ground."

Mr Katter said that KAP leader and state member for Traeger Robbie Katter has effectively worked with all parties to ensure a future for the southern hemisphere's largest rodeo.

"I'm 100% behind the Council and Robbie on this matter," Mr Katter said.

"When you've got local, state and federal government agreeing on something, that's saying something worth paying attention to.

"These administrators need to stop riding the coattails of Mount Isa's struggles and start thinking about the community.

"It seems their priority is getting the bills paid, and not necessarily the future of an event that is prosperous and unifying for the community," Mr Katter said.

"I always thought it was bizarre that nobody from Mount Isa was running the rodeo.

"So, I don't know what went wrong with the rodeo, but someone way back has got a lot to answer for - a lot to answer for."

ENDS

The Case for NQ Statehood: A Historic Fight for Independence

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:13:05 GMT

When it comes to State of Origin, Queenslanders unite. But in the Sunshine State, there has always been underlying discontent about how Brisbane governs.

This disconnection has sparked a renewed push for North Queensland to break away from the South East and form its own state.

A State Divided: The North-South Divide

Queensland's state capital, Brisbane, is located far from much of the population, which is concentrated in the coastal regions of the South East.

This geographic and political distance has long fostered feelings of alienation and resentment among North Queenslanders, who often feel sidelined by a government that seems more concerned with the needs of the South.

The divide between North and South Queensland is not a new phenomenon.

In 1970, historian Professor Geoffrey Bolton explored this disconnection in his book "A Thousand Miles Away", a title that resonates with many in the North who have long felt neglected by a distant government.

One of the central grievances of those advocating for secession is the belief that wealth generated in the North is being siphoned off to Brisbane rather than reinvested in the areas where it originates.

In 2009, prominent historian Geoffrey Blainey reignited the statehood debate, describing it as "absurd" that North Queensland had not yet been granted the opportunity to govern itself.

Bob Katter: The Voice of North Queensland

One of the most vocal proponents of North Queensland's independence has been KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter.

Known for his passionate advocacy of the region, Katter argues that North Queensland has been economically "massacred" by policies favouring South East Queensland.

"It's the tyranny of the majority in South East Queensland — the winner takes all," Mr Katter explained.

Katter's belief in the necessity of a separate state stems from a conviction that breaking up Queensland would lead to more effective governance, with the potential for economic benefits for the North.

He has been a tireless campaigner for secession, regularly calling for a referendum on the issue.

"North Queensland has been neglected for too long, and the only way to rectify that is to give the region the chance to determine its own path.

"We will never get ahead when decisions are made 2000 km away."

While Katter acknowledges that a split would not come easily, particularly from the southern part of the state, he remains determined to push the cause for North Queensland statehood.

ENDS

Christmas Message & Electorate Office Operating Hours

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:54:24 GMT

Bob Katter Electorate Offices

Christmas Operating Hours

INNISFAIL

Closing midday Tuesday 24th December

Reopening Thursday 2nd January

MAREEBA

Closing midday Tuesday 24th December

Reopening Monday 6th January

MOUNT ISA

Closing midday Tuesday 24th December

Reopening Thursday 2nd January

Katter’s CHRISTmas in Cairns

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:38:21 GMT

Yesterday evening, hundreds of people along the Cairns Esplanade were surprised by a live traditional Christmas carols experience as Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter joined in song with Christians from across the far north.

The idea for the gathering started when Mr Katter sat down one evening to watch television and noticed the rampant commercialisation of Christmas without any mention of the reason behind it.

"If you watch the television of a night, all these people are making money out of Christmas and not acknowledging the beautiful story of self-sacrifice. It's not about making money - in fact - it's about the exact opposite message. So, we're telling that story in music," Mr Katter explained.

Mr Katter believes the "Katter's CHRISTmas" event allowed people to pause from the craziness of the season and remember the love, peace and hope it should bring.

"The tremendous success of this night can squarely be attributed to the Hockey family. It's people like them who make this world a better place.

"It was wonderful for this talented family to travel all the way down here to share the gift of music and joy with crowds of people. We have all enjoyed this immensely," Mr Katter said.

Based in Watsonville (Mareeba), Roger Hockey and his family love singing and playing music together. When Mr Katter asked the family to perform, they gladly accepted the chance to share the Christmas spirit with Cairns.

"We're here to sing some Christian Christmas carols to celebrate what Christmas is really about - the King of the universe coming to earth as a baby, born of a virgin, and when he grew up he was crucified on a cross to die for our sins," Mr Hockey explained.

"Mr Katter was saying he wants to announce and proclaim that Christmas is about Jesus, and we want to support and show that there's people in the community that still believe that and want to celebrate it."

Mr Hockey and his family led the choir, some singing and others playing the violin, guitar, and flute.

The setlist included ten songs with classics like Joy to the World, The First Noel and Away in a Manger.

Onlookers were given copies of the lyrics to sing along, and the hope-filled melodies carried up and down the Esplanade.

"Even if you're not a believer," Mr Katter said, "it's a lovely story - a little kid being born out the back of a pub in a stable. Not many kids are born in a shed, but this kid did, and he went on to become the most important person, we believe, in human history and half the population of the world also believes that. So, we're putting Christ back into Christmas."

"Much of the generosity and selflessness has been lost. We've got Woolworths and Coles telling you to "give", so that they can get rich! It's terribly depressing, the commercialisation that has occurred - but commercialisation can't replace the heart of Christmas."

ENDS

Katter calls the treatment of Jewish people in Australia “shameful”

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 04:12:27 GMT

FEDERAL MP Bob Katter condemns the federal government for issuing a warning against incoming Jewish travellers (effectively banning their travel to Australia) while still allowing thousands of Middle Eastern protagonists to freely enter our country.

Mr Katter believes the travel advisory is the result of the government's apathetic attitude and lack of action against growing violence toward Jewish people in Australia.

"The decision by the federal government is exactly the same position taken by the Nazi Party in 1936 in Germany," Mr Katter explained.

"They were outrageously antisemitic and I'm beginning to believe the ALP in Australia is shot to pieces with antisemitism."

Mr Katter believes the recent firebomb attack on a Melbourne synagogue and destruction in Sydney overnight is the culmination of years of unaddressed racism and careless immigration policy.

"Various groups in Australia are cowardly bowing the knee to certain people who have come from the Middle East and don't intend to ever become Australians – and actually believe that Australians should become them.

"There are certain people from the Middle East that are extremely dangerous. They come from countries with no democracy, no rule of law, no egalitarian traditions, no Judeo-Christian values, and no appetite to assimilate into the Australian way of life.

"I was personally confronted by one of these people when I was in Melbourne recently.

"And instead of banning them from Australia – the kind of people who scream out the front of the opera house, saying "gas the Jews" – the government has invited them in.

"The Liberal Party – to their eternal shame – brought a million of these people to Australia. Some are good people, but a lot of them are not.

"What got into the head of the Liberal Party, I do not know, but it most certainly won't change under Labor, who this very week has made a threat of antisemitic action. They are warning people of the Jewish faith not to come to Australia.

"What a shameful, shameful thing to happen.

"It is the duty of every patriotic Australian to stand up for the underdog, this poor group of people who have been persecuted throughout most of history."

ENDS

FNQ exasperated and in mourning after another avoidable fatality

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:28:13 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is calling on Cairns Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to unite and find a solution for an intersection that has seen two fatalities in the last two weeks.

The intersection in question connects the Bruce Highway to Swallow Road in Edmonton, meaning it falls under the jurisdiction of both local and state governments.

Mr Katter has received complaints from constituents in the southern Cairns suburb about a small stretch of road they described as “incredibly dangerous”.

Mr Katter says residents have been calling for changes to the timing of the traffic lights and a boom gate for the railway line that runs parallel to the main road.

“I’ve heard stories from those who live and work in the area, and it seems more and more people believe the failure to address the issues with this corner are severely compromising road safety,” Mr Katter said.

“We are seeing the far northern road toll increase - almost like clockwork - every fortnight, and we are yet to see any action from the new LNP state government.

“It is only a matter of time before another innocent life is lost, as the cries of the north fall on deaf southern ears”.

ENDS

FNQ needs the Bridle Track now

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:25:41 GMT

500 housing lots at Mount Peter are a threat to the sugar industry.

Funding has been allocated for a 500-lot subdivision south of Cairns at Mount Peter, on land that is currently sugar cane.

I have an alternative solution….

I’m all for affordable housing but NOT at the expense of one of the Far North’s most precious industries - the sugar cane industry.

There’s a lot of people applauding it - more affordable land and all that sort of thing.

I mean, the threat to the sugar mill is very real, so a lot of land developers can make a lot of money.

But it’ll be over the dead bodies of the workers in the sugar industry.

And that’s why we’re pushing for the Bridle Track tunnel through the range so that instead of the development going south, it will go west.

It’s actually handier to Cairns if it goes west; if you’re living on the Cairns side of Mareeba it’s 20 minutes to get to work in the CBD in Cairns.

AND we’d preserve the mill.

ENDS

50 Years of Representing North Queensland

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 06:59:52 GMT

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

Mount Isa business owner’s innovation means new opportunities in mining

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 06:44:19 GMT

MOUNT Isa businessman Adrian "Popey" Pope could be onto the next major advancement in mining after acquiring a significant engineering company based in Melbourne.

In the past, mining companies have been forced to purchase parts overseas, but Adrian Pope and Andrew Clingeleffer of B&S Engineering are looking to change that, making it possible to produce mining machinery and technology here in Australia.

At a press conference alongside KAP leader and Member for Traeger Robbie Katter, Bob Katter and the B&S Engineering team shared new opportunities to expand Australia's already substantial mining efforts.

"Initially, the attraction of B&S is it's been long established in the industry, its capabilities are second to none. It's in the top two per cent for manufacturing capabilities in Victoria. We bought the technology for the mining industry to this facility, and we started manufacturing our new prototype drifters (rock drills)," Mr Pope explained.

"I spent my early years in mining. Mining is about drilling a hole, putting explosives in it and blowing the wall out. Drilling is at the heart of mining," Mr Katter said.

Australia's mining industry could experience a boom once word gets out about Mr Pope's new drifter.

"Now, Adrian's got a variable drifter – so every time you go from sandstone to hard rock, you don't have to take the thing to pieces; it'll adjust itself," Mr Katter explained.

"The importance of this breakthrough is considerable – we're one of the great mining countries on Earth. We're not small boys on the block here, and this is an area where we've got an advantage and we're going to press home that advantage and you're seeing that taking place here today thanks to Andrew and to Adrian."

The importance of local manufacturing is not lost on Mr Pope, saying, "We've purchased this factory to control costs internally. It was really a no-brainer for us to come down this road. If COVID taught us anything, it's that we don't manufacture enough in Australia.

"I'm very passionate about what we do here in Australia, and to be able to create more jobs and do things locally in the manufacturing industry has been absolutely magic."

The variable drifter, along with other technological and industrial advancements and opportunities provided by B&S Engineering, would decrease expenditure and reduce delays – bolstering the capacity of the North West Minerals Province, where much of Australia's resources are.

Robbie Katter concluded by saying, "It's pretty exciting to see this all come from someone who was a jumbo operator in the mining industry, who's now owning and designing these manufacturing processes and machines – the parts for those same jumbos he worked with back at the beginning.

"It's a pretty exciting time. With efforts like this, we can start winning the war back and creating manufacturing capabilities in Australia once again."

ENDS

FNQ beer is a patriot in a can

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:57:02 GMT

Last week, Kennedy MP Bob Katter represented FNQ’s own Copperlode Brewing Co at the Federal Crossbenchers Christmas Party, sharing with his parliamentary colleagues the craft brewer’s aptly named River Lizard Lager.

Traditionally, the party involves crossbenchers representing their electorates with locally produced food and beverages – with Mr Katter working with Cairns-based Copperlode Brewing Co’s Morgan (Morgo) Hind to create a one-off wraparound label for the cans at this year’s event.

The brand, established in 2023, found inspiration for its name from the nearby Copperlode Dam, a freshwater reservoir surrounded by FNQ’s famous world heritage rainforest, providing pristine water to the Cairns region, as well as being one of the special ingredients that make Copperlode’s brews unique.

“One of the key reasons we decided to base ourselves in Cairns was the quality of the water coming out of Lake Morris and the Copperlode Dam,” Mr Hind explained.

“We are fortunate to have access to some of the best brewing water in Australia, if not the world.”

Mr Hind said the ‘PATRIOT’ beer was an easy decision.

“To me, patriotism is being proud of your community and the people in it. It doesn’t mean we are better than anybody else; it just means we are grateful for what we have, especially in this part of the country.

“We respect Bob and that he’s always sticking up for regional Australia – we appreciate what he’s doing to represent people like us in our community.”

Copperlode has a range that includes the mid-strength River Lizard Lager, the full-strength Red Dust Draught, the Double Plugger XPA (a prerequisite to consumption being double pluggers to ensure steady footing), and the Five Knot Fever Pale Ale.

When questioned on the inspiration for the pale ale’s name, Mr Hind responded, “It comes from a classic North Queensland saying – when it’s five knots out on the reef, no one can blame you for pulling a sickie, and nothing pairs better with a cheeky fishing trip than the Copperlode pale ale.

“We craft it with a bouquet of tropical hops and Australian malt, and this beer tastes better than a day in the office.”

Mr Katter said he enjoyed any opportunity to “show off” the many great North Queenslander entrepreneurs and producers on the federal stage.

“North Queensland is rich in resources, and when I say that I don’t just mean in the ground and the water, but in the hearts of the people who want to make this nation a great place to live and do business.” Mr Katter said.

“This delicious nectar is clearly freedom in a can,” Mr Katter joked.

Mr Katter shared his definition of patriotism in a poetic chant:

“KAP is brave and bold,

Fight the fight and never grow old,

KAP is brave and bold,

Australia’s never gonna be sold.”

You can find more information about Copperlode Brewing Co at their website or Facebook .

ENDS

No, no, no – Katter tells tone deaf Commonwealth Bank

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 02:26:49 GMT

DEVOTED defender of cash Bob Katter has come out swinging after hearing of the Commonwealth Bank's introduction of a $3 assisted transaction fee and subsequent "change of approach".

"They're backpeddling but they're not even doing a good job of it," Mr Katter fumed.

Yesterday, the bank announced the forced transition of accounts and the introduction of a charge to face-to-face or phone transactions.

Today, the bank said they would pause the rollout of the fee and spend more time in consultation.

Mr Katter strongly rebuked the CBA, saying the multi-billion dollar bank was "tone deaf" and undeserving of the patronage of Australians.

"Where is their justification? A six-month delay is not enough. Stop this disgraceful conduct once and for all, and return to the safe and secure storage of peoples' money!

"This is an act of defiance and contempt for the people of Australia. The banks have been under attack over the cash issue – a very successful attack – and we've been surprised at how effective we've been.

"So, they're counter-attacking against the government who is moving to enshrine cash. But you and I are collateral damage; of course, they don't care.

"They're trying to make cash the enemy – but the shadowy suits in Sydney deserve to be in the crosshairs – sapping our accounts dry with fee upon fee upon fee.

"As far as I'm concerned, cash has always been legal tender, and the government needs to put a stop to this.

"The Treasurer must tell them NO. Nothing complicated – just NO – right? Can the government govern or not?

"I encourage every Australian who banks with the Commonwealth Bank to withdraw their hard-earned cash and take it elsewhere.

"The Commonwealth Bank was built to promote the interests of Australia, and right now some fat cat executives are just feathering their own nest."

ENDS

Apology NOT accepted - Katter

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:10:09 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has responded to Australian Venue Co's "apology" after backtracking on their decision to ban Australia Day celebrations in 2025.

Mr Katter vehemently condemned the company, saying he was "disgusted" that the country's second-largest hospitality company would make "such an un-Australian decision" in the first place.

"But I guess I shouldn't be surprised, seeing that the so-called "Australian" Venue Co is actually not so Australian after all," Mr Katter said.

Australian Venue Co was purchased by Hong Kong-based firm Pacific Alliance Group (PAG) just over a year ago.

Mr Katter continued, "This insults the very core of my being… an international conglomerate takes over an Australian company and then the first order of business is shutting down the celebration of this great nation.

"This is the gravest of insults to those who fought and died for us and the freedoms we are fortunate enough to experience every day.

"The traditional Aussie pub is about bringing people together, but this stunt has taken aim at the unity of our nation and attempted to drive us apart.

When asked what he would say to the PAG executives, Mr Katter responded, "Don't you worry, I can see what you're doing. Be warned, I'm coming for you, and it ain't gunna be pretty.

"I'm sick and tired of people spitting on patriotic Australians who love their country.

"I don't want them here, these people, they're un-Australian. So, if you don't want to celebrate this place, then go back overseas and get out of here.

"These people aren't just un-Australian; it's more than their absence of any iota of passion or patriotism. They are, in fact, anti-Australians.

"Even though it's Christmas time, the executives of this company need a big whack, and I'm willing to be the one to give it to them.

"I am a proud Australian, and I'm calling every other proud Australian across this great land to stand with me and fight for our right to Aussie pride."

AUSTRALIAN VENUE CO PARENT ORGANISATION

Pacific Alliance Group (PAG) – based in Hong Kong

AUSTRALIAN VENUE CO EXECUTIVE TEAM

Paul Waterson – CEO

David Noonan – CFO

Craig Ellison – COO

AUSTRALIAN VENUE CO HOTELS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND

Airlie Beach Hotel

Barron River Hotel Cairns

Boomerang Hotel Mackay

Capella Hotel Mackay

Commonwealth Hotel Innisfail

Dunwoody’s Hotel Cairns North

Empire Alternacade & Events

Grafton Hotel Edmonton

Hotel Allen North Wars

Jubilee Tavern Airlie Beach

Kooyong Hotel North Mackay

Mount Sheridan Tavern Cairns

Palm Cove Tavern

Reef Gateway Hotel Townsville

The Anthill Mareeba

The Mansfield Townsville

The Metropolitan Hotel

Tom’s Tavern Townsville

Trinity Beach Tavern Cairns

ENDS

Isa Rodeo must get back in the saddle by returning to roots

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:14:32 GMT

KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has called for the Mount Isa Rodeo to return to its roots and reconnect with the authentic spirit of the event, which has been integral to the local community for generations.

In a passionate statement in the last sitting fortnight of the year, Mr Katter told Parliament his concerns over the iconic event, highlighting that the rodeo is "in very serious trouble".

"I have absolutely no idea how it ended up being run by three people based in Brisbane. They tell me they're quite nice ladies and I don’t denigrate them, but I don’t know how anyone can run a rodeo when they've never really been on a horse much—and one lives in Brisbane and the other in Townsville. It’s not really surprising."

As ^[i] administrators held meetings with creditors this week, Mr Katter compared the current state of the Mount Isa Rodeo to the success of the Curry Merry Muster, a neighbouring rodeo in Cloncurry, which remains strong and continues to honour the spirit of rodeo.

He pointed out that the Curry Merry Muster was the first rodeo in the area, co-founded by his father, and was once the second-largest rodeo in Queensland.

"My father was President of the ARRA, the Australian Rough Riders Association. He wasn’t a roughrider himself, but he was very active in rodeoing. As a little kid, I had to run the water over because they built all of the chutes and grounds themselves. That was the spirit of rodeo. You had 12 or 15 blokes carrying all the big logs, putting them together and building the rodeo grounds, and I had to run the water over from our house, which was about 400 metres away, to all the workers," Katter said.

Bob Katter shared his vivid memories of the Curry Merry Muster, and the unique sense of community.

“This is my father's song:
‘Curry’s merry muster,
Pride of the great north-west;
Owners and managers are in the show,
Together with their boys to make it grow;
One big family to strike a blow
That’s the way we do it at the Curry rodeo.’”

Reminiscing about the atmosphere at the event, Mr Katter recounted the good times spent in the shade of big trees, enjoying the company of friends and family, and participating in the vibrant community spirit that defined the event for so many years. He explained that the rodeo grounds were originally a place of connection, camaraderie, and shade for the community, which is now missing.

"Now we just have a barren brick wall and nothing—not a tree, not an ounce of shade cover. No one can drink at the bar and talk about old times; no one wants to, because of the incredible heat and barrenness. If you had anything to do with the town, you would know that. You would know that you need trees and maybe a shade shed there. You would know that," Katter said.

ENDS

Katter demands urgent road upgrades in FNQ amidst ongoing fatalities

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:59:55 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has called for immediate government action following a series of tragic road deaths in Far North Queensland (FNQ), most recently being a tragic fatal crash in Edmonton.

“The whole of FNQ are beginning to rise up in rage,” Mr Katter warned.

“We are seeing fatal accidents every three-to-four weeks now and the government, 2000km away, couldn’t care less.”

Drawing comparisons, Katter highlighted that Greater Cairns, with a population similar to Canberra, has far fewer infrastructure investments.

“Brisbane gets $36 billion and 36 kilometres of tunnels. North Queensland gets nothing,” he said.

Mr Katter said he would be seeking discussions with local councils and plans to convene a regional road crisis conference.

“I’ve discussed with the deputy mayor in Cairns, and he is of the same opinion as myself.”

Bob Katter MP, Feluga resident Ross Threlfall, and KAP State Member for Hill Shane Knuth

at the East Feluga upgraded intersection that Shane and Bob lobbied for.

Discussions have also taken place with RACQ about the state of the Bruce Highway, with plans for a slow convoy from Brisbane to Cairns next year.

“It’s time for action before more blood is spilled. This government must be held accountable. It really has come to a stage now where quite frankly the next blood to be spilt will be that of the government in Brisbane.

“Let us pray for these poor families that have had such tragic loss over the last few months and I say, let us make sure that the government in Brisbane also says their prayers but then again, most of them don't believe in God.”

ENDS

Katter hijacks parliament to push supermarket divestiture

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:24:29 GMT

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP Bob Katter has called for immediate action on supermarket divestiture and genuine reform, following his attempt to introduce legislation in Parliament yesterday.

His suspension of standing orders (SSO) to bring on the Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill was blocked by the government and the Liberals, with the Nationals abstaining from the vote.

“Increasing penalties to $10 million on supermarkets might sound good, but it’s nothing more than ideological window dressing,” Mr Katter said.

“Without proper investigation, enforcement, capping markups, and mandatory divestiture, we won’t see real reform. Families and farmers won’t get a fair deal. We need action, not hollow headlines.”

Yesterday afternoon, Mr Katter moved to open debate on his bill, which proposes genuine reforms to break up the supermarket duopoly and ensure fairness in pricing and profits.

“This government of ideology, backed by their bedmate in the Liberals, voted against it. The Nationals were too cowardly or spineless to vote either way. They hid in the shadows while ordinary Australians continue to pay the price,” he said.

Mr Katter highlighted the frustration of Australians who are tired of political grandstanding without meaningful action.

He issued a challenge to the government, calling for accountability and a willingness to engage in genuine debate.

“If the government can’t govern, and if their legislation can’t stand up to robust debate, then they should call an election now. Let Australians vote for someone who can actually deliver,” Mr Katter demanded.

Mr Katter remains steadfast in his commitment to breaking up the supermarket monopoly and delivering fairness across the supply chain.

“We started the year with this fight and we are determined to fight for supermarket reforms that Australians need, and we won’t back down until justice is done.”

ENDS

Katter supports suspension to address rural doctor shortage – “Tyranny of distance”

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:33:22 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, has supported fellow crossbencher, Member for Calare, Andrew Gee’s, motion to suspend standing orders in the House of Representatives and bring the Doctors for the Bush Bill 2024 to the front of the legislative agenda for immediate discussion.

Mr Gee’s bill is a critical step in addressing the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in regional and remote Australia.

Mr Katter, who has long been a vocal advocate for better healthcare services in the bush, stressed the urgency of this matter, drawing on personal family experiences to highlight the devastating effects of the tyranny of distance.

“It’s not entirely germane to what we are proposing here, but there were three Katter boys—my father and his two brothers. Their parents had gone out to their region in a stagecoach in the 1870s. Two of the boys died as a result of the tyranny of distance,” said Mr Katter.

“My uncle was injured in a football match—and this is where the story does not really pertain to doctors in the bush. By the time the Qantas aeroplane—and my grandfather was a major shareholder in those days—came back from Longreach to Cloncurry and then took him from Cloncurry to Brisbane, it was too late. Sadly, he died. If the aeroplane had been at Cloncurry, he'd have been alright. So he died as a result of the tyranny of distance.

“My father had cancer. He should have gone down for the operation, but the airline strike came. He wouldn't jump the queue and he was in no condition to drive down. By the time he got down there, 3½ months later, it was too late; the cancer had got away. So he also died as a result of the tyranny of distance."

Mr Katter said the Bill highlighted the stark reality faced by many regional Australians who suffer due to the lack of local medical professionals and access to healthcare.

�� Bob Katter and Dr Rod Catton of Innisfail

Katter also pointed out the absurdity of government policies that mistakenly categorise thriving regional centres like Cairns as ‘isolated’.

“Cairns is one of the most salubrious places in the world to live. And it's isolated? Heavens! If Cairns is isolated, God help the rest of Australia!" he said.

Drawing on his own experience of fighting for doctors in Julia Creek, Mr Katter said that, for years, he personally coordinated with overseas medical professionals to ensure the town never went without a doctor.

Long advocating for solutions to the doctor shortage in rural and remote Australia, Mr Katter has proposed that the government should reintroduce a system where medical graduates are bound to serve in regional areas as part of their qualification.

“We should return to mandatory regional and remote placements. At least for 15 months. If you graduate as a doctor, the government puts a million dollars into making you a doctor, and it will give you the right to earn a squillion dollars a year. And if the government gifts you that investment in your career, then I think you owe something to the people of regional Australia,” he said.

Mr Katter concluded by stressing the broader impact of this issue on regional centres across his electorate, saying, “We’re not just talking about Julia Creek. We’re talking about places like Mareeba, only 30 kilometres from Cairns, yet their situation is grim.”

Bob Katter’s support of the Doctors for the Bush Bill 2024 is a critical step in securing a better future for rural and regional Australians who continue to face a lack of access to essential healthcare services.

Almost 13,000 people have signed Andrew Gee's petition, you can too by heading to www.change.org/p/end-the-rural-doctor-shortage-crisis .

ENDS

Christmas Message: Commercialism can’t replace the heart of Christmas

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:37:47 GMT

As we approach Christmas, it’s hard not to notice how much the true meaning of the holiday has become overshadowed by the pressures of commercialism.

The streets are lined with decorations, and the stores are filled with endless sales, but somehow, the essence of Christmas—peace, goodwill, and faith—seems to be losing ground. In years gone by, the nativity scene was a central symbol of the season. Now, it seems fewer people set up these meaningful displays, and instead, we find ourselves surrounded by the noise of Christmas music, but not the traditional carols that tell the story of Christ’s birth.

The commercialisation of Christmas has drowned out the simple, humble message of the season. Instead of focusing on the true gift of Christmas—hope, love, and light—many are consumed by an insatiable appetite for consumption. We exchange gifts, but often forget that the greatest gift we can give is kindness, compassion, and understanding.

This is why we must return to the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, whose prayer reminds us of what Christmas should really be about.

He prayed,

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.”

Christmas is not about how much we spend or how grand our celebrations are. It is about the peace and love we share with others. It’s about giving, forgiving, and showing compassion. As we celebrate this Christmas, let us take these words to heart and strive to be instruments of peace, love, and joy in our families and communities.

Merry Christmas to you all. Let this season be one of true meaning.

ENDS

Mr Katter alongside the nativity scene he constructed at his home. Nativity artwork by Charters Towers artist Midge Read.

Katter seeks govt intervention on skyrocketing cyclone insurance in Far North

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:38:14 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has called on the Australian Government to urgently amend the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool legislation to make insurance premiums in the north affordable and on par with the rest of the country.

In the last sitting fortnight of the year, Mr Katter fronted Parliament to address the escalating issue of sky-high insurance premiums in the region, which are placing an unfair financial burden on North Queensland residents. He also raised concerns over the failure of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool, highlighting that it has not adequately addressed the needs of homeowners, with arguably 50 per cent of North Queensland currently uninsured or underinsured.

"The government must act now to fix the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool before another disaster strikes the north," Katter said.

"The premiums for insurance in Northern Australia are significantly higher than the national average, with the exception of Sure and Allianz. This lack of competition is leaving homeowners with limited options and unfairly high costs."

The attached case studies are a small example of the many complaints about unaffordable insurance premiums that have been brought to Mr Katter's attention.

"All insurers should be providing affordable and fair coverage for residents in cyclone-prone areas. To achieve this the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool must be fixed."

In his speech, Katter criticised the current government's handling of the issue, saying that free-market advocates often fail to consider the unique challenges faced by Northern Australia.

"Why should we be treated differently? Why should we be forced to run industries like cane and cattle farming at margins no other farmers in the world are asked to endure?" Katter questioned.

"Cyclones are a natural part of life in the region, and the government must step in to ensure that insurance premiums are fair and equitable for those who live in cyclone-prone areas."

Together with Bradley Health from Sure Insurance, Mr Katter attended an urgent meeting with the Minister for Finance, Steven Jones, to discuss the issue earlier this week.

"There was a mutual recognition that further work needed to be undertaken in areas that are vulnerable to cyclones and flooding," Mr Katter said.

"I made the Minister aware that we need to decrease the rates of those uninsured and underinsured. We can only do that if we bring premiums down to an affordable level.

"A key issue discussed was extending coverage of the Reinsurance Pool beyond the current 48-hour period to ensure that post-cyclone flooding impacts are covered."

Bob Katter pays tribute to tourism pioneer Mick Borzi

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:27:10 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has paid tribute to true visionary, former Mareeba Mayor, Mick Borzi, who played an integral role in transforming Cairns into the global tourist destination it is today.

“I have vivid memories of my own experiences in Cairns. My family had good friends who moved there to manage a hotel, and we decided to take a holiday. We lasted less than two days. It was a greasy, hot, ugly backwater – we couldn’t get out fast enough. We fled to Atherton. I never would have imagined that this little backwater could one day be transformed into a world-class destination. But thanks to Mick and others like him, it has,” Mr Katter said.

“It all began when an American entrepreneur had the idea to build a chairlift in Cairns – a vision brought to life by his Australian son, Ken Chapman. This was just the beginning. Paul Kamsler and Peter Abeles built the first five-star hotel in Cairns, and Mick Borzi’s promotion of the area soon followed. He even managed to bring Lee Marvin, the most recognisable actor in the world at the time, to Cairns – a pivotal moment that helped put the city on the international map.

“And let’s not forget the international airport. I thought Cairns was lucky to even have an airport, but Mick's influence led to its expansion, making it a key gateway for tourists. His work laid the foundation for the city’s booming tourism industry.

“Mick was a humble man, always grounded in the values of hard work and service to his community. The last time I visited him, he and his wife were working on their mango plantations, embodying the spirit of self-sufficiency and dedication that defined his life. And when I last saw him in the public arena, he was working as a volunteer for St Vincent de Paul, helping others in need.

“If you were ever going to build a statue in North Queensland, it should be for Mick Borzi. His leadership and legacy will continue to benefit Cairns and its people for generations to come.”

ENDS

ASD children fall through cracks after NDIS reform

kahla.pike@aph.gov.au (Kahla Kruger) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:00:48 GMT

There are fears that children with severe autism have had funding cuts as an unforeseen consequence of the NDIS Reform.

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter MP has expressed his deep concern and outrage over the significant funding cuts affecting children with serious autism under recent National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms. Following alarming reports from families and support networks across Australia, Mr. Katter has called on the Federal Government to urgently address these failings and ensure that no child is left without the vital support they need.

According to an article by the ABC, the reforms, which began even before the Amendment Bill passed in August, have created a myriad of challenges for families of children with autism. These include reduced funding allocations and distressing interactions during planning processes, leaving families feeling traumatised and unsupported. While the NDIS has signaled a willingness to engage with affected families, Mr. Katter stressed that much more needs to be done.

“I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach after hearing the feedback from families with autistic children who have endured deeply traumatic experiences during their dealings with NDIS representatives,” Mr Katter said. “The line of questioning and the constant reduction in funding demonstrate a clear agenda to save money at the expense of some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Mr Katter was particularly critical of the disparity in funding priorities within the NDIS.

“What kind of Government would associate its name with legislative changes that allow adult participants to have $20,000 respite holidays while denying children access to speech therapy—a fundamental right that allows them to communicate and engage with the world around them?”

Mr Katter, who has an autistic grandson, revealed that he met with the Minister for the NDIS in November last year to raise these issues directly, underscoring the urgent need for reform and better oversight of the scheme. At the meeting, Mr Katter told the Minister of his grandson Alfie's success with the brisbane based AEIOU program.

"For a long time there was no sign of life with Alfie. But now, he talks and fights and wrestles me. He's a different kid and walking proof that these programs like the AEIOU are worth their weight in gold.'

Despite these discussions, the situation has escalated for many families.

“This is not just a policy failure—this is a moral failing,” Mr Katter said.

“We need immediate action to rectify these injustices and ensure that no child is left behind due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and misplaced priorities.”

Mr Katter is urging the Federal Government to conduct a thorough review of recent changes and to commit to fully supporting families of children with autism through increased funding, transparent processes, and compassionate engagement.

ENDS

Katter farewells Press Gallery icon – “Bowers’ magic to be missed”

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 03:55:11 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has extended congratulations to Mike Bowers as he concludes his distinguished tenure with The Guardian.

“Mike has constantly put shoulder to the wheel in the Press Gallery in Canberra, capturing the spirit, drama, and occasional absurdity of Australian politics with an unerring eye,” Mr Katter said.

Reflecting on Bowers' knack for storytelling through the lens, Mr Katter praised one particularly memorable moment: a photograph of himself and fellow MP Andrew Wilkie dressed in a pig suit, to protest the unchecked powers of the greedy supermarket giants.

“That shot was sort of brilliant—Mike’s eye turned a serious message into an image that spoke volumes and left an impression,” Mr Katter said.

“He really captured the ‘grunt’ in me, and I tell you, I am determined to see that duopoly broken up.”

Mr Katter said it was a shame losing such a seasoned professional from the Press Gallery but wished Bowers every success in his next chapter.

“Mike Bowers departure is a big loss to the Gallery. His dedication and artistry has enriched the Parliament and I thank him for his years of service and wish him all the best for the road ahead.”

ENDS

Coalition “anti-bush” after opposing NBN guarantee

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 04:16:46 GMT

In Parliament today, KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter put forward a Bill to require all Australians to have continued fair and equitable access to the NBN.

Although the crossbench came out in full support, the Government opposed his legislation. Infinitely worse, the Liberals and National Party abstained from voting altogether.

"The Coalition don't believe in public ownership and they certainty don't believe that we, in the bush, deserve essential services such as the NBN," lamented Mr Katter.

Mr Katter said he was "disgusted" that the Coalition appeared to be absolutely chomping at the bit to sell the NBN.

"What other conclusion can be reached? Our electricity industry has been sold, Telstra has been sold. They are anxiously awaiting to form Government so they can sell off the NBN," said Mr Katter.

Telstra has a Universal Service Obligation, yet this was not tied to the sale. Telstra has now sold off all the assets that would allow them to fulfil this obligation.

"It is a "Shell" – the head of a catalogue of non-government ownership of essential services," said Mr Katter.

The Government has spent billions on the roll-out of the NBN.

"Public ownership is essential to get some return and benefit – rural and regional areas require fair and equitable access and continued upgrades in-line with those in metro areas."

"You'd see it differently if you were sitting in a car that was dry-bogged to the eyeballs, praying for survival, when the ground temperature was about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and your father had third-degree burns, suffering heat stroke and had nearly died.

"We're sick and tired of being a purse and a punching bag for the southern cities.

"If they want the food we provide, the wealth we generate, the jobs we create – then stop treating us like second-class citizens.

"I implore the discerning and perceptive people of regional Australia store this moment in their memories come next year when they're given the task of voting in the federal election."

ENDS

Katter says keeping cash is everyone's business

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:38:55 GMT

KENNEDY Federal MP Bob Katter has applauded the Government’s announcement to mandate cash, which means businesses will be legally required to accept cash and coins when selling essential goods, including fuel and groceries.

At a press conference in Canberra today, Mr Katter was flanked by crossbench colleague and Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, as well as National Seniors Australia CEO Chris Grice, where they unanimously praised the decision.

“Some people out there think they don’t care but I wonder if they’ve thought about what is truly at stake here,” Mr Katter said.

“Once you give the banks the power, I hope you don’t believe they’ll be willing to give it back.

“Keeping cash in circulation as legal tender is everyone’s business. Whether it impacts you now or in the future, the banks want to take away your choice and your freedoms.”

Mr Katter’s experience made headlines across Australia earlier this year when he attempted to pay for his lunch at Parliament House and was told they wouldn’t accept cash.

“You know I’ve been in parliament for 50 years and starting the big fracas over the use of cash may be my most major achievement so far.”

“The altercation that started this national debate – well, they wouldn’t take the cash, and I said, “you have to, it’s legal tender” .

“Milton Dick (Speaker of the House) came down and very assertively and very appropriately ordered them to go and get the change so that there would be cash there. God bless Milton Dick in this case."

When asked if this proposed mandate goes far enough, Mr Katter replied, “There should be no exceptions. Everyone should be required to accept cash.

“This is even worse than being controlled by the government; at least they’re democratically elected people. This is about being controlled by shadowy figures in office blocks in Sydney and Melbourne – the bankers.

“The Liberals better be on side with this because if they’re not, they establish themselves as the handmaidens of the powerful shadowy people that run Australia.

“Do you want a society run by the bankers? I know I certainly don’t.

“Banks can be a wonderful instrument for growth, enlightenment and kindness or they can be a dreadful machine of oppression.

“We are heading into storm season in north Queensland; residents of the Kennedy electorate that I represent are well aware of the need to have cash on hand in the event of a disaster. When a cyclone knocks out the power, it could be days before you can use EFTPOS or an ATM.

“This issue is not just limited to regional areas – you know the lights are going out more regularly in the city now than the country! You lose the lights, lose your money and you’ll just have to go hungry unless the power comes back on.

“This issue is about more than convenience, more than the here and now; it’s about whether our society is run and controlled by the banks or run and controlled by the people of Australia.

“A cashless society will eventuate in George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four on steroids and we’ve all got to fight it.

“Henry Lawson’s “The City Bushman” is an iconic poem in Australian history. One of the stanzas concludes by saying:

‘Droving songs are very pretty, but they merit little thanks

From the people of a country in possession of the Banks.’

“It’s a very bitter poem, but it’s very accurate.

“The banks will not have the power. The people will have the power. And that means that cash must be legal tender.”

ENDS

Keith Ballard: Celebrating Mount Isa racing legend’s last laps this weekend

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 07:43:46 GMT

KEITH Ballard, based in Mt Isa, is the oldest active jockey in Australia – and this weekend, he will take the reins for the last time before he retires from professional racing.

At 71 years of age, Mr Ballard has competed in almost 10,000 races in a career spanning 55 years.

When reflecting on the life and career of Mr Ballard, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, fondly recalled his early days spent with family and friends enjoying the races.

“Horse racing, along with rodeoing and rugby league have been the three pastimes of the Australian bush – which is nearly 10% of Australia’s population.

“If I was to pick out the most significant representatives of the racing industry in North West Queensland, I would not hesitate to say Keith Ballard as well as George Tipping.

“For me personally, whilst Cloncurry boys don’t cry, I can’t help but recall stories of my father and the Backash brothers who were all obsessed with racing and of course having a punt as well.

“It’s somewhere you can go and have fun – forget all your woes and worries. So, it’s more than the end of an era with Keith, it’s the finale of the racing life of one of the great titans of my homelands.

“Whilst many saw fortunes vanish, Keith as the leading light was able to look after his family and provide leadership in an industry that brought entertainment and community to our rural areas.”

ENDS

KAP presents a plan that could run rings around the Olympics

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:44:17 GMT

AFTER further reports of more government overspending on the Brisbane 2032 Games, KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has publicly slammed the Crisafulli government alongside KAP MPs Robbie Katter (KAP leader and Member for Traeger) and Shane Knuth Member for Hill.

On Monday this week, the Courier Mail advised of a $500 million cost blowout to fund upgrades to Roma St Station
On Tuesday, they advised of another $500 million cost blowout to fund the Gold Coast Light Rail and Cross River Rail

At a press conference this week, Katter’s Australian Party launched the North Queensland Land of Opportunities map, demonstrating a vision of how the forecasted $62 billion Olympics splurge could be better invested.

The first point of business: focusing on all of Queensland and not just Brisbane.

Mr Katter expressed frustration at the incoming Crisafulli state government, explaining they’d had enough time “on the bench” to devise a plan to get Queensland out of this mess.

“Stop blaming the previous government, stop blaming the CFMEU, just stop whining altogether and take some action for crying out loud. Scrap the Olympics and start investing in money-generating projects for the whole state,” insisted Mr Katter.

“The ALP/LNP Brisbane-centric governments continue to play the blame game, while funnelling billions of dollars from our schools, hospitals, police and northern roads to pay for cost blowouts for their ginormous, 19-day Olympic indulgence,” said Mr Katter emphatically.

“The Olympics has become more about foreign dignitaries and commercial interests than actually celebrating the triumph of the human spirit. What are they really wanting to achieve here? Because I can tell you now that our vision for the Land of Opportunities runs rings around anything they’ve thought of.”

“Independent economist Professor Colin Dwyer has estimated the Olympics is going to cost $62 billion, which is nearly the same as the government’s annual income,” Mr Katter explained.

“Not only are they overspending but the state government continues to strangle money-generating projects,” Mr Katter continued.

“It’s not complicated, all we’re asking for is a government that cares about the people in the regions and stops overlooking their basic human needs to fund an overpriced Olympic party.”

While motioning to the North Queensland Land of Opportunities map, Mr Katter reiterated, “This here – this is our plan. Scrap this joke of an event and make this happen.”

ENDS

Katter demands an end to the Charters Towers bat plague

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:38:43 GMT

KATTER’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter is demanding immediate action to rid Charters Towers of plague-like flying fox populations once and for all.

“Once again, flying foxes have returned to Charters Towers, stripping our fruit trees, placing our residents in danger and restricting the use and enjoyment of public areas,” lamented Mr Katter.

The town of Charters Towers has been under siege on and off for years due to the overwhelming amount of the pests.

“Year after year we should not have to wait for the problem to get out of hand before we act,” Mr Katter explained.

Mr Katter has written to the Mayor of Charters Towers Regional Council, calling on Council to reinstate relocation measures developed alongside Biodiversity Australia to resolve the issue and thoroughly investigate culling.

“If it’s relocation, then let’s make it happen. Let’s also reduce numbers to a more sustainable level by culling. You can’t expect people to live like this.

“Your home should be your castle – a place of peace and escape – and we are expecting people to accept that they can’t go in the backyard or take the kids to the park without having to worry about these bloody bats.”

Flying foxes have been found to host the Hendra virus, which can be passed to livestock and humans via bat urine infecting drinking water.

Mr Katter also reminded Council of the farmers and their need for immediate solutions to reduce crop impacts and economic losses.

“All measures should be investigated to provide a long-term solution ensuring the community and farmland have a sustainable flying fox population.”

Residents and business owners have expressed frustration and disappointment as local and state government departments continue around the mountain instead of achieving long-term results.

“The urgency of this issue cannot be understated. Council needs to act and act NOW!”

ENDS

Katter turns blowtorch on Orwellian “Ministry of Truth” Anti-Freedom law

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:08:04 GMT

OUTSPOKEN federal MP Bob Katter has set a blowtorch to the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024, condemning the government for implementing a “Big Brother” surveillance state that fundamentally undermines Australians' freedoms.

Bob Katter speaks to AJ at 4KZ about the Bill

Katter said he the bill grants sweeping powers to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to monitor and control public opinion in unprecedented ways.

“Who are these ACMA people? They’re hand-picked by bureaucrats here in Canberra, people who believe they have the right to decide what Australians can and can’t say. This bill suppresses dissent and enforces the values and views of the Canberra elite on every Australian. Mr Government, just who the hell do you think you are?!”

Drawing comparisons to Orwellian surveillance and ‘dystopian’ thought control, Katter argued that the bill resembles the authoritarian regimes in George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, both of which depict societies where every action and thought is policed.

"They've stripped these classics from the school reading list, and maybe it’s because they know people would recognise the parallels,” Katter said. “It’s simple, ACMA’s “thought police” are here, and can now monitor what you say.”

Katter warned that ACMA’s regulatory powers, presented under the guise of preventing “misinformation,” threaten the heart of Australian freedom.

“This bill represents the tyranny of a minority, a small group in Canberra telling Australians what they can believe, say, and share,” he declared. “Our ancestors came to Australia to escape exactly this kind of oppression—a life ruled by elites who control every aspect of their lives.”

The Member for Kennedy emphasised that the intrusion of ACMA’s powers extends beyond political speech, reaching into the everyday lives of Australians.

“They’re already telling us how we can raise our kids, what we can say in our own homes, and even this week we learned that a ifederal government department imposed a rule to ban the use of the Australian flag. Now they are banning tree houses and billy boiling too. Our grandparents sacrificed everything to secure a free Australia, but this government seems intent on ripping those freedoms apart.”

Katter went on to remind Australians of their nation’s hard-fought values of freedom and independence, saying the current legislation is an insult to generations who fought to protect those ideals.

“Our family lost a son in World War 1 and World War 2 – what for?! For the values of freedom and respect for every Australian,” Katter said passionately. “Now, I’m ashamed of how these public servants in Canberra are systematically dismantling everything we hold dear. They’ve spat on our flag, and for every day I have left in my life, I’m going to fight this.”

He called for Australians to recognise the impending erosion of freedoms and to resist the government’s “disinformation” laws before they take effect and warned that the legislation marks a turning point for Australian democracy—a drift toward censorship that’s uncharacteristic of Australia’s free spirit.

“Make no mistake, this is just the beginning,” Katter warned. “ACMA’s interference in our speech is not about misinformation; it’s about controlling the narrative, enforcing Canberra’s values, and making sure every Australian falls in line.”

ENDS

Australians on the brink of extinction

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:57:29 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter used Question Time in federal parliament to ask Treasurer Jim Chalmers what measures were being implemented to increase Australia’s birth rate and U-turn from our current highway to extinction.

Mr Katter cited a news article that claimed Australia’s birth rate had hit ¹ “rock bottom” and warned that young families are among the hardest hit by Australia’s cost of living crisis.

“Our young people can’t afford a home, they can’t afford groceries, they can’t afford fuel – the result – they can’t afford to start a family.

“The federal Labor government is doing nothing to seriously address these issues,” said Mr Katter.

“Regulatory impositions need to be lifted. This will open up vast tracts of open space in regional areas for affordable home building – we can all have a white picket fence and play backyard cricket.

“The supermarket giants need to be broken up to allow for further competition and a far better deal for families and farmers,” Mr Katter said.

“Our vast crops of sugar and grain need to be converted to fuel and electricity instead of being shipped, at minimal return, to overseas markets. Fuel and electricity can be renewable and cheap, and our air can be cleaner.”

Mr Chalmers’ response alluded to the cost-of-living issues the government is attempting to address, but Mr Katter believes these band-aid “fixes” don’t target the real problem.

“It is the responsibility and privilege of government to create an environment for families to grow and thrive, yet this government has been so fixated on splinter issues that our own race is vanishing,” Mr Katter said.

“One of the greatest joys, certainly in my lifetime, has been having a family.”

Mr Katter stressed the importance of the government’s role in building a nation Australians want to leave as a legacy for the next generation.

“This is about more than lowering the cost of living and dealing with daycare rates; it’s about painting a picture of an Australia that people actually want their kids to grow up in.

“Australians need a government that creates a vision of a future that people can be inspired by; a land of opportunities – the land that Dorothea Mackellar wrote about – the land that the ANZACs fought for – the land that we love.

“Now is the time for urgent action to U-turn this trend before we vanish ourselves from existence.” ]

—ENDS—

¹ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-17/australia-birth-rate-hits-rock-bottom-economic-consequences/104480816

Supermarkets win, farmers/consumers lose: Crossbench MPs call for real competition over coalition’s soft reforms

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:09:31 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, together with Independent Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, have condemned the Coalition’s supermarket legislation combo introduced into Parliament today as being a dud and nothing more than a “lawyers’ picnic”.

Mr Katter, who introduced the Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill 2024 in February this year said the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Tougher Penalties for Supermarket and Hardware Businesses) Bill 2024 and the Food and Grocery (Mandatory) Code of Conduct Bill 2024 fail to provide direct, immediate relief to both farmers and consumers and was akin to a “slap on the wrist with a wet lettuce” for the giants.

"These Bills do absolutely nothing to address the real issue: Coles and Woolworths paying our farmers a pittance while charging consumers through the nose," Mr Katter said.

"In any other country, this wouldn’t be tolerated. But in Australia, as long as people keep voting for the major parties, they’re going to keep paying 30 to 40 per cent more for their groceries than they should be. They talk about affordability, yet here we are — no action on food, no action on fuel."

Mr Katter stressed that the dominance of the supermarket giants has left Australian consumers and farmers with one of the most unequal playing fields in the world.

“Coles and Woolies are more powerful than the Government, money-wise. Even if someone were bold enough to challenge them, they could drag you through the courts for 30 to 40 years without breaking a sweat. Our farmers are among the most poorly paid in the world, while Australian grocery prices sit in the middle range globally, meaning everyone’s losing except for the big chains and their CEOs, who pocket obscene sums every year. These profits don’t drive competition — they kill it.”

Mr Gee echoed Mr Katter’s stance on the proposed legislation, saying that it would amount to nothing but empty promises.

“After all the ballyhoo and hype that the Coalition has put out about their divestiture policy, the legislation put forward by them today amounts to a disappointing fizzer,” said Mr Gee.

“As drafted, the divestiture powers are highly unlikely to be ever used, and if they are, will just amount to a lawyers’ picnic that will last for years and which will do nothing to stop the rampant price gouging in a cost of living crisis that’s occurring right now.”

Mr Gee said that the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct doesn’t just need amending as the Coalition is suggesting, it should be torn up and thrown out altogether.

“The Coalition is spruiking that the Code will now be mandatory but that’s hardly a win. The major supermarkets signed up to it a long time ago and it hasn’t stopped farmers and consumers being stung by them for years.

“When the Independents put our Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill into the Parliament, all MPs were given the chance to vote on a law that would take real action to immediately wind back the power of the supermarket giants, but disappointingly none of the major parties supported it,” Mr Gee said.

“I don’t believe that the Coalition’s legislation will lead to any relief for farmers who are being price gouged at the farm gate or consumers who are being ripped off at the checkout. It’s all just smoke, mirrors and hype before an election that will deliver nothing more than false hope and a press release.”

Mr Katter went on to say that these proposed laws, which claim to curb monopolistic behaviour, fall far short of what's actually needed:

forced and mandatory divestiture;

maximum 100% mark-up on produce;

powerful and proven law enforcement body; and

scrapping of the Code of Conduct and "agent" vendor numbers used by supermarkets to regulate and control farmers.

“They’re talking about ‘testing the waters’ and saying they might divest if things don’t improve — but it’s been 30 years, and all we’ve seen is talk,” he said.

“The ACCC suing the supermarkets? That’s barely a line item on the supermarkets’ balance sheets. It’s a charade, a waste of taxpayer dollars, and frankly, an insult to farmers and consumers.”

In closing, Mr Katter called on Australians to demand real action and stop propping up major parties who prioritise the interests of corporate giants over working families and farmers.

ENDS

Castle Law: Bob Katter calls for tougher crime measures

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 22:05:29 GMT

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, is a vocal advocate for personal rights, particularly when defending one's home.

As crime continues to rise in North Queensland, Katter has strongly backed the introduction of Castle Law, a legal principle that gives individuals the right to protect themselves in their home.

Katter's support for Castle Law is unwavering.

"So you walk into my home, you are taking the risk. Let it be known that under that law, you are taking a big risk in entering my home," Katter said.

Mr Katter's words highlight a core belief in the right to self-defence, particularly when that defence is exercised within the safety and sanctity of one's home.

Castle Law, adopted in various forms in many parts of the world, operates on the premise that a person's home is their castle.

Under this law, individuals are granted legal protection to use reasonable force in defending their property from intruders.

Katter has emphasised that this is not just about protecting belongings but the safety and security of individuals and their families.

Mr Katter believes that too many people live in fear due to escalating crime rates, and this law could provide a needed deterrent.

Growing Crime in North Queensland

Katter's advocacy comes against the backdrop of rising crime rates in places like Townsville.

He has been outspoken about the situation, particularly the failure of current political leadership to address the issue.

"Now, Townsville is represented by three Labor members who have been there for six years," Katter explains.

In his view, this long-standing representation has not translated into effective action on crime.

The situation is personal for Katter as well. He has close family members living in Townsville, including a relative who has been the victim of break-ins not once, but twice.

"A close relative of mine lives in Townsville. I board there. She's been broken into twice," Katter explains.

He also notes that Nick Dametto, a prominent figure in local politics and a member of the Queensland Parliament, has been similarly affected, having experienced multiple break-ins.

This shared experience, Katter suggests, led Dametto to champion the cause of Castle Law as a response to the growing problem of home invasions and burglary.

A Reality Check on Crime and Punishment

Katter's frustration is not limited to the lack of protective laws; it extends to the perceived ineffectiveness of the current justice system in dealing with offenders. "The Liberal leader came up here and said he's going to put them all in jail. Do the time, do the crime," Katter remarked.

While the idea of tougher penalties for criminals sounds appealing, Katter points out a critical issue: the shortage of available prison space.

"There's no jails to put them in. There's something like 300 people walking around that have been convicted and condemned to jail – that are not in jail."

This situation, Katter argues, is exacerbating the problem. Criminals are walking free, often committing multiple offenses, and the system seems unable to hold them accountable.

In response, Katter proposes a radical solution: a new approach to detention.

Rather than building more expensive and luxurious prisons, he suggests sending offenders to remote areas, such as Borroloola, a small town 1,000 kilometres from Townsville and Cairns.

"We're not going to build a big palatial jail for you," Katter said.

"You might just learn some life skills, and you might just find out that you enjoy the bush a bit."

KAP's solution involves relocating offenders to isolated areas where they would be required to live in basic conditions, without the option to escape.

He believes that this punishment could serve as both a deterrent and a way to rehabilitate offenders.

"You want to run away. There's no way to run to," Katter adds, emphasising the isolation and self-reliance that would be instilled in those sent to remote areas.

Bob Katter's comments reflect his frustration with the current political climate and the perceived failure of the justice system to keep communities safe. For Katter, Castle Law is not just about giving individuals the right to defend their homes, but about standing up for the rights of everyday Australians who feel increasingly vulnerable in the face of rising crime.

As crime rates continue to soar in places like Townsville, Katter's call for action is gaining traction. He advocates for stronger laws to protect individuals from intruders, but also recognises the need for broader reforms in the criminal justice system.

Katter is committed to ensuring that his constituents—and all Queenslanders—have the right to live without fear of crime, in their homes and communities.

Katter's message resonated with many who feel that the current system has failed to deliver real solutions to the growing crime problem. As debates about criminal justice reform continue to unfold, it is clear that the issues Katter has raised—self-defence, the effectiveness of the justice system, and the treatment of offenders—are likely to remain central to the national conversation.

ENDS

Big supermarkets going "Down Down" after ACCC reveals pricing rort

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:06:47 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has slammed supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths after hearing [i] reports that the ACCC is working to uncover the extent to which these retail giants have been overcharging customers through deceptive pricing tactics.

The ACCC's investigation into Coles and Woolworths focuses on allegations that customers were lured in with misleading pricing, paying more than advertised in some cases.

"Finally, after demanding action for over 15 years, the ACCC at least appears to be doing its' job."

However, Katter believes this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the damaging impact of these retail giants on both the economy and everyday Australians.

He backed calls for a class action of Coles and Woolworths customers "demanding action and compensation" where the shoppers could potentially claim up to $5000.

Mr Katter, a fierce advocate for the rights of farmers and consumers, expressed his anger over the situation.

"This is no surprise. We have been warning for years that these two major chains, who control almost 80 per cent of the grocery market, are holding the people of Australia to ransom. It's about time the spotlight was turned on their anti-competitive, money-grabbing practices.

"The stranglehold these duopolies have on the market not only squeezes out the little guys—our independent grocers and local farmers—it also forces consumers to fork out more for their basic needs. This is outright theft from the pockets of hardworking Australians.

"We introduced our first Bill to break them up over ten years ago! Every year they're raking in billions of dollars in profit, while Aussie farmers are driven to the wall, and shoppers are paying more for less. It's time to break up these big boys by any means necessary.

"Thanks must go to Andrew Wilkie, Andrew Gee, and all the people across Australia who rose up in rage.

"With Andrew, I dressed as a pig to get the message across of the sheer greed of these retail giants.

"At this time, we introduced legislation to break up the giants, limit the mark-up on items and restrict other price-gouging and anti-competitive behaviours. ALP voted against, the Liberals ignored, and the Nationals hid.

"There is a message there – please people, do not vote for the major party system. We have been fighting Coles and Woolworths the whole way and we have hit a nerve. Every time we raised this issue, the ALP/LNP Government went running for cover and called another Inquiry.

"But as Churchill said, when you absolutely must not do it, then you have of course an Inquiry, the more wide the terms of reference, the less likely it is to hit the target.

"There must be real consequences for these actions. Enough with the wrist slaps. If it's proven that they've misled the public on prices, they should be made to pay back every single cent," Katter concluded.

ENDS

[i] https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/retail/woolies-coles-fake-discounts-spread-across-the-supermarket-court-documents-allege/news-story/e503a6f78ce354a44827491596eb5e0c

Bob Katter statement on George Negus’ passing

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:56:55 GMT

The following quotes can be attributed to KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter.

“George Negus interviewed me many times over the years, and some of those times were extremely hostile.”

“George earns my respect with his confrontational manner. He was never bitter or driven by ideology, but had that intellectual curiosity which is the hallmark of a good journalist. He will get a high, high place in heaven.”

“George was a good friend of the people, even right up in Far North Queensland. He emceed the funeral of my Chief of Staff’s mother in 2017, flying up, no questions asked to help the family in their time of need.”

“We remember George for his curiosity and passionate contribution to Australian and international journalism.”

“Our sympathies and prayers to George’s family and loved ones during this time.”

– Bob Katter, Kennedy MP

—ENDS—

Katter asks PM to intervene in Korea Zinc battle for the future of NQ operations

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 02:54:19 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Hon Bob Katter, has submitted a Question in Writing to the Prime Minster asking him to commit to ensuring the safe future of North Queensland by intervening on the hostile takeover attempt of Korea Zinc is successful.

In the Question in Writing, he said he had serious concerns about a $1.5 billion tender offer for ^[1] Korea Zinc shares by private equity firm MBK Partners and South Korea’s Young Poong.

He writes, “Are you aware, that a hostile takeover of Korea Zinc has been proposed by a private equity fund? And that such a takeover will spell disaster for North Queensland, with the potential loss of about 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and the demise of a company essential to Australia’s critical minerals growth and development?

“Will you immediately intervene and ensure that all action (will be) undertaken, including high level diplomacy, by the Australian Government to prevent the proposed hostile takeover of Korea Zinc and protect Australian jobs and industry?”

As one of North Queensland’s largest employers, Sun Metals, owned by Korea Zinc, Mr Katter said that the takeover could have disastrous consequences for local jobs and Australia’s control over its critical resources, as well as for the pipeline of future projects.

“Korea Zinc have been a positive player in the North for over 20 years. They have been extremely good corporate citizens, having built a strong relationship with their workforce and reinvested back into the community and industry. They have a long-term plan to stay here – Australia, particularly the North, is their future.

“Now, a bunch of slithering shareholder sharks that wouldn't know the difference between zinc and Kryptonite want to play Monopoly games – they will conquer and divide with disastrous outcomes.

“Apart from high-level government intervention and diplomacy, the only safeguard we have in Australia is a review by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and these guys appear to rubber stamp whatever’s put in front of them.

“They have oversighted the sale of some of Australia’s most critical assets and locations, without the slightest scintilla of patriotism or Australianism.

“Now, let me be very specific; a group of share market sharks in Zurich took over the running of the corporation that was once Mt Isa Mines – proudly Australian owned. They knew nothing about mining - and as a result, we lost 2,000 jobs in Mt Isa and Townsville.

“Now, if the hostile takeover of Korea Zinc occurs, Townsville will lose another 1,000 jobs. Operations will be split up and moved overseas.”

Mr Katter said the Question in Writing followed an update provided yesterday by Michael Choi, Australian Principal of Korea Zinc, who said the noise being made in Australia’s media was having a serious impact on the ground in Korea and the Australia’s “stance” will play a part in the outcome of the takeover.

“KAP has taken our concerns to the highest level of government. High-level government intervention and diplomacy must be used to stop this takeover and keep Australian jobs and industry,” Mr Katter said.

“I hope and pray we can get the balance of power. And there's not the slightest doubt in my mind that if we do, we will go after those trying to strip the north of wealth and power - without grace or mercy.”

—ENDS—

Sack the Qantas board and executives

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 03:00:48 GMT

Kennedy MP Bob Katter is backing Qantas engineers as they strike over pay disputes and has re-stated his long-held view that the un-Australian Qantas board and executives should be immediately sacked.

One year on from CEO Alan Joyce’s hasty exit, the culture seems unchanged and much of the old board remains.

“So, whilst Alan Joyce may be gone, his ‘spirit’ clearly lives on. ‘Fat cat’ board members and executives lord over employees fighting for fair pay in the shadow of the looming threat of their jobs being outsourced overseas,” lamented Mr Katter.

“Whatever Qantas once was – it is now the complete opposite.

“The tragedy is that many of the people working with them are people that are still dedicated to their founding aspirations. Qantas was founded to shrink the tyranny of distance for regional residents, and those residents and their staff are now being extorted for profits.”

In recent years Qantas has sent 1,500 aeromechanic positions offshore and outsourced cleaning and maintenance services that employ extremely low-paid foreign workers. Meanwhile, they continue to increase and inflate prices.

“The major parties have overseen the outsourcing and casualisation of aviation jobs. Continued flight delays and offshoring of jobs and maintenance – this puts a question mark on safety. This is a disaster waiting to happen.”

Mr Katter stands in solidarity with the employees and the unions, and believes it’s only fair to increase wages in line with the rising cost of living.

“Is Qantas so blasé about this strike because they’re looking for another reason to ship more Australian jobs overseas?” Mr Katter questioned.

“Delays are now so consistent and predictable, there’s no doubt in my mind there’s something serious going wrong. The Qantas board is a national disgrace – this constant corporate greed is enough to make you sick. Sack them now.”

—ENDS—

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Katter condemns budget surplus at the expense of cost-of-living relief

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:08:33 GMT

As Treasurer Jim Chalmers smugly shows off a revised 23/24 budget surplus, KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter asks how this will equate to relief for Australians coping with the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Katter said if the Government were serious about a “so-called surplus”, then it would start investing in money-generating projects and focusing on taking the pressure off ordinary Aussies.

“Farmers are feeling like there’s no way out; families are having to scrimp and save just to get by – but oh yes, thank you Mr Chalmers for bringing us a budget surplus,” said Mr Katter.

“I’ve been analysing budgets for 50 years now, and it’s still clear that Mr ALP/LNP has no idea what’s going on outside of Canberra. And this tone-deaf budget update proves this.”

Mr Katter feels it is absurd that the Government is puffing itself up while Qantas continues to price gouge, Coles and Woolworths are under investigation by the ACCC, ASIC is asleep at the wheel while rogue corporates rip off hard-working mum-and-dad businesses, and state and federal assets are being sold off to international investors.

“And what do Australians get in return? Many households across this nation can’t remember the last time they had a “surplus” as they are living paycheck to paycheck.” Mr Katter said.

“And this self-serving, double-degree done-nothing has the gall to prance around like a peacock while Australians struggle to make ends meet.”

—ENDS—

At long bloody last – this is D-day for the people of Australia

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:26:15 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter welcomes the ACCC’s decision to take Coles and Woolworths to court over “alleged” misleading price drops. However, questions remain if this will lead to any real consumer relief.

After a decade of working to pass a Bill on reducing supermarket dominance, Mr Katter has had enough of the supermarket giants’ pricing practices, the Government’s inadequate response and the abhorrent exploitation of Australian farmers.

“For real relief at the till,” Mr Katter continued, “we need significant reform which would force mandatory and staged divestiture, a maximum mark-up of 100% on all produce, protection of farmers from onerous regulations, limited access to market via the vendor licencing system and significant powers for retribution, investigation and enforcement with severe penalties; and customs levy on all imported produce.

“These measures have been repeatedly brought to the attention of the ALP/LNP,” Mr Katter said.

In the past 12 months alone, Mr Katter has introduced a bill detailing reform, provided submissions to the Commonwealth and Queensland Government Supermarket Inquiries and Code of Conduct Inquiry, and repeatedly raised reform in Parliament through Questions with and without Notice, Suspension of Standing Orders and as a Matter of Importance.

“I’ve even gone so far as to dress as a pig in the corridors of Parliament with fellow MP Andrew Wilkie, to demonstrate the greed of these ‘Giants’ and the need for Government to act immediately.

“We did a survey a year or so ago on six grocery items that everyone uses every few days: eggs, sugar, milk, bananas, potatoes, avocados – the average mark-up was 170 per cent,” Mr Katter stated.

“Coles and Woolies have a responsibility to their shareholders to maximise profits. Their responsibility is not to provide cheap food – that’s the Government’s responsibility. And the ALP/LNP that governs Australia have had 15 inquiries in 15 years and each of them have been a complete joke.

“But the ultimate comment was that a LNP Senator on the inquiry committee turned up at a demonstration in Orange and started screaming abuse at the demonstrators protesting Woolworths and Coles. That would demonstrate where the ALP/LNP allegiance would lie. In the last 10-plus years, neither party has ever supported supermarket reform.

“Australian farmers are amongst the most poorly paid in the world. The number of farmers has gone from over 200,000 to well under 100,000. It’s enough to make you sick.

“Australian consumers pay some of the highest prices in the world for their food. In a country that prides itself on its ability to be a food bowl for the world, there should be no excuses for these high prices.

“I had the most furious fight with Government (past and present) over the ACCC. I have attacked them continuously over the issue of Woolworths and Coles. There is no country in the world where there is a concentration of market power as in Australia.

“But I emphasise, it is not Woolworths and Coles – their job, made easy with the power afforded to them, is to maximise their profits and push the farmers as low as they can.

“So, whilst I applaud the legal action here, what I now expect is for the Government to BREAK THEM UP!”

—ENDS—

Katter warns Australia of imminent shark cull

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:05:48 GMT

Gearing up for a Shark cull -- starting with this flake!

What happened to this fish is mild compared to what's going to happen to the Sharks tonight.

Cowboys are about to clear the waters.

#NRLSemiFinals

#CowboysCountry

Katter warns North Queensland’s major zinc industry is at risk in foreign takeover

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:18:06 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Hon Bob Katter, has warned a hostile takeover of Korea Zinc by foreign bankers will spell disaster for North Queensland.

He said he had serious concerns upon learning about a $1.5 billion tender offer for [1] Korea Zinc shares by private equity firm MBK Partners and South Korea’s Young Poong.

As one of North Queensland’s largest employers, Sun Metals, owned by Korea Zinc, Katter fears that the takeover could have disastrous consequences for local jobs and Australia’s control over its critical resources.

"If these are resources on Australian soil, we must assert our sovereignty. It's simply not acceptable to assume that foreign investors can sell or buy our critical assets without scrutiny.” Mr Katter said.

“Korea Zinc has been a positive player in North Queensland for over two decades. They’ve built strong relationships with their workforce and the local community and have never taken a dividend out of Australia. However, history shows us what happens when multinational corporations are focused solely on profits, like Xstrata and Glencore, they replace owners that have social responsibility and start stripping the cash out. We saw it in Mount Isa, and I'm certain the same disaster will occur here.

“Allowing foreign bankers—who know nothing about mineral processing—to take over is like unleashing a bull in a China shop. The real question on the minds of Australians is, ‘Do we still control our own country, or are we just a playground for foreign moneymakers?’”

Mr Katter said he would be making the Prime Minister aware of the situation and will insist that Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) intervene if there is a change of hands.

He said that Australia risks losing yet another major industry, as Korea Zinc’s operations are under threat of being moved to Asia. He also raised concerns about safety breaches linked to Young Poong’s management, casting a shadow over the potential deal.

“Korea Zinc runs one of the largest zinc plants in the world, and if processing moves to Asia, we’ll lose another critical industry. Once again, Australia will be relegated to nothing more than a quarry for others. Worse still, this foreign banking firm comes with serious safety concerns, adding even more risk.

“Sun Metals is North Queensland’s largest private employer. Unlike Australian industry, it’s not burdened by endless regulatory restrictions, and it has access to capital from powerful banks and supportive governments. Australia needs to protect its own industries if we’re to survive in a world dominated by these economic giants.

“The FIRB needs to get its hands dirty. In the past, it has done little to protect our national interests. Apart from Woodside in the Timor Sea, I can’t name a single meaningful intervention by FIRB. I even suggested Parliament contract the work out to the local CWA ladies—they’d do a better job putting that money to good use than FIRB ever has.”

ENDS

[1] https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/private-equity-mbk-young-poong-launch-15-bln-tender-offer-korea-zinc-shares-2024-09-13/

Coal is King

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:57:06 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter applauded the ALP Minister for Northern Development and Resources, Madeleine King's, response in today's Question Time acknowledging that 'Coal is King'.

"This is an astounding comeback from an ALP Government that has been hell-bent on destroying the coal industry to pander to inner-city voters," said Mr Katter.

"Finally, they appear to be reading the room. Coal provides nearly $100 billion to Australia's economy, generates nearly 50% of Australia's electricity and provides more than 300,000 jobs." (www.coalaustralia.com)

In response to Bob's question, Minister King confirmed the Australian Government's commitment to Australian coal, "I can assure the member for Kennedy that the coal industry will not be abolished. It absolutely will not be…"

Such a strong statement from a senior Member of the Albanese Government is welcomed by those who work in the industry and the millions of Australians who rely on cheap and reliable electricity.

"However, this is a government that has, time and time again, had a blinkered approach to achieving a net zero economy regardless of the cost and consequences. To them, 'coal' has become a dirty word with logic thrown out the window."

"Maybe the Albanese Government has had an epiphany and recognised the essential benefits of a thriving Australian coal industry," said Mr Katter.

"Hopefully, this is not simply rhetoric to grab some pre-election votes from those feeling the pain of rising electricity costs."

"The Government should not continue down the path of creating bureaucracy after bureaucracy to plan and strategise for a net zero future where the lights go out, heating and cooling become a luxury, and nobody can afford to charge their EVs or mobiles."

"Without 'Coal as King' – our future is bleak."

—ENDS—

Katter calls for right to arbitration at ‘Keep the Sheep’ Canberra rally

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 07:53:43 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter was participating in the thousand-strong crowd at today’s ‘Keep the Sheep’ rally in Canberra, when he was invited to address the rally on stage.

The event was organised by farming groups impacted by the recent Government decision to ban live sheep export.

Mr Katter used the opportunity to remind Australia of how critically important the live export industry, as well as crop and cane farming, was to the nation’s economy and announced he’d be pushing for the right to arbitration for Australian farmers and called for the return of a “fair dinkum Country Party”.

Mr Katter slammed the National Party again for failing the industry over 20 years on from when he famously quit the party over their role in deregulating the industry. He said the hypocrisy of the National Party at today’s event was staggering when it was the Coalition Government (at the time) Sussan Ley, who was responsible for firing the first shot at killing the sheep live export trade when she moved the [1] Live Sheep Long Haul Export Prohibition Bill 2018.

“I honestly struggled to stand up on that stage and speak after listening to the other politicians.

“The current number two in the LNP in Canberra is Sussan Ley who was the first person to move for the abolition of live animals from Australia. It was pretty bad form from them taking over the rally skiting about protecting the industry if they return to power when they have a hand in its destruction.

“The sheep industry was the biggest income earner for this nation for 200 years was utterly destroyed by the former Labor government.

“I came from an area that once had 3.5 million head of sheep. I doubt we have even have 100,000 head now. Thank you, Mr Keating, for abolishing our statutory marketing.”

Mr Katter pleaded for the return of a true country-focused party with principles that aligned with the best interests of those that work on the land.

“I have a passionate commitment to getting a fair go and clearly, if you put statutory marketing back in, milk, eggs, wool, pork – the list goes on – they will go back up. Every worker should, deserves and must have arbitration for a fair and just economy. But if it is good enough for the employees, it should be good enough for the farmers.

“We must reregulate the industry and give the farmers their right to arbitration.

“As a kid of 13 I joined the Country Party and I stayed a member until the party changed and became another thing entirely. We need a Country Party back! We need a party back specifically there to represent us from the bush and I plead with you all, please back those that have your back.”

—ENDS—

Katter calls on government to tap into resources instead of retirees' wallets

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 07:48:44 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has raised concerns about the proposed aged care reforms set to be discussed in Parliament this week.

Mr Katter labelled the reforms “appalling” and reacted with “great anger” that this deal could see wealthier retirees forced to spend more of their savings on their aged care, under a deal to be struck between Labor and the Coalition.

“These people have worked hard and paid taxes all their lives, and still, it doesn’t seem to be enough for the Australian government,” Mr Katter said.

“If you need a few billion dollars, I'll tell you, instead of thieving it out of the pockets of people who are doing it really tough and have worked all their lives to save up money for their old age, how about you stop giving the gas away to the richest nations on earth – for nothing.”

Mr Katter said he was confounded as to why Australia exports its gas at such low prices, only to then buy it back at a premium. He said the same thing happens with Australia’s importation of petrol and diesel which bears significantly higher costs.

“Last time I looked, Australia was getting $600 million a year for its gas exports. For the same amount of gas, Qatar was getting $29 billion. The gas was sold to foreign landlords at 6 cents a unit and now we Australians have to buy our own gas back for $16.60 a unit.”

Mr Katter noted that until 1992, Australia imported virtually no petrol or diesel.

“Let me be specific; we sent $50 billion overseas last year to buy fuel. For context, our entire exports are only $500 billion.

“Politicians over recent years in the ALP/LNP government seem completely devoid of any Christian sense of responsibility to their fellow Australians. Their brain works on one track – ‘How does this better me?’ – whether directly or indirectly.

“We’ve been out meeting the people with state elections coming up. And the word affordability is coming up like a neon light.

“There’s a federal election on earlier next year and I predict there'll be a lot more sitting on the crossbench this time next year.

“So, you may pass it this year, Mr ALP/LNP, but next year, I hope we will be in a position to reverse this decision.

“May the good Lord give people like myself enough time to reverse this dreadful decision.”

—ENDS—

Mossman Mill Public Meeting - June 7

kahla.pike@aph.gov.au (Kahla Kruger) — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 01:36:14 GMT

On June 7 2024, Hon Bob Katter held a public meeting to discuss the future of the Mossman Mill.

Images provided by Brian Cassey.

Katter weighs in on housing affordability and the plan for Charters Towers

kahla.pike@aph.gov.au (Kahla Kruger) — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:43:56 GMT

Listen to my interview in full with Sky News’ Jaynie Seal about the tyranny of distance and the housing regulatory impositions.

New Paragraph

When Tech Fails, Cash Prevails – Katter to move legislation

kahla.pike@aph.gov.au (Kahla Kruger) — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:12:19 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter says the global CrowdStrike outage demonstrates the urgent necessity of keeping a cash economy alive and the dangers of relying on digital tech.

Mr Katter said it was woefully irresponsible to continue down a digital only pathway and take away cash, thereby, taking away the “choices and freedoms” of a government’s people.

He said there must be efforts made to ensure that all Australians can access and use cash at all times, not just when there are IT outages.

“Take a look at how this most recent event has brought the whole world to a halt! This a wakeup call that the risk associated with a cashless society is too high for us to pay,” Mr Katter said.

“With cash, we control it, we control how we spend it and save it.

“If we go cashless, we’re giving all our power over to CEOs on millions of dollars who run the banks, and big business and they have the control to make a decision about your money with the click of a button.

“I’m thankful that in my area where we have so many cyclones and power goes out all the time, the people understand the importance of cash and many still use it and accept it as their primary means of payment.

“We’re smart enough to realise we are all buggered when your ‘plastic magic’ doesn’t work!

“We are now left with no other option than to take this fight back to Canberra.

“I intend to introduce legislation to make banks more accountable for scammers, and to ensure that cash is accepted as legal tender across the board, at all times, and not just in a tech outage.

“The CEO cartel has allowed one company to highlight the vulnerability of the world. We must fight back.”

-ENDS-

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Katter goes out on a ledge for scouts fundraiser

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 01:55:51 GMT

KATTER’s Australian MP Bob Katter is encouraging residents of Kennedy, Townsville and surrounds to get behind Queensland KAP candidate for Mundingburra Michael Pugh, organiser of the Townsville Hike and Explore group, as they host a fundraising event this Sunday for Kennedy Region Scouts.

Mr Katter said attending scouts was a vital part of his education.

“It taught me how to live off nature, and that nature is the source of all our food and all things required to survive.

“I was a second-class patrol leader in the Cloncurry boy scouts, and I also attended two Jamborees,” Mr Katter said.

Townsville Hike and Explore, a local social outdoor hiking network based in Townsville, are offering the opportunity to abseil down one of Townsville’s outdoor icons, Castle Hill.

The event will offer keen abseilers four sessions allowing each participant two-three abseils and will be conducted by fully qualified instructors from Scouts Queensland. Mr Pugh urges all to come and say g’day and join in the fun.

“We’re asking people to donate to the Kennedy Region Scouts and abseil down Castle Hill while overlooking the beautiful Townsville city,” Mr Pugh said.

“The overall goal is to raise funds to provide support for the younger generation of the scouting community.”

To book a time and for more information join the Townsville Hike and Explore Facebook group or email info@townsvillehikeandexplore.com .

“We are hoping to have 100 plus people in attendance to raise money for Kennedy Region Scouts,” said Mr Pugh.

ENDS

Katter calls on QLD Gov after $8m announcement

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:52:31 GMT

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is calling on the Queensland Government to match the $8 million Federal Government commitment towards Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) critical minerals processing and manufacturing plant in the Kennedy Electorate.

“What a tremendous announcement for North Queensland, the Federal Government have finally agreed to an $8 million investment to get the QPM processing and manufacturing plant started,” said Mr Katter.

“The Queensland Government must now show their cards and make a similar financial commitment, if they want royalties from mining, then they must support projects like this.”

This grant will support domestic nickel and cobalt production, help to create jobs for Australian workers and add value to our critical minerals industry.

“I want to thank the true heroes of this project the QPM executive team led by Dr Stephen Grocott, for their advocacy and commitment toward this ground-breaking project.

“Thanks must also go to the French Ambassador for his advocacy and work in this area.

“The Queensland Government must shift their focus from the South East Corner and start investing in money making projects like this,” said Mr Katter.

ENDs

Going backwards on the Bridle Track Tunnel

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:04:55 GMT

Map depicts the tunnel location and length. Originally produced by Cairns Mapping (with overlay edits provided by the office of Hon Bob Katter MP).

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has questioned the Government’s blinkered upgrades of black-spot roads, and disappointing lack of commitment in parliament to a safer tunnel route that unlocks the economic future of resource-rich North Queensland.

Questioning the Minister for Northern Development, Madeline King, in parliament about building the proposed Bridle Track Tunnel through the Cairns hinterland, Mr Katter asked whether billions of dollars in mineral, food, timber and industrial production were not worth the $1,000 million inland highway down the range dividing the Tablelands from the port.

Asking if more than $20,000 million a year of North Queensland potential and six of Australia’s eight biggest rivers west of Cairns necessitated the tunnel, Mr Katter reminded the Minister responsible for development of our nation’s north that without port access, the birth of industrial-scale mining was choked in the rich mineral province of once-thriving Chillagoe - home to the Labor movement and noted for the world’s most-diverse geology by Professor Ian Plimer.

“Whilst we are disappointed in the Minister’s response during question time, we are determined to ensure the Bridle Track Tunnel is constructed to unlock the riches of the Tablelands and Gulf Country, and provide essential emergency evacuation during natural disasters,” said Mr Katter.

“We are seeking further discussions with Minister King to reject Labor’s current blinkered approach to the Kuranda Range, and commit to immediate construction of the Bridle Track Tunnel.”

Though the Minister acknowledged the importance of Cairns port access and infrastructure needs across the state’s northern regions as vital for the economy, Ms King described the proposed tunnel as a ‘very large undertaking’ of ‘much discussion’ on which she would speak further with the responsible Minister for Transport.

The Minister also referenced the QEM Vanadium mine at Julia Creek in Mr Katter’s electorate of Kennedy as one of the world’s largest deposits of this critical mineral. However, the current condition of roads, rail, and lack of port access meant exporting this critical mineral and many others mined in the Kennedy electorate would be challenging, said Mr Katter.

“Everyone knows that they have no trouble building multi-billion-dollar tunnels in Brisbane,” he said of some 30 kilometres of road tunnels in a council area with a population of 1.3 million.

“North Queensland has almost a million people and no tunnel at all.

“How many more people have to die on the bottleneck Kuranda Range Road that both the state and federal Labor governments are now spending hundreds of millions dollars more towards continuously required repairs and upgrades?”

In response to Mr Katter’s question in parliament, Ms King admitted the ‘difficult and problematic’ Kuranda Range Road was also ‘not the ideal solution for the North West Mineral Province’ to achieve full economic potential.

Katter fights to support ADF who see combat

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:54:52 GMT

KAP’s Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, asserted his right to infuriate his fellow members of parliament when it comes to defending and supporting those Australians sent to war by their government.

The Defence Amendment (Parliament Joint Committee on Defence) Bill was passed with support of the Liberal opposition on July 1, their only change request being that the committee include opposition committee members.

“What right have parliamentarians got to judge those people? Their peer group can judge them but not desk jockeys and paper-pushers,” Mr Katter said.

The man who brought war crime charges against his combat staff, Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell, is also the person who sanctioned personnel like Ben Robert-Smtih being ordered to do six back-to-back tours of Afghanistan.

“Our soldiers had no opportunity to come home to Australia and re-connect with their family and ‘normal’ life. They lived months, and sometimes years of being on high alert with the threat of injury or death around every corner.”

While speaking of his support for our defence force personnel in parliament on Monday, not only were other MPs unruly without the speaker calling them to order, but the speaker also halted Mr Katter's speech to say he had “managed to upset a number of people now and (she) would like to avoid that …”.

Showing his frustration Mr Katter countered with: “It is my privilege to offend people in this place, that is my right as a member of parliament”.

Mr Katter then asked the speaker for a “fair go”, the same thing he was asking parliament to give to our defence force personnel who leave their families and are involved in active combat at the whim of politicians like those who were heckling his support of our defence personnel in parliament.

“I received continuous interjections from the ALP when in parliament and I am talking about men sacrificing their lives to defend their country,” he said.

Mr Katter then warned the interjecting MPs that he would contact their local media outlets and let them know their federal government representatives showed their vulgarity by interrupting his praise for the men and woman who are sent to war.

He also questioned the lack of ‘war’ experience of those around him in federal parliament.

“The number of people in here that would have had any war experience I think would be negligible, and yet you are going to stand in judgement upon those people who have volunteered to put their lives at risk to defend this country. You have no right.

“We have had a gutful of the wokies, bleeding hearts and pansies wringing their hands with hypocrisy,” Mr Katter said.

ENDS

Support for Katter’s FNQ tunnel grows as existing routes fail

arun.singhmann@aph.gov.au (Arun Singh Mann) — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:29:36 GMT

KATTER’S Australian MP Bob Katter says support for a tunnel and new highway to connect resource and produce-rich inland Far North communities with the coast is rapidly growing after multiple failures on existing routes.

Mr Katter said the travel time between Mareeba and Cairns should be about 25 minutes, via the Kennedy Hwy connecting to the existing Bridle Track (which would be formalised into a major highway), then connecting to a 1-2km tunnel near Copperlode Dam and entering the southern suburbs of Cairns.

The Federal MP has commissioned a topographical map which he has been using to demonstrate the differences between the existing route, and the proposed new route.

“As it stands, you leave Mareeba and head east until you hit Davies Creek, then you start heading north away from Cairns and towards Kuranda. And then to come back from Kuranda you have a winding and twisting road not suitable for heavy traffic loads,” Mr Katter said.

“And that’s why we’re seeing and average of 42 closures per year, of about six hours each time. If that was happening on any major route in the southeast, you’d instantly see the ‘Brisbane Government’ pour billions into fixing it. Where’s our fix?”

Mr Katter said the latest wave of support for his proposal comes after the Barron River Bridge had been again deemed unsafe and in need of repairs, estimated to exceed $450m. And further adding to the woes of motorists is the condition of the Kuranda Range Rd which is still yet to be fully repaired following flooding events in late 2023.

“With the bridge, we’ve seen over the last five years they cannot decide. One day it’s safe, the next it’s back to single lane. And then the Kuranda Range section, it’s been reported that road is built on shale soil and not suitable for the constant drilling and construction associated with the ‘safety works’ being undertaken. In fact, it’s the safety works which are causing more washouts and road damage.

“Once again it’s evident that the Kuranda Range Rd should be designated as a beautiful tourist drive, and we should be moving all our heavy and regular traffic onto a new highway.

“Brisbane just over 1 million people and it has 36km of tunnels; meanwhile North Queensland also has about 1 million people, so where’s our tunnel?

“Did our State Government learn nothing from the December 2023 floods when all three of our major routes connecting Mareeba and the Tablelands to the coast were closed for days and weeks?

“We literally had no way in or out, not just impacting residents, but also our primary producers.

“Build the tunnel so our producers can access the coast, and so that we can resume mining for minerals in the Chillagoe region – offering those miners direct access to Cairns and its port.”

‘Gutless’ supermarket review will mean little for grocery prices and suppliers: Katter

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 01:55:12 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter has labelled the Federal Government’s response to escalating grocery prices as “gutless,” after it failed to adopt any substantive measures following the Grocery Code of Conduct Review.

The review conducted by former Labor Minister Craig Emerson recommended the current voluntary code of conduct be made mandatory, and fines of up to $10 million be applied to supermarkets who breach their obligations to act in good faith.

Mr Katter has spoken with the Prime Minister’s office to alert him adopting this review’s recommendations and “calling the problem solved” will do little for Australians.

Mr Katter questioned the practicality of both the flagship recommendations noting that all the major supermarkets were already signatories to the voluntary code of conduct, and the fines would hardly be a deterrent.

“Firstly, the supermarkets were given the opportunity to write the code, so they got to set their own rules, and then they had already bound themselves to it. So making it ‘mandatory’ will achieve nothing,” Mr Katter said.

He said the report also recommended changes to how negotiations and dispute resolution took place between suppliers and grocers, but noted there was a huge power imbalance between the major supermarkets and the famers, who also feared retribution and deserved from the government hard legislation and protection against bad faith transactions.

As for the increased fines and penalties, Mr Katter said he like most Australians had lost faith in the country’s corporate regulators such as ACCC and ASIC to actually investigate and prosecute.

“The executives in those organisations are happily earning their $500,000-plus salaries while only 2 per cent of cases are prosecuted. In just the last 12 months in my electorate alone we’ve had multiple cases of company directors trading insolvent, accruing bad debts, winding up and then starting again and these corporate regulators are telling us there’s nothing to see there.”

Mr Katter said Australians, both suppliers and consumers of groceries deserved real government action which would increase competition in the supermarket sector as well as create parity between what a farmer is paid, and what a customer pays.

In March he introduced his Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill, which was rejected by the major parties, however broadly supported by the crossbench.

The bill would have introduced forced divestment of the supermarkets down to 20 per cent share each over a period of five years and introduced a 100 per cent maximum market up on produce from the farmgate to retail shelf.

Competition is consumer’s friend, government is not: Katter

arun.singhmann@aph.gov.au (Arun Singh Mann) — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:18:54 GMT

Competition is the consumer’s friend – that’s the sentiment welcomed by the Federal Government after consumer group CHOICE handed down its first supermarket grocery comparison report this week.

“But then why is the government not enforcing this ‘competition’ it’s happily welcoming,” Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter asks.

CHOICE chief executive Ashley de Silva said in a three-way comparison between Coles, Woolworths and Aldi the latter came in at about 25 per cent cheaper of a basket of 14 items.

Mr de Silva said the report, commissioned by the Federal Government to address grocery prices, indicated Competition is the consumer’s friend,” and the Federal Competition Minister Andrew Leigh has since welcomed the findings. [1]

“So, when my crossbench colleagues and I introduced legislation to increase supermarket competition, by way of divestiture, why did the government ignore our calls?

“Here we have the government welcoming ‘competition’, yet when I put forward my Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill in March, it was shot down.

“A bill which would have both reduced the market share of the major grocers down to 20 per cent, increasing competition, and also levelled out the difference between what the farmers are paid and what consumers pay for the same produce with a 100 per cent maximum mark-up element.”

Speaking on the government’s decision to commission a report as a measure to tackle cost of living and rising grocery prices, Mr Katter said the move was not even worthy of laughing at.

“We had 15 inquiries into supermarkets over 30 years – nothing came of them. There’s been four this year, with two running at the same time.

“It’s report after report after report, and what did one of these reports find – that we now need quarterly comparison reports to help us decide where to shop.

“Do these people just not get it. Try telling that to a family who is deciding which items to put back on the shelf – ‘oh it’ll get better, we’ve got our quarterly report coming out on it’.”

[1] Coles, Woolworths, Aldi: CHOICE report on supermarket prices reveals cheapest store | The Courier Mail

Bob Katter Reveals He Was Behind Egg-Throwing Incident at The Beatles 1964 Australian Tour

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 02:43:57 GMT

Federal MP Bob Katter has finally revealed that he and several prominent barristers were responsible for pelting The Beatles with eggs during the band's 1964 Australian tour. This admission ends a 40-year mystery about the infamous egg-throwing incident, which occurred when the Beatles arrived in Brisbane.

The Fab Four landed in Brisbane in the early hours of a chilly June night in 1964, greeted by a crowd of about 8,000 fans, many of whom were screaming with excitement. However, among the crowd was a group of non-fans carrying eggs, including Katter himself.

Now, decades later, the Federal MP for Kennedy in Far North Queensland has come forward with the full story.

"A bloke called Dave Beattie—he's a prominent accountant now—was on my shoulders and … everyone let fly with the eggs," Katter recalled.

"The Beatles' truck sped up, and they were hiding behind the piano as all these eggs splattered everywhere. The police got me and ran me away, thinking it was screamingly funny. They let me go and both burst out laughing."

The Beatles were understandably shocked by the surprise attack. The next day, the band placed an ad in the newspapers and on the radio, calling for the egg-throwers to come forward.

According to Katter, the Beatles themselves were bemused by the whole situation.

"John Lennon just sort of sat there saying, 'Everywhere we go now we're going to have eggs thrown at us.'"

In the aftermath of the incident, Katter and his fellow egg-throwers became local legends.

"Our reputations were made from that point forward," he said.

"We walked around like conquering heroes for the next two or three years."

ENDS

MPs move to enshrine cash in legislation

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 07:12:57 GMT

FEDERAL MPs Bob Katter (Kennedy) and Andrew Gee (Calare) have introduced the "Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia Bill 2024" to parliament this week.

The proposed legislation would mandate that businesses operating in face-to-face settings accept cash payments for transactions up to $10,000.

Bob Katter MP stressed the importance of protecting financial independence: "The removal of cash as a payment option is an attack on personal freedom. If you rely solely on digital payments, you give banks and corporations total control over your money. This bill is about keeping power in the hands of the people.

"Removing cash erodes individual freedoms and places control in the hands of financial institutions. We must protect the right to use legal tender."

Mr Gee emphasised the bill's importance in safeguarding consumer choice, stating, "Australians should have the freedom to decide how they pay for goods and services. This bill ensures that cash remains a viable option for all.

"A cashless economy risks leaving millions of Australians behind. This bill ensures that everyone, regardless of where they live or their financial situation, has access to secure, reliable, and independent payment methods."

The bill addresses growing concerns about the decline of cash usage and aims to protect vulnerable populations who rely on cash for daily transactions.

With growing concerns over digital dependence and financial exclusion, this legislation presents a crucial step toward maintaining economic freedom and resilience in Australia.

ENDS

Katter’s Australian Party calls Mossman Mill meeting

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 01:00:12 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party has reaffirmed its position to rescue the Mossman Mill, not settling for a “transitional fund,” rather, a long-term vision to ensure the farmer-owned operation remains viable.

The party for North Queensland alongside Australian Cane Farmers Association is hosting a public meeting in relation to the mill, 10am Friday, June 7 at the Mossman Shire Hall, with KAP candidate for Cook Duane Amos, Hill MP Shane Knuth and Kennedy MP Bob Katter in attendance.

Mr Amos said the initial burning question was how this year’s crop harvest and crushing would be processed but he was also interested in hearing long-term aspirations of the growers towards keeping the local mill operating.

“The background information indicates the mill and crop output has not been large enough to keep it viable and has been for some time so it would have been reasonable for previous discussions to have been focussed on sustainability, future prospects such as the front-end mill proposed by Bob Katter or government assistance earlier to transition existing farms to other crops or perhaps cattle,” Mr Amos said.

“This meeting for me is about listening to the growers and discussions on short term to keep them financially viable whilst a long-term division takes place strategically with all key parties.

“It’s extremely disappointing that the government and current member has not been forefront in representing the community and being the advocate over the years, this didn’t just happen overnight.”

Mr Katter echoed Mr Amos’ concerns for the first priority being addressing this year’s crop and said he would be sharing with the meeting his long-term solution.

“The $12m that’s been announced really should be going towards just keeping that mill going this year,” Mr Katter said.

“And what happens after that is a matter for discussion. I look forward to hearing from the floor but I’ll be backing former president of the Sugar Millers Association Don Watson’s idea of increasing sugar farming at Marylands, a front-end mill and a pipeline down to Mossman to increase the supply going into the mill.

“That then opens up the quantity for byproducts like biofuels and renewable electricity.

“I don’t care if this is not in my electorate. The ALP and LNP aren’t interested in saving it, I pray the KAP win the balance of power at the forthcoming State election and we will not be letting this mill go.”

Mr Knuth who in 2015 successfully passed the Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Bill said he always maintained an interest in preserving major industries for North Queensland, despite the mill also not being in his electorate.

Mr Knuth’s Bill at the time helped thousands of cane growing families across the state be provided a choice on who they market their crop with.

“It’s vitally important to sustain an industry that is so beneficial to our region, it doesn't matter it’s not in my electorate,” Mr Knuth said.

Instant asset write-off: Is it rewarding overseas manufacturing?

Thu, 30 May 2024 05:03:11 GMT

WHILE small businesses across the country await a decision from Federal Parliament deciding whether they can write off assets up to $20,000, Kennedy MP Bob Katter and a leading North Queensland accountant are questioning why the measures do not go further to truly support primary producers and Australian industry.

In last year’s Federal Budget, the Labor Government promised an instant asset tax write-off of $20,000 for businesses with an annual turnover of up to $10m, allowing them to deduct up to that amount for eligible assets between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024. The initiative has been “stuck” in parliament with the Senate pushing to increase the threshold to $30,000, leaving just one month to pass legislation before the end of the financial year.

Mr Katter said small businesses, most of which were operating on tight budgets due to high interest rates, electricity prices and insurance, among other costs, deserved some certainty towards their end-of-year tax planning.

“It would be an act of sincerity for the government to put this legislation through in the next week of sitting and enable small businesses to get some benefit,” Mr Katter said.

“And believe me, this Labor Government is badly in need to be seen to do something good, immediate and practical to help the battlers out there.”

Mr Katter said while the government had been claiming to address market share of large corporations with recent inquiries and anti-merger laws, failing to provide basic relief towards small community businesses would only exacerbate the demise of private, individual operators in Australia.

“In every area of the economy we are seeing a concentration of market power. While a sophisticated corporation will have 20 or 30 people working on tax minimisation, and owner-operator has nothing.

“But the continuing concentration of market power, whether it’s in hardware stores, whether it’s in food, whatever the area, what we’re ending up with is monopolies and oligopolies.”

He said while each year the write-off incentives included targeted expenses such as energy or technology, he questioned why it couldn’t be expanded to include “the maintenance of assets” rather than just the purchase of assets.

“If you allow deductions for the maintenance, that maintenance is being worked on by most likely a local, Australian business, or at least the employees of that business are local residents, injecting money back into the Australian economy.

“Instead, $20,000 doesn’t allow for too many Australian-made assets, because we hardly have any.

“So is this really encouraging the purchase of overseas-manufactured assets?”

North Queensland accounting firm Carey Group partner Robert Carey said he represented a wide demographic of taxpayers throughout the region, with a significant representation of the primary industries sector.

He said $20,000 did not go far for primary producers and offered them little choice but to slowly depreciate assets instead.

“There really aren’t too many assets primary producer buy valued less than $20,000 that they question a write-off about. They either need those lesser valued items or they don’t,” Mr Carey said.

“Because it only applies to one asset, up to $20,000. You can’t buy something for $100,000 and claim $20,000 from it.

“We’ve seen in years past caps on this initiative of $1m or $100,000. Whatever it is, that’s where we need to be – a larger cap that allows primary producers, which are also small businesses to buy assets of value.

“If I’m a grazier and I want to buy a big truck, an asset I’m holding onto for 12,15 years, a large cap gives me a real choice. I can write it off instantly or depreciate each year. But it gives them a choice and that drives the investment.”

What’s better: Chinese CO2 or Australian ethanol?

Dominique.Moon@aph.gov.au (Dominique Moon) — Wed, 29 May 2024 06:27:18 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter has questioned why Australians are charging their EVs with solar panels manufactured using Chinese coal-fired power stations, under the guise of “reducing emissions,” when enforcing biofuels would provide an instant reduction and save the economy billions of dollars.

On Wednesday, Mr Katter asked the Federal Environment Minister why Australians were sending $48bn overseas to purchase fuel, and then paying over $2 per litre, while Brazil was manufacturing its own ethanol and enforcing 49 per cent, so its motorists could pay $1.10.

“Everyday in parliament we hear net zero and emissions reductions. So is it better to have our EVs fuelled by solar panels whose production and smelting in China belches mass clouds of CO2 polluting our atmosphere,” Mr Katter asked.

“Is it better to impose a tax on regional Australians – the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard - to try and reduce emissions, or, can we put ethanol in our vehicles instead?

“Is it better to send $48bn overseas each year to buy our fuel, or can we manufacture our own using sugar cane (and other crops), and be paying $1.10 like Brazil?”

Mr Katter said while acknowledged the minister’s response which referenced the harvesting of invasive weeds, currently spread throughout the rich productive soil of northwest Queensland, to manufacture biofuels, he said he was sick of “hot air” from governments when it came to tangible action.

“While we skip around the real solutions for emissions reduction with vehicle taxes, or ‘Net Zero Authorities’ we’re watching tangible solutions literally wash out the drain.

“I’m talking about removing the pricky acacia (invasive weeds), building the Bradfield Scheme and irrigating inland, rich-soil, empty Queensland and building industrial sized sugar plantations to manufacture ethanol; instead we’re letting the annual rainfall of North Queensland wash out to the Great Barrier Reef.

“I’m talking about converting our current sugar mills to produce byproducts of ethanol and electricity – so we have true renewable energy – not ‘renewable energy’ that’s burning CO2 in China.”

Footy stars help shine light on blood cancer fight to increase donors

Tue, 28 May 2024 06:19:50 GMT

RUGBY League stars of the Canberra Raiders made a guest appearance at Federal Parliament on Tuesday to help grow Australia’s Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) which assists patients living with blood cancer by providing matches for transfusions.

The Parliamentary group on Bone Marrow Donation held a donor drive on World Blood Cancer Day – May 28 – in the Speaker’s Courtyard with the advocacy event featuring the Raiders’ Jamal Fogarty and Zac Hosking.

In mid-2022, Kennedy MP Bob Katter’s nephew Liam O’Brien, now 41, was diagnosed with leukemia and required a donor from the bone marrow pool for treatment. Mr O’Brien’s diagnosis sadly brought to light the very shallow depth of registered donors with the registry including just over 100,000 names at the time, and now about 200,000.

According to the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry there are over 135,000 Australians living with blood cancer and due to the registry’s low numbers, about 80 per cent of patients rely on overseas donors.

Following Mr O’Brien’s diagnosis, Mr Katter began working with the ABMDR and campaigning to see federal funding be allocated to the organisation so it could host recruitment drives. Mr Katter also hosted some of his own recruitment drives which included visits to universities and events at local shows in Far North Queensland.

Subsequently, the Parliamentary Group on Bone Marrow Donation was created to increase advocacy and now includes the following Members as well as Mr Katter: Kate Thwaites, Bert Van Manen, Mike Freelander and Monique Ryan. The group has already achieved the allocation of $1m each towards the ABMDR and the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood for recruitment campaigns.

Mr Katter said he was appreciative of his parliamentary colleagues for banding together and hosting the recruitment drive on Tuesday, while advocating for increased funding.

He said the ultimate goal was to increase the donor list to 1 million registered donors, by increasing funding to organisations such as ABMDR and Lifeblood to boost recruitment drives, lower the minimum donor age from 18 to 16 and establish a government role to continuously recruit new donors.

“We thank everyone for supporting the event – Malanda’s Anj Mittelstadt from Missy’s Donors, ABMDR, Liam’s Life Saving List The Leukaemia Foundation and of course the sporting representation from Rugby Australia, the ACT Brumbies and the Canberra Raiders,” Mr Katter said.

“It takes less than a minute to complete cheek swab to become a registered donor, and we could be saving thousands of more lives each year.

“We now want these groups taking cheek swabs out to all the football clubs across the country, university colleges, police and military precincts to sign up as many young people as possible.”

Attendees were provided information packs which could be taken back to their representative communities and included details on prospective donors can join the registry.

For more information on registering visit www.abmdr.org.au or lifeblood.com.au.

Nationalise Telstra: Katter calls for buyout of telco after hearing 100s of customer complaints

Tue, 21 May 2024 02:01:40 GMT

WITH mountains of constituent complaints against Telstra’s service piling through his office, Kennedy MP Bob Katter has doubled down on his calls for the telco to be nationalised as it announces the axing of 2800 jobs.

The move is expected to save Telstra $350m and Mr Katter said the service provider could not be blamed for “maximising profits at the expense of customers, especially in rural and regional areas.” [1]

“But it’s a real slap in the face for every one of their North Queensland customers, paying premium prices for, what should be adequate universal service,” Mr Katter said.

“Will this help the people of Julia Creek and the mid-west, or Burketown, Doomadgee, Normanton and the rest of the Gulf, or even Innisfail and Mission Beach, and they’re not some tiny backwater towns – that’s a population of 30,000.

“There would be hundreds of complaints in my office – people are fed up paying for a service they’re not receiving and they’re fed up with Telstra’s excuses like ‘there’s too much demand on the network’. Well how about instead of cutting jobs, you increase your network.

“Now because the government doesn’t control them anymore, we can’t tell them what do you, and they’ll continue maximising profits.”

Mr Katter said he recalled when former Prime Minister John Howard made the decision to privatise Telstra, and the assured the North Queensland MP of a “universal service obligation.”

“Well Mr Prime Minister, you were wrong, I was right. Even in suburban areas, Telstra’s reception is lacking, so what chance do we stand out in the bush?”

He said he had been recently informed by the current Minister for Communications of a flaw in the legislation overseeing the “universal service obligation” and that it only applied to landlines. Mr Katter said he would continue working with the minister to ensure that mobile service was included in the blatantly outdated principle.

Further, Mr Katter said he would be writing to the Communications Minister and the Treasurer to trigger a Foreign Investment Review Board investigation into the ownership of Telstra – with the major shareholder being – HSBC – Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation – raising questions of national security and a foreigner’s unwillingness to oblige by the universal service obligation.

* Hours after the distribution of this release I was contacted by a HSBC representative to confirm the shares I referred to were part of a "custodian set up" and that HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited is the representation listed as a shareholder - acting on behalf of a group of individual shareholders.*

“Essential services, must, be provided for by government – water, sewerage, electricity, and telecommunications. There are others, but these are the basics.

“In our case in North Queensland, with frequent cyclones and flooding, it can be a matter of life and death – either you get to make the call for help, or you don’t.

“But for our businesses, which are some of this nation’s wealth generators, their losses can be colossal. A banana grower whose cooler storage shed is down, electricity line is down, they can’t ring up the electricity provider or the transport operator to move their produce. The entire crop is lost.

“I could give you another 100 examples.”

North Queensland’s gripe with Telstra

Below are examples of frustrations and complaints on Telstra, Mr Katter’s constituents have shared with himself and his office:

Telstra do not properly notify constituents of outages, and instead rely on stakeholders to notify of changes – such as local councils and MP offices.
A large volume of complaints from constituents not being able to talk to anyone at Telstra to discuss their issues (job cuts are expected to include offshoring and transition to AI).
Telstra often tell customers “there is increase on the network” that’s why the network isn’t performing.
Go to response from Telstra for poor reception is too many people are using the service now or they need to purchase a $2000 (on top of the premium monthly bill they’re paying).

“If some part of the network is not functioning then they should notify the affected customers and make recompense instead of counting on not every affected customer making a complaint and thus mitigating any potential loss. Communications these days are an essential service and I am sure some people were a lot more impacted than me and when a provider decides not to inform people of potential outages it could easily have a tragic outcome for someone, and its Telstra. Better ethics are required” – (Cardwell)

“Our mobile network is an essential service, especially during such an active wet season. Any interruption to the service needs prompt and effective repair, and a genuine effort by Telstra to reliably inform its customers about the fault and progress of repair. Telstra did not meet that standard” – (Innisfail).

[1] Telstra to axe 2800 jobs, majority to happen by end of 2024 |

‘Your freedoms are vanishing’: Katter laments parliament for pushing Digital ID laws

Mon, 20 May 2024 22:54:54 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has viciously spoken out against the Federal Government’s Digital ID Bill – labelling the legislation as “big brother watching” and the loss of freedoms for the Australian people.

Mr Katter expressed his disappointment towards the actions of the Federal Parliament which allowed the bill to pass through the lower house without a vote; bipartisan support.

“I’m absolutely appalled that the people of Australia are represented by a bunch of ‘so-called’ representatives, that have let this through without a vote,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter said he now intended to move a Private Members Bill to protect the rights of people to oppose digital presence.

The bill, according to the government, aims to establish and regulate an “economy-wide digital ID system.”

“This is advocating Big Brother watching. Whether the ALP or the LNP win the next election, we’ll see what it's like when they have access to every movement that we make.”

Mr Katter said whether it was the right to defend yourself in your own home, banking or telecommunications – “when the government begins interfering with your freedoms, it cannot be trusted.”

“They privatised Telstra, but said ‘don’t worry, we’ll have a universal service obligation’. Well that’s not much use to anyone in my electorate, just look at the complaints coming in.

“Our party, the KAP, are putting before the Queensland parliament Castle Law, which has been the law of the British tradition since Magna Carta—your right to protect yourself in your own home. The Liberals are not voting for it—they're too scared—and, of course, Labor is opposing it, as usual.

“So we’re just supposed to trust the government to protect us; yeah well look how well that’s going in Queensland at the moment.

“If you trust the government with your freedoms, you are a fool and you betray the people that you represent. Not one person in the ALP has had the guts to stand up on the issue, and I would suspect that many of them are not on side with this proposal.

“You are taking away our right to privacy, our right to freedom.

“Having said those things, freedom is a real issue in Australia today.”

Mr Katter recalled a family story, of when his grandchildren went to visit him and his wife one holidays and the realisation of the removal of freedoms in the Australia hit the 79-year-old hard.

“I said: 'Oh, beauty’.

“I'll set up the flying fox and—zoom, zoom, zoom—splash in the swimming pool. Nope, my wife said: 'No, you'd have to take the panel off the fence. If you take the panel off the fence, that's illegal. They came and inspected it last week, and they informed us that our fence was 2½ centimetres below what it should be. They want the whole fence replaced'—at a cost of $3,500.’

“Ok, I'm not allowed to use the swimming pool.

“'We'll start work on the second stage of the tree house.' My wife: 'Uh-uh. A kid fell out of a tree house in Brisbane two months ago. Tree houses are banned.'

“Tree houses are banned?

“Alright, we'll just go down the flat and boil the billy. The most iconic Australian scene is boiling the billy. We should teach all our grandkids how to boil a billy and make a bit of damper. My wife said: 'No, you have to get a permit to light a fire in the open. It will take at least three months for the permit to come through.'

“A free country? Politicians in Canberra and Brisbane have never understood freedom.

“I could give you a hundred examples of where your freedom is going to vanish.

“It is not funny to say, 'I'm from the government. Trust me,' and that's exactly what the last two ALP speakers (speaking on the Digital ID Bill in the Federation Chamber) were saying: 'We're from the government. You can trust us.'

“Who would trust a government that has backed Gaza? Would you trust those people? They're justifying the murder of 1,200 innocent people with no provocation whatsoever, and they're out there barracking for Gaza. Would you trust that government?”

Katter slams government as "anti-farming" over live-ex decision

Thu, 16 May 2024 00:02:43 GMT

RURAL Australia MP Bob Katter is asking the government why it “hates farmers” following its announcement of a ban on live sheep exports.

The Federal Government announced $107m in its 2024 budget for “a suite of actions for sheep producers and the supply chain” in the phase out of live exports from 2028.

“Why do you hate Australian farmers? The people that produce your food and fabric for your clothing, why do you hate them,” Mr Katter asked.

“Whether sheep are put into abattoirs in Australia or overseas would seem to be totally irrelevant.

“Why anyone would choose this is an ideological fashion statement heaven would only know. It is an ideological fashion statement and the result of this [fashion statement] will not be of any benefit to the sheep, but it will completely destroy what is left of the sheep and wool industry in Australia.”

Mr Katter said what remained of the sheep industry would decimated following this move.

“Paul Keating abolished the statutory marketing arrangements which allowed us to sell our wool aggressively.

“Unfortunately, this was done at a time when wool was the biggest export earner for this nation it was over $6bn and coal was only $5.9bn. It had been our biggest export item for all our nation’s history.

“For ideological reasons Keating abolished the statutory marketing scheme and as a result 75 percent of the sheep heard is gone, 75 percent of the wealth of this nation its biggest export item has vanished.

“He destroyed it, and now what is left of it will be destroyed by this person with a new ideological fashion statement.

“I believe there should be an intellectual test you should have to do to become a minister, because several minister's would fail miserably. I would also be interested to investigate their background before coming into parliament so we can establish how they could possibly come to such an imbecilic decision.

“The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party had also proposed the same thing, therefore it must be ‘right’ if both side are doing it!

“What is happening out there is they are draining away all population from non-city coastal Australia.

“So, I ask again Why do you hate our farmers?”

Katter calls for decentralisation of govt departments following self-absorbing budget

Tue, 14 May 2024 23:01:24 GMT

ANALYSING the budget for the 50th time in his career, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says the government’s ministers and their departments have no idea what’s going on outside Canberra, and it shows in the 2024 papers.

As he flicked through the 186-page Budget Paper No. 2 document, Mr Katter said he noted high volumes of spending across a wide spectrum of issues, yet devoid of any succinct detail, as if “the government was trying to cover all bases.”

“Out of a budget worth about $700bn, a good $30bn to $40bn is going back to government departments under the guise of ‘streamlining and developing new processes, or creating reports or improving compliance’,” Mr Katter said.

“I believe the Prime Minister has given orders to his ministers, on what he wants, but they, or their department heads have no idea what’s happening out here. They’re fifth-generation Canberra bureaucrats, a ‘million miles away from North Queensland’.

“So now they’ll be ‘looking into it’ and creating reports, and by the time those reports come back, we’ll have a new government.”

Mr Katter said it was only fair to note this budget lacked vision just as much as previous budgets in the past couple of decades.

“Take Ben Chifley, he gave us telephones, he eradicated tuberculosis, he built the Snowy Mountains and he delivered secondary industry with the Holden motorcar. He did all that in a bit over five years. Now if you put all the Prime Ministers together since I've been here you wouldn't get anything that remotely resembles that.

“There’s money in there for roads, for health, for housing, but it’s all global – there’s no deadlines, details or specifics, we’ll have to vigorously fight for the crumbs – especially in regional Queensland.

“The government outlined it was committing $21bn on infrastructure spend on Queensland, below that it detailed $4bn would go to improve the Southeast transport networks, and then it listed just $467m for the Bruce Hwy corridor.

“Or, we can fight for scraps in the $1bn Roads to Recovery Program.

“If you’re sitting in Brisbane and Canberra making these decisions, you’re a long way away from our crumbling roads.”

Mr Katter said it was evident it was time for the decentralisation of government departments, especially with measures included which would decimate rural Australia.

“They’re hitting us with the ban of live sheep exports, whatever is left of this industry previously destroyed through the deregulation of wool will be gone.

They’re hitting us with the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard – driving up the costs of four-wheel drives which people not just remote towns, but regional cities as well.

“Why isn’t the agriculture department based where the agriculture is? Last time I checked, there aren’t too many crops growing at 18 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra.

“When I was made the mines minister in Queensland, I moved the mines department to North Queensland – where the action was. When I was made First Australians minister, I moved the department to Cairns.”

Mr Katter said he did his best to find the positives in the budget and accepted funding linked to critical minerals under the controversial Future Made in Australia Fund and said he would be vigorously chasing funding for the building of facilities in the greater Townsville region.

Among the funding that interested Mr Katter included:

$566m over ten years for Geoscience Australia to map Australia’s national groundwater systems and resource endowments to increase industry investment and identify potential discoveries for all critical minerals.
A Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive from 2027–28 to 2040–41 to support downstream refining and processing of Australia’s 31 critical minerals to improve supply chain resilience, at an estimated cost to the budget of $7.0bn over 11 years from 2023–24 (and an average of $1.5bn per year from 2034–35 to 2040–41)
$10.2m in 2024–25 for pre-feasibility studies for critical mineral common-user processing facilities in partnership with state and territory governments to enhance Australia’s capacity to process critical minerals, sovereign capability and economic resilience.
$20.9m over four years from 2024–25 (and $1.2m per year ongoing) to undertake further consultation on incentives to support the production of, and demand for, low carbon liquid fuels.

Some examples of generous departmental funding include:

$20m over five years for the Department of Agriculture to maintain policy capability and an additional $42m for the department to support it in the rollout of drought related programs.
$48m over four years to implement further reforms to the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme.
$28.6m over four years to the Inspector-General of Water Compliance to undertake inquiry, oversight and public engagement functions.
$54.7m over two years to administer, coordinate and promote the Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda.
$182.7m over eight years from to strengthen approval processes to support the delivery of the Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda.
$17.5m over ten years to establish a new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence.
$84.2m over four years to the Department of Education to increase audits of providers in the child care sector.
$68.6m over five years to increase resourcing for the Digital Services Contact Centre to support people using Workforce Australia Online services.
$10.6m over four years for the implementation of a reporting solution for the Australian Skills Guarantee.
$155.6m over two years to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to continue operating and improving the Government’s Digital ID, myGovID, and the system which supports authorised access to a range of government business services.
$1.2bn over five years for sustainment of, and essential enhancements to, critical aged care digital systems.
$110.9m over four years to increase the regulatory capability of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
$21.6m over four years to establish a reshaped National AI Centre (NAIC) and an AI advisory body within the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
$84.5m over five years to establish a regulator to administer the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, including to capture emissions data.
$10.0m in 2023–24 for a national communications campaign to raise awareness of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.
$399.1m over five years from 2023–24 (and an additional $616.8, from 2028–29 to 2034–35 and $93.4 million per year ongoing) in additional resourcing for the Net Zero Economy Authority (the Authority), the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and the Fair Work Commission to promote orderly and positive economic transformation associated with decarbonisation.

Katter’s Kennedy Federal budget wrap - 2024

Tue, 14 May 2024 00:50:24 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter has expressed his disappointment with the 2024 Federal Budget with very few Kennedy-specific funding allocations announced.

Mr Katter while there were some positives for regional Australia, which would capture Kennedy, the details on funding were few and far between.

He said overall, the budget lacked long-term vision, and critical details towards real actionable initiatives. Instead, there was increased funding for government departments to “improve regulatory compliance, or streamline workforces, or develop new reporting systems.”

He welcomed the parts of the government’s Future Made in Australia fund which provided funding for critical minerals and their processing, as well as “low carbon fuel” such as ethanol, but again, lacked succinct detail.

“The 2024 Budget will do little more than limp the government to the next election, providing no serious reform and offer little more than a few lollies,” Mr Katter said.

Cost of living

Stage 3 tax cuts – averaging about $36 per week. Plus reduce the 19 per cent tax rate to 16 per cent, reduce 32.5 per cent tax rate to 30 per cent and increase the 37 per cent tax rate threshold from $120,000 to $135,000.
$300 energy bill relief.
Waiving $3bn in student debt, or which is less than $1300 for the average student.

“Disappointing that Government has missed the opportunity for real reform to assist families with differing incomes through income splitting options that would allow an income to be split before the tax is assessed between the working parent and the stay-at-home parent.

“Such a measure would reduce the tax burden on families with dependants and allow them to have similar tax burdens, relative to their joint incomes, to those couples that have dual incomes and no kids.

“And for electricity, there should be no reason its costs more than $700 per year, by introducing a Reserved Resource Policy.

Grocery prices

Government will fund market competition organisation CHOICE for three years to produce quarterly price comparison reports for consumers. First report at end of June.
For farmers and suppliers, government is looking at making the Grocery Code of Conduct mandatory and introducing penalties of up to 10 per cent of turnover for breaches.

“How giving consumers will benefit from having a ‘choice’ of where they shop based on a quarterly survey is beyond me, and making the Grocery Code of Conduct mandatory, after all the major grocers were already signatories, will do little for suppliers.”

Housing

Total $32bn housing spend under this government with the latest including $9bn split between each state and territory for social housing, and $1bn for housing infrastructure.
$19.7m over six years to support housing research, fast-track feasibility studies on the release of Commonwealth land for social housing.
Commonwealth rent assistance increase by 10 per cent.

“We have the land, we just need a government with a vision that looks beyond further crowding the major cities.

“Again no deadlines on when these social homes will be built, yet nothing to assist the supply of housing in the private sector.”

Defence

$17.5m over ten years to establish a new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence to support increased oversight, transparency, and accountability of the portfolio.
$186m over four years to reduce the time taken to process veterans’ claims.
$1bn over three years for long-range firearms, fuel resilience and robotic systems.
$35m to upgrade ADF bases in Northern Australia – primarily Townsville.

“This is a substantial sum of money and we must make sure we are getting value,” Mr Katter said.

“A clear message must be sent to the world that we are serious about protecting ourselves and our way of living.

“It’s hard to provide such a message when we have successive governments that allows for the foreign acquisition of strategic assets, including our ports, electricity providers, communication networks, banks, airlines, airports and vast tracts of our land.”

“If we are to spend $330 billion on security we should also revise the foreign acquisition strategy and start reclaiming our most important assets,” said Mr Katter.

Roads and transport

$1bn for the Roads to Recovery Program
$200m for the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program
$154m over six years to implement the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard including $84m over five years to establish a regulator and $10m on awareness campaign.
$101m over five years for remote and regional airstrips.

“I encourage all councils in my electorate to apply for the Roads to Recovery Program, and I’m confident we can secure the funding for the completion of the Hann Hwy, benefiting producers throughout North Queensland.

“As for the vehicle efficiency standard, the government must realise this will impact more than just the people out bush. There are plenty of people in regional cities like Townsville and Cairns, throughout Australia, that enjoy four-wheel drives who will be unfairly punished with this standard.”

Infrastructure

$2.2bn to enhance connectivity, and increase accessibility and reliability of South East Queensland transport networks.
A total infrastructure contribution of $21.6bn for Queensland, of that $1.2bn will go to the Sunshine Coast Rail Line, and just $467m for the Bruce Hwy corridor.
National Water Grid - $174m over six years for new water infrastructure projects.

$592.3 million over five years from 2023–24 for the Paradise Dam Improvement project, the Big Rocks Weir project and the Hughenden Irrigation Scheme has been deferred.

“What a joke! This package is beyond disappointing, it includes nothing ‘nation building,’ nothing that will generate economic growth, nothing that will create more than a few jobs.

“In Kennedy public transport is almost non-existent. We have some of the worse roads in Australia. The only access to the land west of the diving range and literally crumbling. Budget after budget we see more money siphoned from the regions and given to the cities for grandiose white-elephant projects.”

Health

Previously announced tripling of bulk billing system remains - $3.5bn.
$17m over the next year to boost support of healthcare in areas of shortage including GPs. ‘
$2.2bn over five years for aged care, with most going towards administration initiatives including improving regulation and compliance, but including $531m to release 24,100 additional home care packages.
An additional 29 Medicare Urgent Care clinics.

“This increased funding is applauded. It is hoped that this will ensure those that live outside major cities will have improved access to essential health services.”

Agriculture

$519m over eight years for the Future Drought Fund initiatives including education and farming practices incentives to boost drought preparedness, online climate tools.
$1m over two years for a skilled agricultural work liaison pilot to attract graduates to work in agriculture.
$1.5m to improve accuracy and labelling of plant-based alternative protein products.
Already 75 per cent sheep gone, 23 per cent of cattle is gone due to deregulations. The wokie green brigade are at it again to please their ideology.
$107m to help farmers and the supply chain transition away from live sheep exports, yet this package also includes $2.6m to improve sheep welfare standards.
$32m over four years for programs protecting water security in the Great Artesian Basin.

“Besides some funding for the GAB, and potential funding for actual drought relief, this is again woke ideology running its course, destroying agriculture.”

Energy and Environment

$5m over the next year for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to engage tourism operators to conduct reef monitoring and protection.
$7bn over four years to Snowy Hydro to support continued construction.

“As for the Marine Park Authority, well the government has already destroyed all our industries out there with Spanish Mackerel bans and gillnet bans so there’s not much left to protect.

“And is it any surprise Snowy is the only power generation they’re funding. While we’ve got 9000mw of baseload power going off, we’ve only got one, delayed, source coming online.

Social and welfare

$161m over four years to develop and implement a National Firearms Register. “Once established police will know where firearms are, who owns them and what the risks are.”

“To be disarming people while crime is at all time high is unconscionable.”

$288m over four years to support the delivery of the Digital ID system.

“May I just remind our government how unreliable digital systems are; with traditional banking, how often would a bank get robbed? Hardly ever, now with digital banking there’s problems every week with hackers.”

· $1.1bn over four years to pay superannuation on Paid Parental Leave.

“I support this incentive.”

Telecommunications

$150m for the Black Spot Program

“We must urge all councils to apply for the money. The more requests that go in the better.”

Education

$88m over three years for 20,000 new fee-free training places through TAFE.
$5.3m over two years for the Good to Great Schools Australia Pilot program which claims it will benefit outer regional and remote schools to lift their education outcomes.

Other

$48m over the next year for ASIC to sustain operational activities and “enhance its core capabilities.”
$35m to the Director of Public Prosecutions to strengthen capacity to undertake criminal prosecutions.

Support

$14.2m over two years to improve community safety in Alice Springs and surrounds.

“Why can’t we then get money to solve North Queensland’s crime problem with outback camps – relocation sentencing.”

$1bn over five years to address migration backlogs, which includes $115m over four years to establish two migration hubs dedicated to hearing migration and protection matters, currently before the courts.

‘Lacking backbone’: Katter points out major flaw in supermarket prices inquiry report

Wed, 08 May 2024 00:31:21 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter, who has championed the push for supermarket divestiture for more than a decade, has doubled down on his calls for the major supermarkets to be forced to reduce their market share, while shifting corporate oversight powers away from ASIC and ACCC to the Australian Federal Police.

Mr Katter’s calls come as the Senate Select Committee on Supermarket Prices handed down its report on Tuesday, making what the North Queensland MP described as “weak” recommendations, including divestiture as a possible penalty if supermarkets engage in “unconscionable conduct,” increasing funding to the ACCC and allowing it to investigate trading practices, and making the grocery code of conduct mandatory.

Mr Katter said despite receiving wide crossbench support for his ‘forced and staged’ divestiture legislation in March, ultimately this measure was knocked back the major parties. In his legislation, Mr Katter called for forced divestment of the major supermarkets, over a five-year period, down to a market share of 20 per cent each.

“Divestiture needs to happen now – it must be forced, staged and have market share limits. It’s future must not be subject to lengthy and costly court battles with the government and supermarkets throwing large sums of money to argue the meanings of ‘unconscionable conduct,’ ‘misuse of market power’ or ‘reasonableness”.

“Meanwhile, this report is suggesting divestiture as a potential penalty, if they’re caught ‘misusing their market power’ or ‘engaged in unconscionable conduct’.

“A farmer is getting 45c per kilo for their potatoes, meanwhile Coles and Woolworths are charging over $4.50 – more than 800 per cent mark up.

“If that’s not ‘unconscionable’ then I don’t know what is. I mean does anyone seriously believe we’ll actually see action against the supermarkets with this?

“We need immediate legislation that requires the disclosure of the price paid to the producer (and associated costs) and the price charged to the consumer – strictly limiting the mark-up to 100 per cent.

“As for making the grocery code of conduct mandatory, well what’s that going to achieve when all the major supermarkets are already signatories to the voluntary code?”

Mr Katter said the the Grocery Code offered little more than self-regulation by the supermarket giants.

“Making the Code ‘mandatory’ is simply window dressing, all the supermarket giants are already signatories. ‘Increased penalties’ are only useful if there is an independent, powerful and proven enforcement body. It will still be Ceaser judging Ceaser.

“And recommending the ACCC be given powers to investigate trading practices is like telling a government to govern – that’s their job, and they have continually let Australian producers and consumers down. Yet the recommendations propose rewarding them with increased resources.

“That’s why a strong enforcement body – such as the AFP must be appointed to make draw charges against corporate wrongdoing and follow through with prosecution in the courts.”

Mr Katter said he noted the report also made recommendations towards amending merger laws which he said were like “closing the gate after the horse has bolted.”

“It's a bit late to be putting merger laws in now when there is only four or five people supplying electricity in Australia, where there's only two people supplying telecommunications, Foxtel completely dominates pay television, Qantas is almost a monopoly in Australia, Woolworths and Coles - if they're not a duopoly, they're certainly part of an oligopoly, Chemist Warehouse and TerryWhite in the supply of pharmaceuticals in Australia, and four banks run the show.

“Whatever is left out there - it almost doesn't matter - they're just the luxuries.”

Katter applauds farmers for ridiculing the Grocery Code

Tue, 07 May 2024 03:52:21 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter is thanking growers for recommending that the Grocery Code be trashed and a proven law enforcement body, like the AFP, put in place to reel in the power of the supermarket giants.

In April, the Government handed down yet another report recommending little more than improved self-regulation. Increased penalties and making the code mandatory were additional statements “that will do nothing to deal with the heavy imbalance in market power between the major players.”

Mr Katter noted, “making the code mandatory is simply window dressing, as all the supermarket giants were already signatories.”

In his submission Mr Katter said farmers noted that such measures would do very little to support producers.

“The code by its very nature is a form of self-regulation by the supermarkets. Strengthening and making mandatory this self-regulation will do nothing. It will still be Ceaser judging Ceaser.”

Following extensive consultation with farming groups, Mr Katter’s submission suggested four key measures that government should introduce if it is serious about substantial and real reform.

These recommendations are:

· Abolish the Code;

· Provide for forced divestiture;

· Require a maximum 100 per cent mark-up;

· Appoint a strong proven enforcement body.

Further, Mr Katter said farmers in his region noted that added protections or negotiation rights for suppliers, suggested as part of the code, meant little as very few producers actually had direct access to the supermarkets.

“A minor number of producers have ‘vendor numbers’ which give them exclusive access to supply supermarket directly. However most producers can only supply supermarkets via agents, and this leaves the agents and retailer in control of the trade,” Mr Katter’s submission read.

“The code, rather than protecting producers, further enshrines and facilitates this arrangement allowing the supermarkets to indirectly wield their power through third-party agents.

“The code review should further explore these relationships and critically assess how the code itself supports and perpetuates the power imbalance by severely restricting the avenues by which producers can supply supermarkets.”

“Farmers and consumers are suffering at the hands of the supermarkets. We need substantial and significant reform not just window dressing.”

Premier’s $1000 electricity handout ‘an insult to Qld people’: Katter

Fri, 03 May 2024 04:56:34 GMT

FORMER Queensland Energy Minister Bob Katter has labelled the State Premier’s $1000 electricity “vote-buying” handout an “insult to the intelligence of the Queensland people.”

Mr Katter said the $1000 per household initiative, set to cost $2.5bn, and being labelled as cost-of-living relief was not fooling anyone as a blatant vote-buying exercise which ignored the root cause of the electricity woes.

He said the move would do more harm than good, by providing a temporary false sense of security for householders, while failing to address electricity supply and prices.

“Let's be technical, what you are doing, is increasing demand without increasing supply, obviously, that will have an inflationary effect,” Mr Katter said.

“To understand economics, particularly governmental economics, you really must go to the Whitlam years - where he doubled welfare payments, he gave huge amounts of money to First Australians, increased pensions - he just doubled the money going to people in Australia.

“I must emphasise, they were all good things to do, but unless you increase the productivity of your country, it's just more money with the same amount of goods and services - inflation.”

Mr Katter said instead, the $2.5bn could be spent on projects and initiatives that generate goods and services, including electricity.

“If you build Hells Gates Dam, you get hydro power generation increasing our supply, and you expand agriculture; you’re actually producing goods and creating incomes, putting money in people’s pockets the right way.

“If you build the new-generation sugar mill, north of Ingham, you can be converting sugar cane into ethanol, increasing our fuel supply, and generating electricity from the by-product of crushing cane – bagasse.”

According to the Australian Sugar Milling Council, Queensland’s sugar mills already generate over a quarter (27 per cent) of Queensland’s renewable energy, however this could be further increased with government investment. [1]

“If the Premier does this, this would actually generate additional electricity supply, while also generating goods and services from the same projects, and put downward pressure on inflation, rather than a one-off early Christmas present.

“But if you try and insult the people by trying to buy their votes, I think that’s counterproductive.

“But, if people think giving the LNP a landslide victory is going to be a good thing, think again. In fact, it would be hard for me to name a single thing that would change under the LNP.”

ENDS

Katter’s long-term Mossman Mill fix backed by local growers

Thu, 02 May 2024 03:59:58 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter has laid out his proposal to save, and increase viability of the Mossman Sugar Mill, currently in administration.

Mr Katter said it had been reported to him, following years of insecurity within the mill, the quality of cane being supplied to the crusher was dwindling, and additional supply to boost the viability of returns and byproducts was required.

Following a meeting with local grower and Australian Cane Farmers Association representative Jack Murday, Mr Katter pitched his long-term vision of building water infrastructure in the Mount Molly-Mount Carbine region – off the Mitchell River – to expand cane production around Maryfarms.

Mr Katter said this would include a weir, to irrigate up to 10,000ha of cane on soil described by Mr Murday as “fertile for sugar”.

Next, a $25m front-end processing mill would be built to crush the crop into juice, which would then be transported to Mossman Mill via a $23m pipeline.

Mr Katter said the expanded Maryfarms production could result in up to an additional 1 million tonnes of cane supply into Mossman, and not only boost the mill’s sugar production, but also build a case for byproducts such as ethanol and electricity – for which the State Government had previously offered funding.

Mr Katter noted that about 10,000ha of cane created about 10,000L of ethanol.

“This is fight of North Queenslanders versus Brisbane, the major parties – the ones that destroyed our farming and continue to do so,” Mr Katter said.

“If the people of North Queensland vote for the voice of North Queensland – the KAP – we’ll get the balance of power and we’ll see this weir, pipeline and frontend mill built.

“We’re the only party fighting for ethanol – so that you only have to pay $1.29 per litre like they do in Brazil, but also so our cane farmers get a little extra income.”

In the short-term, Mr Katter said he had been advised Mossman growers would be sending this year’s produce to the Mulgrave Mill at $30 per tonne to salvage some returns.

He said he was aware of the $12m transitional fund announced by the State Government, but he was hopeful of saving the mill and would be working with Mr Murday, employees and prospective investors on operational solutions.

Katter welcomes bank’s extended presence in rural and regional Qld

Wed, 01 May 2024 04:00:07 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter has cautiously welcomed a major bank’s latest announcement toward ensuring services remain operational in rural and regional Australia.

On Tuesday, Westpac told Mr Katter it was extending its moratorium on regional branch closures until at least 2027, about one year after the North Queensland MP successfully pressured the bank to reverse a decision to close branches in the Kennedy electorate.

Last year, Westpac had slated its Cloncurry, Ingham and Tully branches for closure, but following strong community resistance, it negotiated with Mr Katter to initially “pause” the closures, before later announcing the three branches would remain open.

Mr Katter thanked his fellow KAP MPs for Hinchinbrook, Hill and Traeger whose communities were all set to be affected by the closures, for their strong representations in keeping the branches open.

Mr Katter said he thanked Westpac for listening and negotiating in good faith, and hoped other major banks would take note.

“Without banking there is no economy – you don’t have a local bank, you don’t have a local economy,” Mr Katter said.

“North Queensland is the heart of the Queensland economy, it’s where all the wealth is generated to service and pay for our schools, hospitals, transport. And we need our governments, but also the major banks recognising this, they cannot be abandoning rural and regional Queensland.

“Banks create money and wealth providing an essential service, and if private corporations want to restrict the growth of regional Queensland, then we’ll establish our own people’s bank.

“The banks have no legal obligation to lend to rural, regional, and remote communities and in many cases they don’t, or they apply far more stringent lending criteria than they do in the cities, and that’s why we’re calling for a state-owned people’s bank to facilitate economic prosperity and rural and regional growth,” he said.

“A bit like our governments, the banks often don’t tend to see the ‘value’ of areas located out of the major city radius.”

Katter Demands Transparency: Release Road Accident Data Now!

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 02:22:46 GMT

Bob Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy has clarified his position with the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and has called on the Prime Minister to back their initiative to immediately release all relevant road accident and crash data.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Katter warned the alarming suppression of vital information regarding road accidents and crash statistics, is leaving Australians in the dark about the true state of road safety.

"Many of our vital connecting roads are in an extremely poor and dangerous condition,” Mr Katter said.

“There is one bad section of road between Almaden and Chillagoe which actually resulted in a Queensland Ambulance four-wheel-drive becoming stuck in a huge ditch – but none of this data is released to the public and if it were, those roads would probably be fixed by now.

“For years we have been fighting for better infrastructure throughout Kennedy. To report that we have a position that does not strenuously advocate for better roads in Kennedy is frankly untrue and demonstrates a very poor lack of judgement, and smacks of what could be perceived as political journalism.

“We would challenge anybody who states that the critical state of Kennedy roads, particularly the key coastal connector – the Bruce Highway, is not a high priority.

“It took us three years and five deaths to get the Feluga intersection fixed on the Bruce Highway and on the Kuranda Range we are seeing the most colossal example of incompetence with trucks continuously rolling over.

“And we’ve also got Gairloch in Ingham which has been approved to be fixed, but work won’t start until the feds give the final scribble!”

Mr Katter said that road safety wasn’t just a matter of concern; it was a matter of life and death for millions of Australians, particularly in regional and rural Australia.

But despite the Federal Government pumping billions into road funding each year, critical data remains locked away, hindering efforts to save lives and prevent tragedies.

Ludicrous decision to disrupt mobile services during Races and Dirt’n Dust Festival

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:52:51 GMT

Federal Member for Kennedy MP Bob Katter is calling for immediate reversal of ludicrous decision by Telstra to disrupt mobile services during the Julia Creek Races and Dirt’n Dust Festival.

“Just another example of how out of touch Telstra is with people living in the bush.

“They are proposing service disruptions over the busiest weekend of the year for the Julia Creek and McKinlay areas. It is not an understatement to say “lives will be put at risk,” Mr Katter said.

The Julia Creek Races and Dirt’n Dust Festival is one of Mid-west’s largest tourism events. Mr Katter said, “During this event the population goes from 500 to 3000, this is a huge increase for such a small town.

“I would like to think they care about remote communities, but when they do things like this it suggests otherwise. The Races and Dirt n Dust festival is scheduled for April 19-20 and the Telstra works are scheduled to take place from the April 18-24.

Telstra estimates that this essential service will be cut for eight hours and will include an all-sector full site outage in McKinlay and eight hours all sector and 3G outage Julia Creek. “We have called on Telstra to put an immediate stop to any disruptions over this critical weekend and the days before and after when thousands will be travelling to and from Julia Creek.

“It is the worst possible time to be playing around with telecommunications,” Mr Katter said.

“This ludicrous decision must be immediately reversed.”

‘Horse has bolted’: Merger laws just political ‘face-saving’ after divestiture ignorance

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 04:07:37 GMT

THE Federal Government’s merger laws reform, aimed at “boosting competition,” equates to “closing the door after the horse has bolted,” Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter said.

Mr Katter, who for more than a decade has raised the alarm over the market concentration of the major supermarkets and more recently made repetitive calls for divestment of Coles and Woolworths, said the merger reform was a knee-jerk reaction by a government under pressure.

“More than 10 years ago myself and Clark MP Andrew Wilkie tried to move legislation to break up Coles and Woolworths, no one listened,” Mr Katter said. “Now everyone is talking about divestment, almost the entire crossbench voted for it when I tried to move it in Parliament again last month.

“So the government is feeling the pressure. And when you feel the pressure, you either grow a spine and actually do something that will split up the giants or you run scared.

“The mums and dads of Australia need cheaper prices at the checkout. Farmers need more for their crops. Blind Freddie would see this means the supermarket giants must be reined in and their profits halved. Merger laws won’t do this. We must have the supermarket giants forcibly split – that can only be done through divestiture.

“The merger laws are some face-saving and wall-papering. When the house is falling down, wall-papering is not going to overcome the problem. “It's a bit late to be putting merger laws in now when there is only four or five people supplying electricity in Australia, where there's only two people supplying telecommunications, Foxtel completely dominates pay television, Qantas is almost a monopoly in Australia, Woolworths and Coles - if they're not a duopoly, they're certainly part of an oligopoly, Chemist Warehouse and TerryWhite in the supply of pharmaceuticals in Australia, and four banks run the show.

“Whatever is left out there - it almost doesn't matter - they're just the luxuries.” Mr Katter said it was important to note that the recent Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review did not disregard his interpretation of divestiture, rather the Greens and Nationals proposal. Mr Katter said his divestiture proposal was a forced breakdown of the major supermarkets over five years, down to 20 per cent market share, while the Greens proposed “selling supermarkets if caught doing the wrong thing.”

“When you’re paying the farmer 45c for a kilo of potatoes and then selling them for $4.90 at 800 per cent mark up, how is that not already doing the wrong thing?”

Mr Katter his proposal was evidenced by other developed nations such as the United States and Great Britain. In the United States the top 10 grocers collectively operated 60 per cent of the market. 1

Meanwhile in Great Britain, the top 10 grocers had 90 per cent of the market share between them, with the biggest player Tesco holding about 27 per market share. 2

1 Grocery retailers market share U.S. 2022 | Statista

2 Grocery Market Share - Kantar (kantarworldpanel.com

Electorate Officer Position Available Innisfail

kahla.pike@aph.gov.au (Kahla Kruger) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 02:44:00 GMT

Applications are open until 3 May 2024.

Electorate officer position available in Innisfail, Far North Queensland

Defence was a ‘wokie crusade for gender equality’: Katter on ADF chief’s exit

arun.singhmann@aph.gov.au (Arun Singh Mann) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:05:46 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has welcomed news of the replacement of the head of the Australian Defence Force, labelling the outgoing chief’s tenure as the worst in history, while sharing his advice with the incoming head.

The Prime Minister on Tuesday said he would be recommending Vice Admiral David Johnston to serve as the new chief of the Australian Defence Force, replacing Angus Campbell in July.

While Mr Katter agreed with the change, he said he could not agree with any praise for the outgoing chief who was in the top job since 2018.

“In that period we’ve seen our recruitment and retention numbers dwindle,” Mr Katter said.

“We’ve seen men who fight for this country, battle in war, be persecuted in trials by media and have no support from their leader.

“He presided over the worst period in Australian military history; the expenditure of over $40bn without buying a single rifle or missile.

“He wanted half the army to be women. And because of his own personality, I think that was an extremely suitable policy for him.

“The people that put him there and kept him there, some day, the people of Australia will spit on your graves. You disarmed my country, and turned the most important function of government, the protection of its people, into a wokie crusade for gender equality.”

Mr Katter said his message to the incoming chief was simple – defend this country.

“A missile fortress wall, a hail storm of artillery shells and every boy and girl in secondary school trained to use a combat rifle.

“Now, if you think the bad guys get the firearms, no, because when they go up on charges - they lose their rifle. So they're unarmed, and they face very serious penalties.

“So the way this works out - the good guys have the ability to defend themselves and if necessary, their country.”

Grocery code review a ‘slap on the wrist with wet lettuce’: Katter

arun.singhmann@aph.gov.au (Arun Singh Mann) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 03:52:22 GMT

LAUGHABLE and uninspiring are the words that come to Kennedy MP Bob Katter’s mind when told of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct review’s interim report.

The report recommends the current voluntary code of conduct be made mandatory and suggests penalties of up to $10m for serious breaches.

“What does a serious breach even mean?” Mr Katter said.

He said proposed increased penalties were only useful if they were actually imposed.

“We have little faith in the ACCC or ASIC and their track record of inaction against major corporations in this country – they’re toothless tigers.”

The current Code has long been used by the Supermarket giants to cement their power imbalance with suppliers and rip off consumers.

Various submissions from farming groups, highlighted in the Interim Report, noted the current Code was used to justify abhorrent behaviours and costs on suppliers often with exemptions so broad that the code is next to meaningless.

“As for the supermarkets ‘improving’ self-regulation – it’s a case of Caesar judging Caesar.

“You’d have to believe in the tooth-fairy if you believe that the supermarkets are going to better police themselves.”

In his 50 years in politics, Mr Katter said he’d almost lost count of how many inquires and reviews there had been into the supermarket sector.

“And what ever comes of it?

“I nearly died of shock when I heard findings of this inquiry were the same as every other.

“Now we have a recommendation to slap them on the wrist with wet lettuce, while they’re marking up potatoes over 800 per cent, and general food items 200 per cent. Is that not already a breach?”

In legislation Mr Katter introduced to Parliament in March, he suggested a 100 per cent mark up on produce from their farmgate price to retail price, as well as forced divestiture, to break up the market share of the major grocers and reduce it to 20 per cent – in line with other developed nations.

Responding to commentary disregarding divestiture following the interim report, Mr Katter said oligopolies and duopolies often did not compete against each other, rather with each other to maximise profits.

“Every school of economics around the world tells its students that oligopolies are in a very powerful marketing position.

“And a duopoly is of course in a position of control – there’s no free market setting the prices now.”

Mr Katter said the review itself noted that fear of retribution by the supermarkets was the dominant reason for so few disputes being raised by suppliers.

“Retribution could take many forms, including the unfavourable renegotiation of terms and conditions of supply, relocation of shelf space to less popular locations within stores, and total delisting of a supplier’s products.”

New tax on farmers will ‘break the camel’s back’: Katter

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 03:11:27 GMT

WHILE earlier this month Australia’s farmers were sharing vulnerable stories with the Supermarket Inquiry hearings of their struggles to survive, this week the Federal Government has decided to move on taxing the agricultural sector further.

Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter says the nation’s food producers should not be forced to make dual contributions to the Government’s Biosecurity Protection Levy.

The Levy is expected to commence from July 1, 2024 and is targeting primary producers citing that farmers “benefit considerably from Australia’s biosecurity status,” with the cost expected to be shared between taxpayers (44 per cent), producers (6 per cent), importers (48 per cent) and Australia Post (2 per cent).

Mr Katter said that farmers were at the bottom of the supply chain and copped enormous production costs from fuel, packaging, freight and fertiliser.

In a submission made to the Minister’s Biodiversity Protection Levy Consultation, Mr Katter argued that the Government would be better served if they banned imports of fresh produce.

“Stop the imports, stop the diseases, and there’s no need for huge levies – that’s how you really benefit primary producers,” Mr Katter said.

The Levy has been strongly opposed by Mr Katter since it was first prosed in a consultation by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture in October 2023.

“Without providing any feedback on consultation, the Albanese Government has introduced legislation to impose a levy on Australian farmers on the basis that they ‘benefit’ from our biosecurity status.

“What an insult. The reality is that Australian farmers are already bearing significant costs of biosecurity protection due to the decisions of successive governments that have allowed diseases imported produce into our country.

“While farmers are telling government inquiries about thousands of dollars of produce getting knocked back, the losses they cop, stagnant returns from supermarkets and how family farms are disappearing, here we are about to slug them with another tax.

“You keep putting weight on the old camel, eventually you’ll break the camel’s back. How many messages do you want?

“We had 276,000 farmers, then Mr Keating started his (deregulation) dirty work, and the National Party carried it on. Now we have about 80,000 farmers. Well, you blokes won’t stop until we have none.”

In his submission towards consultation on the Biosecurity Levy Mr Katter said the cost burden for biosecurity protection should be a core and fundamental obligation for the Australian Government.

“This responsibility should not be delegated to primary producers that have long borne the costs of successive government decisions in increasing biosecurity risks by allowing unnecessary and unjustified fresh produce imports into Australia.”

PM backs Katter in holding supermarkets to account

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 03:00:02 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter is knocking over political dominos with the Prime Minister the latest elected representative affirming the North Queenslander’s demands for action against the major supermarkets.

Reflecting on his now famous “pig stunt” at Federal Parliament in February which aimed to shine a light on the corporate greed of the two major grocers, Mr Katter said “we might not get there today but we will get there.”

“And within hours of that stunt, Woolworths announced it was reducing the price on 400 items,” Mr Katter said.

“Since then, we’ve heard the Nationals ‘wanting to do something’ about supermarkets, the Greens want divestiture.

“Then on Tuesday the Prime Minister spoke about merger laws and holding the supermarkets to account.”

In response to a question without notice from Mr Katter on breaking up the supermarkets and producers, the PM stated “when farmers are getting less money for their product… then you would expect that to translate to cheaper prices at the checkout, and the truth is it hasn’t done so.”

“We've set up a competition task force in Treasury which is considering Australia's merger laws,” the Prime Minister told Mr Katter.

“What we'll do, Member for Kennedy, is certainly respond to any recommendations, including recommendations by the ACCC. I want to continue to work with the member for Kennedy.”

Mr Katter said the issue of affordable groceries and the treatment of farmers had become “a runaway train” of an issue warned elected representatives from “standing in the way”.

“Australians will not let this go, if anyone stands in the way – they’re going to be run over,” Mr Katter said.

“What started as a stunt, has now become a juggernaut with all of the crossbenchers, the National Party leader, the PM himself, starting to come to the view that divestiture must take place.

“Setting up another authority or inquiry, will be an absolute joke.”

Major parties block cost of living relief

arun.singhmann@aph.gov.au (Arun Singh Mann) — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:51:51 GMT

AUSTRALIA’S major parties have blocked debate on Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter’s Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill, which would have provided affordable groceries for families and a fair return for farmers.

Following weeks of public debate, Mr Katter on Monday presented his legislation which would have mandated divestiture of the supermarkets, capping their market share at 20 per and boosted competition, and also, mandated a 100 per cent maximum mark up on produce from farm gate price to retail price.

The bill also provided for a strong enforcement body with significant penalties.

After presenting his bill, on Monday afternoon Mr Katter called on the parliament to vote whether the legislation should be further debated. Multiple independent MPs and the Greens supported Mr Katter’s motion.

Meanwhile Labor and the Coalition voted against further debating the bill – providing relief to Australian consumers and fairer prices to farmers.

“I think that this battle is far from over. We may not win in the parliament today, but the government must be served notice that every element of Australia is screaming for this,” Mr Katter said while calling on the debate.

“Does this place do nothing about it? Don't we care that people out there are going hungry now, and they're missing meals? Doesn't anybody care?

“For those that are worried about divestment, I've got to tell you that when Theodore Roosevelt broke up Esso, the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey under Rockefeller, he broke it up into 32 companies. The value of the shareholders went up.”

Mr Katter said as he had previously stated, he “would not be giving up the fight” against the major supermarkets and, despite not attracting unanimous support for his bill, was still prepared to support legislation that was brought forward by other members of parliament.

“In the dirty world of compromise, these games have to be played, and there in lies the problem. We shouldn’t be playing these games. We should be doing what needs to be done.

“But we’ve had 15 inquiries already into the supermarkets and the ‘ALP-LNP junta’ know this. Quite frankly, they hold these inquiries to avoid actually doing anything.”

Independent MPs welcome ‘copy cat’ supermarket legislation after doing ‘hard yards’

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:35:07 GMT

WHILE on separate ends of the political spectrum, Katter’s Australia Party MP Bob Katter is applauding the Australian Greens for its intent to introduce legislation forcing supermarket divestment in the Senate.

Mr Katter himself will commence debate on his own legislation in the House of Representatives next week, after tabling it on Tuesday – Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill, for which he’s garnered the support of multiple independents including Calare MP Andrew Gee and Clark MP Andrew Wilkie.

Mr Katter said while he fundamentally opposed the majority of the Greens’ views, he would support moves against the major grocers in his battle for increased competition, fairer returns for producers and lower prices for consumers.

“Next week parliament will get the opportunity to vote for our crossbench bill, which they’ve all seen before because Mr Wilkie and I tried to introduce this 11 years ago,” Mr Katter said.

“Firstly, I applaud my crossbench colleagues for their immediate support on this issue gripping our nation; while the major parties keep ‘talking’ about affordability, or investigating the problems, we on the crossbench are moving for action.

“But now everyone is wanting to move legislation, and we welcome them. But we hope that if they’re genuine, they vote for our legislation, we most certainly will be voting for theirs.

“But I do make the point, until Mr Wilkie and I, and then Mr Gee and I made some noise on this, nothing had happened.

“We did the hard yards, 400 items at Woolworths were reduced after our pig stunt, and now the Greens want to capitalise on work that we’ve done – well that’s good, that’s what we want.”

Mr Gee said it was promising to see that other parties were “finally getting with the program.”

“They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If that’s the case, Bob and I should be feeling tickled pink with the knowledge that the Greens have copied our Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill,” Mr Gee said.

“Just weeks after Bob’s now famous pig stunt at parliament, perhaps the Greens should promote their bill by dressing up as copy cats.

“All jokes aside, it’s great that other parties are finally getting with the program that Bob proposed 11 years ago. It may have taken 11 years, but better late than never. Any bill that potentially reduces the power of supermarkets is a good thing.

“It’s interesting that the National Party still haven’t introduced any legislation of their own to stop the supermarket pigs and hogs.

“Despite their bold talk, all they’ve managed to do is piggyback off the Greens. Maybe they need to have a lend of the pig suits if that’s all they can come up with. Perhaps they’re too busy planning to call for another inquiry.

“It’s even more disappointing when you realise the National Party had nine years to stop the supermarket hogs and failed.

“Bob’s Bill will be hitting the House of Representatives on Monday and it will be very interesting to see whether the National Party, the Liberal Party, the Labor Party and the Greens back up their talk by supporting our Bill.

“Australia will be watching, and any hint of hypocrisy on the part of the major parties will be called out.”

Cancer victim on ‘final option’ for treatment set to fork out over $60k for PBS listed drug

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:12:27 GMT

BATTLING cancer for more than a decade, Mission Beach woman Lisa Laird is expected to be out of pocket for more than $60,000 unless she becomes eligible to access medication already listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Ms Laird is no stranger to the fight – both for her own health and the battle to include medication on the PBS. Now in her 50s, Ms Laird was first diagnosed with breast cancer in her 40s and has endured a lengthy battle of “living with the disease”.

Just six years ago, Ms Laird along with Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter and Breast Cancer Network Australia successfully fought to have Palbociclib included on the PBS. [1]

However, with the cancer spreading to her bones, lungs, and stomach, Ms Laird is now on her “final option for treatment” – a drug called trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) – at about $13,000 per treatment.

While the drug received PBS approval in December 2023, Ms Laird herself is not eligible. The PBS provides Enhertu to patients diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, but not patients with HER2-negative – which is where Ms Laird falls.

“In simple terms, it’s like the different blood types we all have, and just because mine is different, I’m not eligible,” Ms Laird said.

“Is my life worthless to someone else, what's the difference?”

Ms Laird is expected to undergo at least five treatments of Enhertu, which at about $13,000 each, would set her back over $60,000.

The former Feluga tree plantation owner who can no longer work said she was appreciative of her generous family who were helping with financial support towards the cost of treatment.

“My family have had to rally together and come up with the amount. And if you don't have family, what choice do you have?

“I've heard of stories of other ladies giving up work and then using retirement money or their superannuation. Some have had to sell their cars.”

Ms Laird and Mr Katter wrote to the Federal Health Minister in January this year pleading for Enhertu to be made available to patients with HER2-negative breast cancer. The Minister acknowledged Ms Laird’s difficulties, however did not state his intentions of advocating for the drug to be made eligible for HER2-negative patients.

Instead, he referred to the PBS Committee and stated at its March 2024 meeting wit would again consider listing Enhertu for HER2-negative patients on the PBS.

It is understood the outcome of that meeting will be made available on April 26, 2024.

Mr Katter said his office had also made efforts to call on the drug’s manufacturer AstraZeneca to request PBS inclusion of Enhertu for HER2-negative patients.

“Lisa was in this precarious position about six years ago and we got a generous reaction out of the government and we are determined to achieve the same with this new development,” Mr Katter said while referring to the inclusion of Palbociclib on the PBS in 2018.

“In most cases there is an issue of an absolutely outrageous charge being put on by a drug company that might have that 'miracle drug' and quite rightly the PBS tries to negotiate down.

“And if you’re the government looking for the money to subsidise this drug – well there’s a long questionable list. We just wasted $400m on a Yes-No vote, or, $40bn was spent on patrol boats that can’t defend this nation.

“Meanwhile we’ve got a matter of life and death here, and if we don’t get a solution, there will be someone’s ‘death’ in Canberra if we don’t succeed with this, I can assure you that.”

[1] Bob Katter joins nationwide campaign to add lifesaving cancer drugs to the PBS | The Cairns Post

Katter goes toe-to-toe with Nationals senator in heated exchange at Orange

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 03:56:44 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter has slammed Nationals senator for New South Wales Ross Cadell’s “improper conduct” as the two men went toe-to-toe in a heated exchange at Orange, outside the Senate hearing on supermarket prices.

Mr Katter was in the rural NSW city to accompany Independent Calare MP Andrew Gee as the two crossbenchers spruiked their upcoming legislation - Reducing Supermarket Dominance.

About 10.30am the Independent MPs were addressing local media, in the foyer of Hotel Canobolas where the Senate hearing was taking place, when Mr Cadell began heckling Mr Gee during his speech.

Then, as Mr Katter proceeded to speak, and attempted to highlight to the media what price farmers were receiving for their potatoes in comparison to what consumers were paying, the heckling continued.

Mr Katter said he was left with no choice but to confront Mr Cadell directly.

“Andrew and I were there for the farmers and to attack the major supermarkets,” Mr Katter said.

“We’re talking about real action, not inquiries, we’ve got the legislation for the parliament to vote on.

“And here we had a bloke attacking the people, who were attacking Woolworths and Coles.

“That’s fine – perhaps it’s the National Party’s position to be on side with Woolworths and Coles. I’m going after the supermarkets and the Nationals are going after me.

“But multiple times I was trying to speak to the media, and he kept interrupting, so I had no choice but to confront him.”

Mr Katter said he would be making a formal complaint against the Nationals Senator.

“He’s the Nationals representative on this impartial inquiry, and so his behaviour was most improper.

“I’m calling on the Nationals to withdraw this senator from their representation on this inquiry.”

Mr Katter later visited local Orange farmers, alongside Mr Gee to further discuss their issues with the supermarkets and the Independents’ proposed legislation.

“There is no placed I’d rather spend my time than North Queensland. But we’re fighting a life and death battle for the farmers and I just have to go wherever the battle takes me.”

Cross-country independent MPs blast major parties for supermarket inaction

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:03:01 GMT

PRESSURE is mounting on the country’s major political parties to intervene firmly and swiftly in addressing supermarket prices and market share, as independent crossbench MPs team up to introduce legislation which would significantly shake-up the behaviour of the grocers.

Calare MP Andrew Gee has affirmed his support for Kennedy MP Bob Katter’s fight to foster a competitive supermarket sector, while levelling out the prices paid by consumers, in comparison to prices awarded to farmers.

Just weeks after his now famous pig stunt at parliament, shaming the two major supermarkets, Mr Katter travelled to Orange, in Mr Gee’s electorate, ahead of the local Senate hearing in the supermarket prices inquiry.

While the two independent MPs representing rural communities plan on introducing legislation later this month – Reducing Supermarket Dominance - on Tuesday, they questioned and highlighted the lack of action by the major parties.

“It’s vital to draw attention to the shocking behaviour of the supermarket pigs and hogs. Their snouts are in the money trough, they’re rolling around in massive profits, yet they pay our farmers a pittance and price gouge customers on the way through,” Mr Gee said.

“Urgent action is required to give our farmers and consumers a fair go.

“We also need to point out to the National Party, the Liberal Party and the Labor Party, that talking about taking action is not good enough. Words have to be backed up by deeds.

“The National Party had nine years to stop the supermarket hogs and failed. The National Party also introduced the Grocery Code of Conduct and it turned out to be a dud which has not stopped the price gouging.

“They introduced laws on the misuse of market power which have also been ineffective in taming the hogs.

“Next week in Parliament, the Independents are taking action, through Bob and the Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill.

“It will wind back the market share of the big supermarkets and level the playing field between the farmers and the supermarket giants.

“What we want is for the National Party and all major parties to not just hold press conferences and talk about taking action, but to actually vote in favour of this game-changing legislation.

“If you’re not prepared to back up your big talk with a vote in Parliament, it’s all just hot air and porkies.

“Today we are highlighting the fact that it is the crossbench which comes to Parliament with answers. We want the major parties to back up their words with deeds. Stop just talking the talk. Start walking the walk. Vote for the Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill. Help get the snouts out of the trough,” Mr Gee said.

Mr Katter echoed Mr Gee’s calls of hypocrisy from the major parties, reminding everyone that he attempted to introduce his legislation in 2013 and it was knocked back by the then LNP Government.

In summary, the legislation would:

Force divestiture of the supermarkets and their market power in the grocery sector to a maximum of 20 per cent within five years.

Require the publication of information on what is being paid to the farmer and by the consumer, as well as regulate 100 per cent mark up on prices paid to producers, to then what is charged to consumers.

Scrapping the ‘food and grocery code of conduct’ noting it fails to address power imbalances and instead provides a mechanism by which supermarkets control suppliers and producers.

“The Coalition voted against this – they were there for 10 years – they sat on their hands and did nothing,” Mr Katter said.

“When they could do something, they did nothing and now that they can’t do anything, they are promising to do something, for an exercise in hypocrisy, this is just beyond belief.

“But every second word we hear at Parliament is ‘affordability,’ yet it’s all talk. What have the major parties done about it besides hold inquiries and investigations?

“To quote Winston Churchill ‘if you absolutely must not and cannot do it, then you hold an inquiry. And the wider terms of reference, the less likely to hit a target’.

“There is not a single action that has been taken to improve affordability in that place, yet here is a bill that could almost half your food bill. So why won’t you vote for it?

“Meanwhile, we’ve got the poor old potato farmer, as just one example. This is someone who absorbs all the costs – planting, fertilising, controlling pests and weeds, picking, cleaning, packing and transporting. They’re getting paid 99c per kilo for all that.

“And then, what do Woolworths and Coles do? All they have to do is put it on the shelves, and they get over $4. How does that make any sense?”

Katter calls out Nationals for Great Artesian Basin Carbon dumping approval

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 01:54:10 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter says he will not let governments get away with “criminal irresponsibility” by allowing a foreign mining corporation to dump carbon waste in the Great Artesian Basin.

Image: Edgbaston springs complex, Myross Station. Credit: Queensland Department of Lands, 2008

Glencore was given approval by the former Federal LNP Government to inject carbon dioxide from a coal-fired power station into one of the basin’s aquifers, as part of a carbon capture trial.

The controversial plan which threatens the quality of water, used by many inland Australian towns for drinking and farmers for grazing cattle and growing produce has been heavily attacked by major agricultural groups National Farmers Federation and AgForce, as well as Katter’s Australian Party.

Unfortunately it has not been met by the same level of scrutiny by the major political parties.

Mr Katter said he supported all concerns that if allowed to proceed, this trial would create a precent for carbon polluters to dump their waste in the “precious” basin, while earning themselves tax-payer funded carbon credits, and destroying the inland agricultural industries that rely upon the underground water.

“But then again, the National Party with their deregulation have already destroyed all our sugar, tobacco, eggs, diary with their national competition ideology,” Mr Katter said of the political party which approved Glencore’s application.

“It's about time the farmers stopped their ridiculous relationship with the National Party. I mean, one the greatest greens advocates in this country is Littleproud, and one of the greatest free marketeers in this country, is Littleproud.

“The National Party also gave import permits to bananas, and it was the Liberal Party, John Howard, that overruled that decision.”

Acknowledging the current Labor Federal Government had also not acted on Glencore’s permit, Mr Katter said he would be holding discussions with the Federal Environment Minister to overturn the decision.

“We want assurances from this government that it will not act in criminal irresponsibility. If there is anything sacred in this country – it is our underground waters supply – the Great Artesian Basin – when a significant portion the surface area of Australia is desert.

Further, Mr Katter said he wasn’t surprised by Glencore’s self-minded proposal, labelling the mining giant as a “foreign-trading company.”

“They’re not a mining company, that’s when you dig the resource out of the ground. They’re a trading company – that’s when you sit on a resource and trade it,” he said of the company’s decision to close down its Mount Isa copper operations.

“They have been allowed to own extensive copper reserves while refusing to mine them.

“Since the great Theodore Governments, and the great Bjelke-Petersen Governments, for over 100 years in this state, you used it or you lost it. That has been the law.

“Now this contemptable government in Queensland - there is an unpleasant odour coming off the relationship between the government, the Australian Workers Union and Glencore. Their coal-mining rights have been excessive, why have they been given a dream run in coal mining, when the governments are supposed to be closing down coal mining.”

Three men survive explosion on government hydro project: State blasted for slow response

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:08:08 GMT

PRESSURE is mounting on both the Queensland and the Commonwealth Governments to intervene and immediately suspend works on a government-backed hydro project after an alleged misinformed explosion nearly killed three workers.

Three underground workers at the State Government-funded Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project are lucky to be alive after explosives were set off while they were still on site on Friday, February 23.

The underground workers are night-shift workers who were operating at 300m below ground. Due to finish at 5.30am, at about 5am, they felt rumblings and heard the explosion, terrifyingly while still underground themselves.

CFMEU Regional workplace health and safety coordinator Mick Robinson said the men then drove back up to the base where they were then notified explosives had been set off at 330m, shockingly just 30m below them.

“When they got back up the workers confirmed their ‘cards were on the wall’ and vehicle numbers were logged,” Mr Robinson said.

“It should have been known they were still down there.”

Mr Robinson said while the three underground workers were fortunate to escape without physical injury, understandably they were mentally shaken up.

One week after the incident, Mr Robinson said the State Government’s response to the explosion had been absolutely dismal, with no confirmation as of 3pm Friday, March 1 whether a State Department officer or investigator had set foot on the Kidston site.

“It was first reported to the State Workplace Health and Safety Department on the Friday (February 23), and then again on the Monday, and then on Wednesday. Nothing, no response, no investigation.

“Then a distressed relative of one of the workers got in touch with CFMEU Townsville and since then we’ve been told it isn’t under the State WHS jurisdiction, but comes under Resources Safety and Health Queensland. That was on the Thursday, so it took six days for the State departments to acknowledge the incident. Whether someone has been out there, we still don’t know.”

Mr Robinson said the ignorance towards the workers’ wellbeing was shocking.

“They’re only supposed to work 14-day fortnights but had agreed to do another week. And since this has happened, they’re still going to work. There’s been no counselling, no checks, no medical assistance.

“It’s taken six days for the government to even notice. The site should have been shut down immediately.

“We’re still calling for an immediate shutdown, so there can be a full safety reset, a review of how this was allowed to happen, new protocols put in place and full safety retraining for everyone so it doesn’t happen again.”

Mr Robinson also alerted Katter’s Australian Party Federal MP Bob Katter who has notified the Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.

“I make no apologies for praising the work of Mick Robinson of the CFMEU for getting onto this,” Mr Katter said.

“An explosion occurred and it was a miracle they weren't killed. It was the nearest of near misses, and it is prima facie evidence that there is a serious neglect of safety that is taking place at Kidston.

“I’m very disappointed that calls to the state ministers and their departments had not been answered when there's every likelihood that there is a continuing situation of dangerous conduct.”

Katter’s Australian Party leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said “thankfully no one got hurt” and that the facts surrounding this incident were nothing short of astonishing.

“It's astonishing that the companies involved, wouldn't themselves had made a bigger deal internally, including shutting the operations down until this was investigated,” Robbie Katter said.

“But it is equally astonishing that there's been no reprimand or reaction from the government until they were vigorously jerked into gear.

“But further, it appears to me there seems to be a second set of rules for any of these renewable energy projects. There’s minimal scrutiny and approvals needed, it just seems like the approach is ‘don’t get in the way, we need to get this thing off the ground’.”

The State Government project is a 250MW pumped hydro storage facility, being built on the old Kidston gold mine, about 280km northwest of Townsville. It includes underground components such as turbines and their associated tunnels for construction.

Bring back $25 subdivisions: Katter questions lack of land availability in ‘empty country’

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 03:56:47 GMT

AN estimated 95 per cent of Australia’s land mass is deemed “empty,” yet the Federal Government is choosing to inflame competition for housing and land in already overcrowded cities and regions, Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter says, who recalls blocks of landing going for about $7000 each.

It comes as Mr Katter supported crossbench colleague Calare MP Andrew Gee’s motion in Parliament on Thursday to prohibit foreigners from purchasing residential Australian properties as an immediate relief to the competitive market. The motion was voted down by both major parties.

Beyond banning foreign ownership, the North Queensland MP wants the immediate release of mass Crown land parcels and all subdivision decisions to be given to a single, in situ community-based authority.

Mr Katter addressed the Federal Government’s latest “housing fix” - its Help to Buy Scheme where taxpayers would foot the bill for up to 40 per cent equity of a first homebuyer’s property - labelling the proposal as another that “only increases demand, and does nothing to address supply.”

Mr Katter said the latest scheme was not dissimilar to the government’s previous initiatives which also fuelled demand by providing monetary incentives including deposit guarantees.

And following reports the Federal Government was spending almost $30bn in housing handouts and demand-boosting measures, Mr Katter said it was ignoring its own analysis of the market’s problem – a lack of affordable land. [1]

“No less a person in this place (Parliament) than the Treasurer in his first budget speech said: 'The problem confronting this nation is affordability. That is being driven by housing prices, which are being pressured by restrictive impositions upon land’,” Mr Katter said.

“And then he said 'We're setting up an authority.'

“No, no, we've already got four processes we've got to go through, and we'll have five processes we've got to go through if that authority is brought into operation.”

Instead, he reminded the government of a time when it cost about $25 and took five minutes to complete a subdivision.

“All land in the greater Charters Towers area was under control of the mines department, and you went to see the mining clerk of the court, a gentleman called Michael Power, if you wanted a subdivision. He said yes, or he said no, and that was as simple as it was.

“My wife said, 'Can we subdivide it?’

“He said, 'have you got the survey done?' She said yes and handed him the survey plan.

“He said, 'fill out that form' so my wife filled it out. 'Give me 25 bucks. Thank you.'

“She said, 'when can I sell it?' He said, 'you can sell it now. Yes, go down to the real estate agent and sell it. Once I've stamped it and signed it, it's finished’.

“Under these rules land was $7,000 in Charters Towers. When the mines department was abolished, it went—hear me—from $7,000 to $142,000.”

Queensland building broker Buildi reported the cost of a subdivision in the Sunshine State to be between $60,000 and $90,000 in fees and charges. [2]

Mr Katter said rather than spend close to $30bn in handouts and force buyers to fight for “tiny, overpriced” blocks in overpopulated centres, the Federal Government should be looking to free up crown land in underpopulated parts of the nation and spend its budget towards establishing those blocks as suitable allotments.

“I use Charters Towers (a suburb of Townsville really) as an example, or Ingham or Mareeba in North Queensland – it’s not like you’re living out in the sticks, you’re close to two major cities within a region of a population exceeding 500,000.

“And then we want the Federal Government to create a campaign – “Sell your house in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne for over $1m, and move up to beautiful NQ, buy a home for half that price and have another $500,000 to spend at your will.”

[1] Property investors get bigger slice of federal housing budget (smh.com.au)

[2] How much does it cost to subdivide land in QLD? - Buildi

Parliament stunt exposes ‘piggy’ supermarket profits

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:43:34 GMT

Kennedy MP Bob Katter and Clark MP Andrew Wilkie dressed as pigs and walked the halls of Federal Parliament on Wednesday to resemble the supermarkets with their “snouts in the trough” – allegedly underpaying their producers and price gouging off their consumers.

Mr Katter said it should be noted that he and his crossbench colleague Mr Wilkie, ten years ago, called on the government to support a Bill that would have reduced the powers of the big supermarket giants. Ignored at the time, sadly now Australians face a cost-of-living crisis where they’re cutting staple foods from their diets to manage tight household budgets. [1]

The two independents anticipate reintroducing their Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill in March to Parliament.

In summary, the legislation would:

Force divestiture of the supermarkets and their market power in the grocery sector to a maximum of 20 per cent within five years.

Provide for a Commissioner for Food Retailing with functions that stop price gouging and other anti-competitive behaviours and requires the publication of information on what is being paid to the farmer and by the consumer, as well as regulate 100 per cent mark up on prices paid to producers, to then what is charged to consumers.

Scrapping the ‘food and grocery code of conduct’ noting it fails to address power imbalances and instead provides a mechanism by which supermarkets control suppliers and producers.

Mr Katter used the example of potatoes to highlight the disparity between what is paid to a producer, compared to what is paid by the consumer.

“It's about $3.60 per kg for the potatoes that customers pay for at the supermarket, and they pay the farmer, about 99 per kg,” Mr Katter said.

“But it doesn't matter if we're talking about bananas, eggs, milk, sugar or avocados, it's the same.

“I mean are we just going to let them continue screwing the farmers down through the floor and charging the consumers a 'squillion' dollars.

“There will be big moves now on Woolworths and Coles,” Mr Katter said, coinciding with Woolworths’ Wednesday announcement of it “dropping prices on more than 400 items.” [2]

Mr Wilkie said he congratulated “the member for Kennedy for bringing this bill to parliament… for a second time.”

“The fact that it was brought to the parliament ten years ago, and nothing happened, and here we are ten years later and we're looking at price markups like this potato example - 99c to $3.90,” Mr Wilkie said.

“This bill has a number of components - the key component I think is compulsory divestiture.

“That each year for five years, both Woolworths and Coles would have to divest themselves of 5 per cent of their market share; that's 10 per cent in total of the big two. So over five years, Woolies and Coles will go from around 70 per cent down to about 20 per cent.

“And that would bring Australia into line with similar countries around the world; nowhere in the world is there such a duopoly of supermarkets.

Qantas investor’s grandson labels $1.2bn profit as ‘ironic’

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 06:36:09 GMT

THE grandson of one of Qantas’ early investors has labelled the airline’s $1.2bn underlying half-year profit as “ironic,” stating it was once acceptable for the carrier to report losses, so long it provided an essential service to regional Australians.

Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter, whose grandfather was that investor, said now the self-proclaimed “spirit of Australia” was anything but.

And while the national carrier may be flashing its cash, Mr Katter said its customer would much prefer the airline focus on its roots and serve regional Australians.

“My grandfather was one of the first couple of hundred investors in Qantas and the irony of this (profit report) is he lost a lot of money and he said 'don't worry about that, this is to create a service to the people of Australia, that don't live in the capital cities',” Mr Katter said.

“The charges now for people in regional areas - the people of Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, the people in Tamworth and the cities along the Murray - all these people are paying extraordinary prices. So it's a milking machine, and it's milking cow is the people that live outside the capital cities.”

“At one stage the price to go from Brisbane to Qatar was the same as to go from Brisbane to Cairns.

“Because, there's competition on the international market, there's no competition in Australia.

“They've got the whole game to themselves. Even if you say there's two - well a duopoly, even when I went to university - that's real bad for the consumers.”

The North Queensland MP again slammed previous governments for privatising essential Australian assets, including Qantas and said now, the board needed to be held further to account.

“Disgraceful. But once again, who sold Qantas? What sort of country are we?

“We owned Qantas once, now foreigners own Qantas. So surprise, surprise, they're screwing us.

“Allan Joyce was not the Spirit of Australia and everyone was jumping on him - but what about the board? I'll be naming the board in parliament - they are the complete opposite of the Australian spirit.”New Paragraph

Katter demands supermarket reform not inquiries

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:32:32 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has unleashed on the current and former government today after Four Corner’s last night exposed Woolworths and Coles’ anti-competitive, price predatory behaviours.

For more than a decade [i] , Mr Katter has been advocating for and moving legislation in the House to actually achieve supermarket reform.

In 2013, he introduced the Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill 2013 [ii] which provided a limit on market share and to force supermarkets to divulge how much they are paying Australian farmers for produce.

“In the last 10-or-so years, our records show that we are the only ones that have moved legislation in the House of Representatives.

“We know that customers are being ripped off. We know that farmers are being ripped off. And we know that Government’s are doing nothing but having inquiry, after inquiry. Significant, substantial, and immediate reform is required,” Mr Katter said.

“There have been 15 inquiries into Woolworths and Coles and not a single thing has been done, not a single recommendation has been put into practice.

“We are sick of the “gunna -do’s” we need action now. Both of the major parties have had their chance in government to undertake significant reform, instead they appear to be addicted to the power and the money that the supermarkets arguably give them.

“It’s nothing but smoke and mirrors and hot air.”

In a recent submission to the Senate Select Committee on supermarket prices, Mr Katter made four key recommendations which would completely overhaul the conduct of major grocers. Mr Katter’s four recommendations include:

ANTI-PRICE GOUGING
This would include measures that compel supermarket directors and executives to provide robust and frank information to oversight bodies and mechanisms that allow consumers to express concerns about pricing without having to demonstrate a technical breach of the law.

DIVESTITURE POWERS

This would restrict market share to 23 per cent for corporations in the grocery sector and give powers to the Australian Government to force businesses that hold a near-monopoly or duopoly control over a market to sell down assets, as a means of ensuring concentrated markets remain competitive.

TARIFFS ON IMPORTS

By recognising the economic, social and environmental impacts of imported products, provide a blanket customs tariff of 5 per cent on all imports.

MAXIMUM 100 PER CENT MARKUP

This would define and cap the charges that a supermarket can put on producers or suppliers and a introduce a maximum markup of 100 per cent that supermarkets can charge on all produce.

“Australia once had 16,000 dairy farmers, it now has 6000. And where the country once had 240,000 farmers in total, there are just 83,000. Whose fault is that?

“Who is the government throughout those years that introduced free markets. Free markets meant Woolworths and Coles had free fire sales to push us down through the floor, they could pay us (farmers) anything they wanted.

“Free market means only one thing….the supermarket giants are “free” to “market-it” up to whatever price they want!”

– ENDS –

[1] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r5097#:~:text=The%20bill%3A%20provides%20for%20a,limits%20on%20market%20share%20and

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/06/18/3784101.htm

[i] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r5097#:~:text=The%20bill%3A%20provides%20for%20a,limits%20on%20market%20share%20and

[ii] https://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/06/18/3784101.htm

‘Accountants in Cairns’ and culture change needed to boost Australian Defence

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 23:30:45 GMT

AUSTRALIAN Defence’s culture needs to be examined as much as its ageing and underwhelming equipment Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter says, who has proposed “accountants in Cairns,” Far North Queensland could prop up Navy numbers in response to concerns of “weak borders”.

Responding to reports a new fleet of “smaller” warships are set to be announced by the Federal Government after its strategic review found the Navy had “a lack of firepower” and “not enough crew,” Mr Katter said Defence’s leadership also needed to be scrutinised for dwindling personnel retention. [1]

“Not just the Navy, but across the Defence Force – when you have leadership more concerned about ideological issues like gender equality or, pandering to the needs and wants of minority groups and making them feel more comfortable, is it any wonder our numbers are falling,” Mr Katter said.

“Or when you have leadership, where if you shoot an enemy in war, and you end up on charges of war crimes, the leadership will back the courts before they back you.

“Or when you give your Navy crews, who are supposed to defend our borders – a series of drones and patrol boats, with an ordinance of just 15 machine guns – is it any surprise we’re now being told ‘we’re too slow to in our response to China’s growth in this space’.”

Mr Katter said while he accepted new ships couldn’t be built overnight, policy changes to Defence culture and recruitment could have an immediate impact.

The former militia soldier called for the recruitment of private sector workers in Cairns and the Far North region – a region of strategic significance given its proximity to Pacific nations and China.

“Why can’t they use militia on the boats too?

“You only need a few technical experts – and then you hire people like diesel fitters and marine engineers from the private sector in Cairns.

“Plus to man the boats, are you telling me an accountant in Cairns wouldn’t want to go sailing around for a few months – you get away from your wife, you get away from work, additional pay. So don’t tell me you can’t get crew, because you can.

“But some people just don’t want to go into the Navy fulltime. There would be plenty of blokes who would want to do their bit but don't want to go full-time into defence.”

[1] New warships to boost firepower in review of navy surface fleet | The Australian

Katter’s supermarket submission would overhaul grocer’s conduct

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:39:35 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter has made four key recommendations which would completely overhaul the conduct of major grocers in his submission towards the Senate’s inquiry into supermarket prices.

After watching Australia’s farming numbers dwindle while the market share of major supermarkets Coles and Woolworths rapidly increased over the last two decades, Mr Katter laid blame on governments allowing the creation of a powerful duopoly.

“The power they have over Australian consumers and producers is unparalleled. Reform will put in jeopardy the $1 billion in profits each supermarket posted in August last year and the incredible influence they have over Australian families absorbing almost 80c in every household dollar spent,” Mr Katter said.

“They will use their power and money to fight against any reform and ridicule those that speak out. However, reform is not only justified, it is necessary to provide cost of living relief and allow Australian farmers to survive.

“Little has been done by successive governments to reign in this power. Almost all attempts by farming organisations to level the playing field have been met with contempt. Farmers are forced to compete against each other with the most compliant to the whims of the supermarket giants being the victor. Anyone would dare to speak out or use the avenues of complaint regarding unfair practices is severely penalised by being banned from future purchasing agreements.”

Mr Katter’s four recommendations include:

ANTI-PRICE GOUGING

This would include measures that compel supermarket directors and executives to provide robust and frank information to oversight bodies and mechanisms that allow consumers to express concerns about pricing without having to demonstrate a technical breach of the law.

DIVESTITURE POWERS

TARIFFS ON IMPORTS

By recognising the economic, social and environmental impacts of imported products, provide a blanket customs tariff of 5 per cent on all imports.

MAXIMUM 100 PER CENT MARKUP

This would define and cap the charges that a supermarket can put on producers or suppliers and a introduce a maximum markup of 100 per cent that supermarkets can charge on all produce.

“For example, if the farmer is receiving $1.50 for a kilo for produce, he actually takes home less than 2c once costs are covered. The supermarket on the other hand retails the same product at $4-5/kg.

“You don’t have to be great at maths to work out where the $1billon in annual profit for the supermarkets is coming from. If government is serious about tackling the cost of living, supporting Australian farmers and consumers and ensuring access to fresh fruit and vegetable it should immediately introduce 100 per cent mark up.”

Families pay no tax: Katter’s proposed shake up of income tax for ‘dying’ country

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:23:38 GMT

FATHER of the House and Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter says under his “split income” taxation model, families would virtually be exempt from paying income tax.

Mr Katter said Australians were a dying race, as no one could afford to have families and the current tax models we’re favouring dual income, career-minded individuals, rather than someone wanting to raise children.

Mr Katter’s proposal comes as the Federal Government moves on its amended Stage 3 Tax Cuts, being touted as “cost of living relief.” While Mr Katter said he would not stand in the way of any relief including lower taxes, it was far-fetched to claim that about $25 a week from the government’s proposal would help Australian’s struggling with rapidly rising fuel and grocery costs.

In what would be a complete overhaul of Australia’s income tax model – Mr Katter said his split income proposal would create greater parity between a couple with double income and no kids (DINKS) and a family of four or five.

“The average income being about $100,000, tax on that is $25,000. Each individual in a DINK household is left with $75,000 disposal income.

“Now a family of five. There might be a stay-at-home parent (if they can afford it). So an average income of $100,000 is also $75,000 after tax, however, that’s split five ways – so really each individual has $15,000.

“So where would you rather be? With a disposable income of $75,000 or a disposable income of $15,000?

“So it’s pretty simple, if you’re the sole income earner for a family of five (or however many children), you’re income should be split among your dependants before tax is calculated. That means $100,000 five ways – income $20,000 each – you’re paying virtually no tax.”

Mr Katter said he noted providing extensive cuts to families would impact government revenue, which he said should be countered by a 5 per cent primage charge on all goods being imported into the country.

A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics report stated Australia imported about $500bn worth of goods; a 5 per cent charge on this figure would generate about $25bn in tax revenue. [1]

Further, Mr Katter stated Australia should be earning a greater income from its gas exports.

“When Qatar, which produces and exports the same amount of gas as us, gets $29bn for their gas and we're getting only $600m for ours, surely there is a case. Let's be conservative: surely, we should be getting $15bn. So there's $40 bn that you've got in the till.”

“So if you want to give families a fair go in this country then it's about time the word 'family' started jumping up in this place, because there aren't going to be any of us very shortly.

“I was among the first generation where women were supposed to have careers. Well, they're careering off into nonexistence. A lot of them, very sadly, are old people now. They sit at home, they have no kids to love and no kids to love them, no grandkids to love and no grandkids to love them. It's very sad because society cheated them and lied to them.”

[1] International Trade: Supplementary Information, Financial Year, 2022-23 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)

Katter’s cash rejected at Federal Parliament cafe

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:26:06 GMT

FEDERAL MP Bob Katter’s cash was rejected at Federal Parliament’s Staff Dining Room cafe, denying the North Queenslander from purchasing lunch on the first sitting day of the year.

About 12.30pm, Tuesday the Katter’s Australian Party MP placed his order for fish, rice and vegetables, and upon attempting to make payment with an Australian $50 note, Mr Katter was told by dining room staff ‘the venue did not accept cash’.

While cafe staff did offer Mr Katter his meal free of charge, who he acknowledged were not at fault the Kennedy MP used the opportunity to remind the parliament and its lawmakers of the embarrassing flaw “to not accept Australian legal tender, in the very place, that makes the laws to accept cash as a form of currency.”

“Legal tender means you must accept it, it’s the law,” Mr Katter said.

After attending multiple rallies in recent years fighting against the abolishment of cash, including at local government levels, Mr Katter said it was evident that many Australians did not want, or could not afford to see cash phased out.

“I fight the battle because otherwise all your freedom is gone. The banks will control your life. You can’t buy a loaf of bread without the bank’s permission. The banks will now have complete control of your life.

“And there is another factor I appreciate – in North Queensland, and we’ve seen it recently, we’re having storms and cyclones knocking out our power lines. Your plastic magic won’t work without electricity and without cash you’ll starve, you won’t be able to buy fuel or medication either.”

Mr Katter said he appreciated the Federal Parliament Speaker’s quick response to the cafe cash rejection, who told Mr Katter “we will reverse this policy immediately.”

Katter calls for immigration cuts after Ipswich fatal stabbing

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:10:16 GMT

PARENTS must be protected for disciplining their children and Australians must be given the right to bear arms and protect themselves, their property and their homes, Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter says in the wake of the tragic fatal stabbing of an Ipswich grandmother.

Further, Mr Katter said the alleged murder in Ipswich, which was being reported as involving foreigners, highlighted the need for Australia to revisit its immigration intakes and policies.

“We’ve got many foreign delinquents all over this country causing trouble. This is in a country where the government has said we are 55,000 houses short, they are bringing half a million extra people who will stay in this country for good,” Mr Katter said.

“Preference for migration has to come from countries with democracy, egalitarian traditions rule of law, Christian principles and industrial awards. If they don't have those things, they don't come to this country.

“How much clearer does it need to get in this country – there are gangs running amok in Melbourne, there are people attending rallies yelling ‘gas the Jews,’ and these are the sorts of people we keep bringing into this country.

“So immediately we’re calling for not only the migrant intake to be cut in half, but also student intake down two-thirds. Universities are just visa shops and their intake should be reduced to genuine students only.

“So we'll be moving along those lines as parliament resumes and if no one seconds us, or votes for it, fine. We'll send a letter to every local authority in their electorate advising them their member wouldn't vote for it.”

Mr Katter said the nation also needed to look beyond its “wokie ideologies” and give parents the right to discipline their children, as youth crime continues to grip the state of Queensland.

“Queensland is one of the most restrictive states on earth – we are far from a ‘free country’.

“If you discipline your kids and teach them some manners, the police will have you up on charges.

“And if you try and defend yourself from offenders, the police will have you up on charges.

“We just need restoration of our rights. The Magna Carta gives us the right to bear arms, to protect our selves and our property.”

Katter’s ‘forceful’ and ‘brutal’ action plan following Mount Isa Mines announcement

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 01:09:29 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter is calling on governments to intervene immediately in the closure of Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines copper operation – to preserve the best interests of the North Western city and Australia’s critical reliance on the essential metal.

With Glencore announcing it was closing its copper mining at Mount Isa by 2025, Mr Katter said it was time to immediately move forward with a “brutal” and “forceful” action plan.

He said governments needed to show some “backbone” and move Glencore on immediately, and not allow it to slowly drain the town and North West region over the next two years.

“They’ve had one foot out the door for years, they're not interested in hanging around and would prefer to be mining copper in the Congo, so get the hell out,” he said.

“It's about time a government in Australia grew a back bone and threw out these people that are raping our resources for their own wealth and treating us like pawns.

“The government has explain what it is going to do now about maintaining its sovereign capability to produce copper."

Mr Katter acknowledged all mines possessed finite resources, but was adamant the future of copper was in strong supply in the North West Minerals Province, and of course, in high demand across Australia.

“All year we’ve heard the Prime Minister, who visited Mount Isa in August, and his government speak highly of the importance of new-age critical minerals including copper, well how can we meet those demands and targets without a town like Mount Isa – and all the additional services it provides to mining?

“When you turn on the tap, that's a copper pipe, when you turn on the lights, it comes through a copper wire. So if you don't want the lights to be turned on and you don't want water, then forget about copper. The pre-eminent nature of copper is greatly magnified now by the electrification of motor vehicles and power plants. Copper is the essential component.

“Now there is ample copper for Mount Isa to have wonderful prosperity, and a syndicate that is coming together must be backed by the government, and give priority in those jobs to the people that live there – this must be enforced with brutality.”

Qantas board sucking the spirit out of Australia, return carrier to government: Katter

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:24:55 GMT

AS the “national carrier” enters a new era of administration, Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter is turning the blowtorch on to the remaining board which oversaw a period of operation, completely void of Australian values, while calling for the airline to be returned to nation.

“I have been able to do very serious harm to people that have betrayed Australia and its people. I regret that the administration that is just finishing was not seriously assailed by myself,” he said.

Mr Katter said the airline which was once financially rescued by a group of people including his grandfather, and formerly government owned, was a beacon of the essential services Australia once provided, including “reasonably priced airfares.”

“Qantas was taken over by the government - it was a service to the Australian people, it was not a money-making machine for the rich corporates,” Mr Katter said.

“But under Joyce, this company shredded the mantle of safety, and I don't blame him, whether he was just nothing more than a self-seeking, money-grabbing big noter, or whether he was a pawn in the hands of the board, simply taking directions - that's for others to decide.

“Generous government subsidies were gobbled up by a greedy corporation, airfares in regional areas skyrocketed to unconscionable levels, baggage handlers were sleeping on concrete with a blanket over them, mid winter and there were numerous allegations of offshoring thousands of jobs, allegations that have never been answered.”

Perusing the backgrounds of the board of directors, Mr Katter noted a number of them had foreign ties or interests.

“Is it any wonder we had a foreigner put, and then kept in charge of our ‘national carrier,’ they clearly don’t think Australians are good enough.

“They’re a bunch that would not have a scintilla of identification of an ordinary, knock about Australian.

“The blatant abuse of power to promote the philosophical viewpoints of people at the top, with a blatant disregard for the culture and traditions of Australians, whether it was his fault or not, under his administration, every single one of the principles that drove those people that created Qantas was betrayed and spat upon.

“The board can’t be faulted for putting him there, but they kept him there. People that control these corporations have to be publicly named and it's about time the spotlight enables the Australian people to see these people who have contempt for every characteristic that is uniquely Australian.”

Responding to the government’s Aviation Green Paper released this week, Mr Katter dismissed the suggestion foreign competition would alleviate customer complaints, and rather suggested Qantas be returned to government ownership.

“Qantas’ profits should be going back to the Australian people, not to an entitled mob worried about their own pockets.

“They took our concept of reasonable airfares to shrink the tyranny of distance and turned it into a money-making machine.

“In a country like Australia, Qantas is a service that should be owned by the government; in the most sparsely populated country on Earth - where the wealth of the country comes from the sparsely populated areas, if you continue to strangle them, then you strangle the nation.”

Qantas board members:

Richard Goyder AO

BCom, FAICD | Independent, Non-Executive Director and Chairman

Age: 63

Maxine Brenner

BA, LLB | Independent Non-Executive Director

Age: 61

Jacqueline Hey

BCom, Grad Cert (Mgmt), GAICD | Independent Non-Executive Director

Age: 57

Belinda Hutchinson AC

BEc, FCA, FAICD | Independent Non-Executive Director

Age: 70

Michael L'Estrange AO

BA (Syd), MA (Oxon) | Independent Non-Executive Director

Age: 70

Doug Parker

BEc, MBA | Independent, Non-Executive Director

Age: 61

Todd Sampson

MBA, BA (Hons) | Independent, Non-Executive Director

Age: 53

Dr Heather Smith PSM FAIIA

BEc (Hons), PhD | Independent, Non-Executive Director

Age: 58

Antony Tyler

BA (Jurisprudence) | Independent Non-Executive Director

Age: 68

Why superfunds should invest in resources

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:19:13 GMT

NORTH Queensland is the key to achieving the nation’s goals of developing critical mineral industries for batteries, EVs and technology, and reducing emissions; however, the government’s bureaucracy is the barrier, Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter says.

In just over 12 months of power, the Federal Government has on numerous occasions praised the resources sector for its contribution towards “building the nation,” and underwriting “so much of our prosperity today.”

“They tell us the industry will ‘continue to be the backbone of our economy’,” Mr Katter said.

“But what do they actually have to show for it, what have they built?”

Mr Katter said it was concerning in the Federal Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, the resources minister recognised the need to attract “investment and build international partnerships,” yet did not mention government investment.

Mr Katter said the government had the power to indirectly invest in the sector by introducing the “60/40 rule” stipulating 60 per cent of superannuation funds be directed into revenue-generating, government secured projects, rather than into the share market, which accounted for 53 per cent of super investments in March 2023.

He said he also recognised the need for international investment in resources.

“Whilst undoubtedly Japanese and Korean interests want security of supply and are entitled to an ownership stake in their supply source, our government should play a part,” he said.

“Except in the iron ore industry, there's been no mining development of significance in Australia in the past 10 years.

“Apart from having to torpedo your way through reams of bureaucratic barbwire and entanglements, you’d expect some commitment by governments in projects that are going to yield hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenue as well as mining royalties.

“At the very least they could direct, with government securities attached, super funds to invest in the resources sector.”

It comes as the Queensland State Government recently announced geotechnical and engineering contracts for the 1100km CopperString Townsville to Mount Isa transmission line – a project set to power the region’s renewable energy and minerals industries. However, it remains with an “expected” start date of 2024.

“The start time should be next month, we just can't move at this speed,” Mr Katter, who fought for the project for over a decade said.

“We have got tens of thousands of jobs in vanadium, lithium, copper, fertiliser, super cheap electricity ready to go out there.”

Among those projects, waiting for CopperString, include the Hughenden Irrigation project’s hydroelectric component, it includes Cloncurry’s Eva Copper Mine project, the Richmond-Julia Creek Vanadium Project and the Wongalee and Prairie wind farms.

“There is not a reason in the bloody world why they can't put up 100 pylons before now and the end of the year; except for of course, government rigmarole.

“There are Australians struggling and we have governments incapable of making decisions, incapable of action and in this case, just sticking a few pylons in the ground already.”

Keep cash alive rally instils ‘confidence’ in 3000 petitioners

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 01:24:54 GMT

CASSOWARY Coast residents fighting to keep cash alive are quietly confident their local government will reverse a decision to go cashless following a rally on Sunday, June 25 at Innisfail’s ANZAC Park.

Katter’s Australian Party MPs for Kennedy and Hill, Bob Katter and Shane Knuth, joined over 150 Far North residents, some of which had travelled from the Tablelands and Cairns, to protest against a 2022 Cassowary Coast Regional Council decision banning cash from its facilities and venues.

Among the speakers was Cairns Regional Division 9 councillor Brett Olds, who after recently assisting his own constituents overturn a cashless decision, provided some advice to the frustrated Cassowary Coast residents.

His “words of wisdom” were to remind residents that Cairns councillors unanimously voted to return cash after “listening to its people.”

“I came down with words of encouragement and to let people know that if you're angry, don't be angry and silent, let people know, tell your councillors how you feel,” Cr Olds said.

“The advice was peacefully go do it, don't attack people, let your voices be heard. They've got to make some phone calls, send some emails and say 'I think you've made the wrong decision here and my voice through you hasn't been heard'.

“With 3000 people signing that petition, that’s a great percentage, I’m confident for them the right decision will be made here.”

Rally coordinator Tara Garozzo, of the newly-formed Cassowary Coast Action Network said she hoped to lodge the petition by August and put the decision in the hands of the councillors.

“We found out our councillors never got a choice to vote on this, even though a few of them openly disagreed, so we launched a petition and held this rally,” Ms Garozzo said.

“We're just wanting the decision to go back to councillors and for them to decide if cash can be reinstated.”

Mr Katter said it was unfair to take away cash, and thereby, take away the “choices and freedoms” of a government’s people.

“With cash, we control it, we control how we spend it and save it,” Mr Katter said.

“If we go cashless, we’re giving all our power over to CEOs on millions of dollars who run the banks and make a decision about your money with the click of a button.

“And in an area where we have so many cyclones and power goes out all the time, I mean what are you going to do when your ‘plastic magic’ doesn’t work?”

Mr Knuth said ratepayers deserved to have a say on such significant issues.

“Councillors will vote on fixing a gutter, but when it came to a region going cashless, they had no say, we want them to have a say,” Mr Knuth said.

“They'll say this might only affect 10 per cent of the population, well that's still 10 per cent and most of that is the elderly - they're the people who don't have access to that digital payment system, they rely on cash.

“We've seen bank closures all throughout rural and regional Queensland and the impacts that has and we believe if we don't start now, we'll see a domino effect take over every council.”

Katter and Dai Le’s push for stricter super investment directives

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 08:16:15 GMT

TWO maverick independent Federal MPs are calling for further action on the government’s superannuation “shake up” and have joined forces to rebuild Australian manufacturing while protecting the nation’s retirement balances.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter and Fowler MP Dai Le want to restart Australian manufacturing and productivity by prescribing that Australian super funds invest in Australian, money-generating industries and projects.

“Recently, I saw an ad by an ‘Australian’ superannuation company which proudly stated it was investing funds in the manufacturing of Swedish trains,” Mr Katter said.

“Now come on, let’s get real – that should be Australian trains.”

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) stated total superannuation assets were $3.5 trillion at the end of the March 2023 quarter and that 53.9 per cent were investments in shares.

“Everyone knows the reality of shares, one move and they can all become worthless. All your retirement savings gone, only to then burden the nation’s budget further,” Mr Katter said.

“If the government has the power to direct super funds to become financial advisers, it can direct them to invest your funds in Australian money-generating projects, backed and led by the government .

“We had the 60/40 rule – 60 per cent of super funds had to go into government securities, now close to that number is going into a roulette wheel.”

Ms Le echoed Mr Katter’s calls for greater responsibility of how Australian super funds were invested and said she would encourage funds be “directed towards manufacturing projects that would support low socio-economic income areas by providing employment and investment opportunities for Australian business.”

“With the right financial support my electorate of Fowler can become the production and manufacturing engine room of this country,” Ms Le said.

“Our future is here, we have the people and resources to enable a safe and steady transition to a more energy-efficient future.

“I believe my electorate can lead the way in the production of Australian made electric vehicle components. It’s up to us, to encourage local solutions that will create jobs and secure future stability for everyone.

“Australia has the resources to build and create; we have the technology to innovate. It’s time to reassess where we are putting our money and I believe that our hard-earned superannuation funds would be better spent on local manufacturing investments that create employment and business opportunities while providing long-term opportunities for all Australians.”

[1] It's more super - YouTube

[1] Super Statistics - ASFA (superannuation.asn.au)

[1] Super fund overhaul: how reforms on financial advice will work | The Australian

Electorate / Media Officer Position Available in Mount Isa

kahla.pike@aph.gov.au (Kahla Kruger) — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 02:18:58 GMT

Applications close 30 July 2023.

$30m announced for renewable fuel – NQ sugar primed to deliver

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 03:26:38 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party (KAP) MP Bob Katter has 30 million “sweet” reasons to celebrate today as his party’s staple emissions reduction and fuel sovereignty policy received a major boost.

Mr Katter congratulated the Federal Government on its “first real step” towards emissions reduction and creation of Australian industry, when it announced $30m in grants for companies to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel on Wednesday.

While the announcement was directed towards the aviation industry, Mr Katter said the significant investment in renewable fuel would greatly benefit agriculture both in North Queensland and throughout Australia, as well pave the way for greater production and consumption of ethanol at a household level.

Mr Katter said the announcement would provide a “glimmer of hope” for long-established Ingham renewable fuel company – North Queensland Bio Energy – a company created in 2004 to diversify the incomes of the region’s sugar growers. However, with very little public support the aspirational company had “shelved” its plans.

“Nick Dametto (Hinchinbrook MP), Robert Carey (NQBE CEO), you can break out the champagne bottles, but you can't pop the cork just yet. When the KAP gets the balance of power in state parliament next year, it'll be take off time,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter reflected on the successes of KAP’s lobbying for increased use of renewable fuel, but said Wednesday’s announcement presented an opportunity to go further.

“I want to put on record my personal thanks to the ALP and trade union friends of mine who attended a meeting with a former state treasurer that secured, along with the KAP state members 4.5 per cent ethanol use in Queensland.”

“Former New South Wales premier Morris Iemma, with the Australian Medical Association got 6.5 per cent ethanol in New South Wales. I think the window is now open for 10 per cent, in every litre of fuel in Australia.

“It also opens the way to zero-emission transportation in Australia and full fuel self-sufficiency, instead of sending $40bn a year overseas to buy petrol, diesel, avgas and lubricants, that $40bn a year will be going into Australian pockets.”

Mr Katter said North Queensland’s sugar industry was primed to deliver Australia’s renewable and sustainable fuel requirements.

“Sugar cane absorbs 72 tonnes of CO2 per hectare, per year. 10ha of sugar cane creates 10,000L of ethanol. And it creates renewable electricity, renewable petrol and "sweeteners" in all our lives.

“We congratulate the government, this is the first real, fair dinkum reduction in CO2 emissions and the first creation of an industry in Australia. This is of course if it happens - a press statement is not reality.”

Local league legends battle against blood cancer

Rachelle.Ambrum@aph.gov.au (Rachelle Ambrum) — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 08:08:46 GMT

CASSOWARY Coast’s biggest rivalry is set to reignite with a generous undertone as the region’s two rugby league clubs go head-to-head in a bid to boost stem cell donor numbers.

Joining the Innisfail Leprechauns and the Tully Tigers for a three-week campaign are Katter’s Australian Party MPs Bob Katter and Shane Knuth, who are calling on Far North residents to join Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry’s the Strength to Give initiative.

The Far North drive will include two stalls, one at the Innisfail Show on Friday, July 14 (from 9am) and a second at the Tully show on Friday, July 28 (from 9am) where prospective donors aged 18-35 can register and complete a cheek swab in just minutes.

“It’s a battle of the champions – the titans of the Cassowary Coast are stepping up,” Mr Katter said.

“I’ll have to spend my time being a ‘LEPITIGER’ – half Innisfail Leprechaun, half Tully Tiger.”

Mr Katter has been actively pushing to boost the registry’s numbers, pleading with the Federal Health Minister to allocate greater funds towards the ABMDR to increase its campaigning.

“It’s about time, Australia should be leading the world, yet we have one of the lowest donation registries.

“We’re starting with the two local rugby league teams here, and we’re hopeful of attracting some local youth at the shows, but it would be great to see this initiative take of around the country and all the footy clubs get involved.”

Mr Knuth he welcomed the support from the two local rugby league clubs.

"The Leps and Tigers have always had a long-standing rivalry however, it is great to see them unite to battle a greater cause - blood cancer," Mr Knuth said.

"Their actions, in promoting and getting a quick swab, will help save and improve many lives.”

ABMDR chief executive Lisa Smith said she was thrilled to be part of the campaign which would potentially help alleviate some of the demand while the registry awaited funding.

“Mr Katter has been a tremendous friend to our registry and Australian patients searching for their matching stem cell donor,” Ms Smith said.

“Although we are still waiting on funds to be released that will let us recruit the number of donors we need, we – like Mr Katter and Mr Knuth – understand that our desperately ill patients can’t afford to wait any longer. This event showcases perfectly what we could do if given the opportunity and we thank the Cassowary Coast community for their support.”

Far North residents aged 18-35 are encouraged to visit the Strength to Give website to register, and use the code: teamleps or teamtigers, with the club-specific competition running from July 7 to July28. However, prospective donors can also register at anytime outside these dates.

FURTHER BACKGROUND ON BLOOD CANCER:

There are currently over 110,000 Australians living with blood cancer in Australia, and on any given day it’s estimated the registry is managing around 100 Australian patients looking for their matching donor. Close to 6000 Australian’s die from blood cancer and blood disorders every year, many waiting for a match.

More than 1000 Australians urgently need a stem cell donation, but the number of Australian stem cell donors has shrunk significantly over the last decade. ABMDR estimates we will need an additional 120,000+ donors to keep up with the current demand.

About 80 percent of Australians living with blood cancer rely on overseas donors which can be costly and logistically difficult for patients and can come with additional risks for patients.

Joining Australia’s register of volunteer stem cell donors is easy – simply register your details at strengthtogive.org.au and swab your cheeks using swabs available from the Strength to Give booth at the show, or delivered to your home. Then, if you are a match for a patient in need of a transplant, we will be in touch to guide you through the process.

Donating stem cells is easier than you think – a few sitting hours in a chair for you, gives the patient the chance of a lifetime.

ENDS

‘It’s ridiculous’: Bodycams have no place in battle

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:49:06 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter has slammed the “ridiculous idea” of soldiers wearing body cams when in combat.

The Chief of the Defence Force has issued direction for certain army personnel to be forced to wear body cameras during particular missions, a move Mr Katter labelled would “sacrifice the safety of soldiers to appease the wokes.”

“Warfare is an atrocity by definition,” Mr Katter said.

“I was trained for combat, I note I never saw combat. But the training was to kill without thinking, because if they stop and think, we'd all be dead,” Mr Katter said.

“If you think if you can go into warfare and never make a mistake, then you believe in the tooth fairy. The tension, trauma, and terror of battle.

“Cameras would create absolute critical hesitation. I think it would completely emasculate our soldiers. I think the net result of that - it will unnecessarily decimate the number of Australian soldiers in defence.”

Mr Katter said the introduction of “moral quandaries” into life-or-death situations raised questions about the chief of the defence’s motivation.

“His motivation is to please the wokes - sacrificing the safety of his soldiers. Assessing morality ‘frame-by-frame’ from an armchair provides no context to decisions made in the heat of battle.

“Those doing so ought to hang their heads in shame and certainly not attend ANZAC Day services and hypocritically pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives for the country.

“For arguments suggesting footage would also be used to train soldiers – we hold concerns this ‘training’ would pigeonhole our men and women into thinking and acting a certain way during battle; acting in a manner that might appease their chiefs, but also cost lives and battles.

“If you use cameras in war and you want to give them moral quandaries - a reason to stop and have moral theological discussions - then just don't go to war, just let your country be taken over and abated.

“You cannot be expected, in the heat of battle to be rethinking every decision. And so you shouldn’t be judged on those decisions either.”

Mr Katter said this was another example of the “soft, feel-good brigade” earning morality points while sacrificing Australian values and Australians, following the Ben Roberts Smith defamation decision.

“The modern woke generation consider it a sport to pick on anyone who represents nationalism, a proud Australia. We should revere those who generate money, protect our country and produce wealth for us,” Mr Katter said in response to the Roberts Smith decision.

“For the 'double-degree done nothings' they are their singular targets - they hate all the traditional values that Australians have revered for hundreds, I would argue thousands of years.

“We need to look at the people that made this decision and give them the same scrutiny; decisions made on the basis of prejudices from the 'fully modern class’ with their double degrees and cushy jobs. They spit upon the values of we Australians.”

The Voice – Another ‘government department’: Katter

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:42:09 GMT

WITH the passing of the Voice Referendum today, Katter's Australian Party MP Bob Katter has questioned the huge cost in time and money on what is, essentially, “the establishment of another government department.”

“Now we’re going to spend a whole heap more time and money on making Australia vote on creating another government department and listing the goals of that department in the Australian Constitution,” he said.

Mr Katter said he had spent his entire parliamentary career fighting “for a fair go for some of our most impoverished First Australian communities.”

“But let’s be fair dinkum, the Voice is simply another government department. It will employ bureaucrats to review the work of other bureaucrats that get their writing instructions from even more bureaucrats.

“Calling a government department, ‘The Voice”, doesn’t fool anyone.

“Australians have already paid dearly for the failings of the now defunct ATSIC (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission). What will happen to its replacement, the NIAA (National Indigenous Australians Agency). Isn’t NIAA chartered with whatever “the Voice” is supposed to achieve?”

He said while politics was being played on a grand scale in Canberra, communities he represented were being ignored.

"Has anyone asked the people in Doomadgee or Mornington Island what they want? And if they did, they'd probably start off with asking for a decent feed - cheap meat, fruit and vegetables.”

Community market-gardens have long been promoted by Mr Katter to be restored in these communities – but successive governments have failed. For example, even if a lip head of lettuce is available in most remote First Australian communities, it costs upwards of $15-20.

Access to title deeds to promote home and business ownership and a sense of pride and self-determination has also long been promoted by Mr Katter – again successive governments have failed to deliver.

“Not once have I heard a remote First Australian community call for another government department to be established to tell them what they need.

“Did anyone listen to their voice?

“While the feel-good brigade tout their message and use the Voice – another Government Department - as a political football, our impoverished First Australian communities languish in desperation for just the bare essentials,” he said.

Good Australians: Paronella Park owners still ‘on a journey’ after 30 years

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:39:00 GMT

THIRTY years ago, the owners of one of Queensland’s most prolific attractions set on a journey around Australia, yet after three decades in business in Far North Queensland, they claim that “journey hasn’t come to a rest.”

Mark and Judy Evans celebrated 30 years of operating Paronella Park at Mena Creek this week, with the multiple award-winning destination pinning another accolade to their mighty list – a Good Australian Award - presented by Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter.

The couple who famously stumbled upon the iconic castle and park in 1993 during a caravan trip, celebrated their 30-year milestone on Wednesday alongside family, friends, dignitaries and of course, Jose Paronella’s family, including Teresa.

Mr Evans pinned the success of the family-run venture, which includes the Mena Creek Hotel, the neighbouring van park and the Mamu Tropical Skywalk on the ability to define the difference between a “tourist” and a “traveller,” and employing the “most enthusiastic staff ever.”

“A tourist, heading from Cairns for example, might pick out four spots to check out in one day, and then they’re gone,” Mr Evans said.

“A traveller is on a journey, they’re immersed in the story, they talk to other travellers, and we become a chapter of their own story. And then we see those travellers back, but next time it might be with friends and family.”

He said the key to attracting “travellers” was offering perks such as tickets that are valid for two years, free nights at the van park and easily accessible meals from the neighbouring hotel.

“So they’re not just here to ‘stop’ at Paronella Park, they’re here to discover Mena Creek on their journey.”

Mr Evans said while the experience of Paronella Park was still predicated on its founder Jose’s story, the “Evan impact or addition” to the park was hiring staff that would be “remembered by their guests.”

“That’s number one. What we look for in staff is people who bring the same level of enthusiasm and passion to their work each day.”

Mr Evans said his advice to those starting out in tourism was to “listen to your customers.”

“Give them what they want, it might mean putting aside what you think is right, what you prefer, just listen to them. Of all the awards, the ones we’re most proud of are the People’s Choice Awards, and for us, that tells us we’re listening.”

He said after three decades, he and Ms Evans would slowly start stepping back, but not without ensuring the legacy of the park was protected for future generations.

Mr Katter congratulated the couple and their family on their success and awarded them with his Good Australian Award.

“Paronella Park was the romance and excitement of my youth. The great rock and roll bands, the great dances, a beautiful place to visit, wonderful times, but it turned into a heap a rubble beside one of a thousand waterfalls in North Queensland,” Mr Katter said.

“The men who made the modern world could see the world was going to need these new horseless carriages called cars, they could see that the world was going to need a product called petrol and they could see that the world would need steel not iron.

“Just like Mark and Judy could see that a heap of rubble and a waterfall could be turned into one of the key tourist attractions which has made FNQ a national tourist destination of very real significance. It’s extraordinary.

“Mark and Judy, I love you, you are the essence of those things that have made Australia the country that I love. God bless.”

The Good Australian Award, instituted by Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, recognises hardworking and honest North Queenslanders, and recipients of the award can use the post-nominal letters G.A. after their name.

Pharmaceutical duopoly: ‘Cheaper drugs’ hard to swallow for family chemists

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 05:31:17 GMT

“We’ve seen this nightmare before,” Father of the House and Kennedy MP Bob Katter says on the proposed changes to pharmacy dispensing, comparing the move to the fateful deregulation of Australia’s major industries.

The Federal Government will allow 60 days’ worth of medication to be dispensed on one script from September 1, increasing from 30 days, in what it’s labelled as a move that would make drugs cheaper.

“But it will also halve the pay for every pharmacy in Australia,” Mr Katter said.

“Are you going to stay at a job where your pay is halved - no you're not. That's the question every pharmacist in Australia will be asking themselves now – ‘can I afford to stay at a job where my income is going to drop in half?’”.

Mr Katter asked the Federal Health Minister a question without notice, warning him of the dangers of destroying smaller family-run operations to allow larger corporates to expand - who already have 40 per cent market share.

Mr Katter said the country was heading down a path where it would no longer be economically viable to operate as a small and privately-run chemist, or more importantly, compete with a larger franchise.

“Isn't this really about Terry White and Chemist Warehouse CEOs on a paltry $1.7 million a year wanting the Woolworths CEO's $8 million or the Qantas CEO's $25 million a year?”

In his response the minister told Mr Katter pharmacy modelling showed the industry was expecting to earn $100bn over the next four years, “without considering growth.”

“Well in this case we haven’t considered halving their pay either have we? In my question I said the ‘big two’ already have 40 per cent, so most of that $100bn is theirs,” Mr Katter said.

“They're telling us prices will come down - well they told us the same when they deregulated motor cars and prices went up 600 per cent, they told us that with food and it went up 200 per cent.

“And they keep talking about regional and rural, I think most of the closures will be the suburbs where there’s greater private family-run pharmacies competing against each other. So if you live in Sydney, it might now take you two hours to get to a pharmacy.

“We’ll be left with the Woolworths and Coles of pharmacies, and they’ll charge us whatever they like. So much for cheaper medication.”

Burdekin wall increase will benefit China’s solar panels, not farmers: Katter

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 05:19:37 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter fears the biggest winner from raising the Burdekin Dam wall will be the solar panel industry in China, and not North Queensland’s agriculture sector as he questions the real motive of the investment.

Mr Katter expressed his opposition to the State Government’s announcement on Tuesday which claimed raising the wall would “future proof the site and provide up to 150,000 megalitres of new water allocations for agriculture.” [1]

“You could do exactly that by putting Hell's Gates in,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter said raising the Burdekin Dam wall was a “robbery” of the river’s water and stated due to the dam’s shallow depth, increasing the height would make it susceptible to higher evaporation rates. He said on contrary; Hell’s Gates would be a “deeper pond,” leading to lower evaporation.

“They are cold-bloodedly destroying the Burdekin River, the life blood of North Queensland. This will take water away from Hell’s Gates, from the great Australian and Dr (John) Bradfield dream – to take a small amount of water from the coastal stream and turn North and Central Queensland’s richest soils into one of the biggest food bowls.

“With Hell’s Gates, we’ll be expanding farming and sugarcane production west of Ayr. With this wall, we won’t.

“But I believe what the State Government really wants here is pumped hydroelectricity – they’ve committed us to their $62bn intermittent energy plan.

“With over 50 per cent of Australia registered as desert, on the driest continent on earth, you want to take water and pump it to generate electricity? In the most coal-rich state?

“Pumped hydro will double the cost of electricity. And to pump it, your power is going to come from either the coal stations, or solar panels, and China’s manufacturing will be the real winner there.

“Hell’s Gates was always intended to include hydro, not pumped, just real hydro, providing electricity and water to the farmers.”

[1] State government promises $440m for raising of Burdekin Falls Dam | Townsville Bulletin

National park destroyed in suspected back burn ‘gone wrong’

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 05:13:15 GMT

A FAR North national park has been left in ruins, with the once vibrant jungle now portraying scenes of a post-apocalyptic film sparking calls for greater resources to national park management or a return of the land to private grazing hands.

Forty Mile Scrub National Park, south of Mount Garnet is hardly recognisable following what has been described to Kennedy MP Bob Katter as a “controlled burn gone horribly wrong.”

The park is described by the State Government as featuring: “Ancient and recent volcanic flows, open grassy woodland, the headwaters of several creeks, and a near-threatened, isolated pocket of semi-evergreen vine-thicket.”

However, what remains of the once pristine jungle is kilometres of carcasses of burnt down trees, and overgrown invasive species including lantana - a weed described capable of “smothering native vegetation and forming impenetrable stands.”

Veteran Far North grazier Jack Fraser frequently travels the Kennedy Hwy past Forty Mile Scrub and alerted Mr Katter and Hill MP Shane Knuth of the disaster.

“One side of the road its national park – it’s all gone. On the other side its grazing country and we’ve still got all the native species, it’s well maintained and there’s no weeds,” Mr Fraser said.

“My understanding is a back burn of the national park got out of control. The burn was too late in the year; when you do backburning anywhere, you don't burn late in the year, you burn earlier on.

“Now it’s overgrown with grass and weeds. And that’s fuel on the ground. So the next time there’s a fire (naturally) it will be like a bomb going off. You can still see the sticks of the burnt trees now, even they won’t be here next time.

“When the Aboriginals controlled this country - they burnt on a regular basis but at the right time of the year and the right time of the day where they never burnt the lot. The best thing I think you can do is graze it, and then you don't have all of this fuel on the ground.”

Hill MP Shane Knuth said the disaster at Forty Mile Scrub was evidence greater resources needed to be allocated to managing national parks.

“When it comes six months out from an election what we see continuously is the government of the day introduce either vegetation management laws which target the land owners that are trying to manage their land,” Mr Knuth said.

“But they also introduce resuming more land for national parks. And we’re seeing now Queensland has ventured up to 8 per cent as national park - more than 140,000sq km.

“It seems like a great idea at the time, they tell everyone that it is going to be well preserved for future generations, but what it turns into is this - a breeding ground for feral animals and noxious weeds.

“So we want to continue the pressure on those that make these decisions to let people out there know that is what your tax payer dollars are going to. This could be properly managed, but it is not because there are no resources to manage all these national parks that are coming into existence year after year.”

Mr Katter said if the government was not capable of caring for the land, it should be left to the farmers.

“There's a cattle station owner across the road (Kennedy Hwy). If this fire crossed the road, the cattle station owner would've immediately put the fire out,” he said.

“National parks - they create these great big parks, but there's no one looking after it.

“The French pay their farmers to stay on the land - because they say someone has to look after the land - who better than the farmers.

“Farmers and First Australians have cared for this land for hundreds of years, done no harm to it.

“So if you want to declare a national park - put someone there to actually look after it.”

Australia is an ‘industrial backwater’ as Katter looks to Brazil

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 05:00:15 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP and long-term ethanol advocate Bob Katter is calling on the government to part ways with its colonial mentality and stand up against the major corporations to build sovereign fuel capacity.

It comes as the aviation industry forecasts a prolonged period of high airfares, due to the costs of sustainable aviation fuel – understood to be four times higher than regular jet fuel.

Airlines have expressed their desire to switch to renewable fuels, which Mr Katter has long pushed for, but are now urging governments to further invest in sustainable fuel sector to alleviate costs long term.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in its March 2023 Australian Petroleum Statistics publication stated the nation refined 718.5ML of aviation fuel, while it imported 4816 ML – worth $5.84bn.

Looking to Brazil – an “advanced industrial nation” which manufactures aeroplanes, cars and ethanol, Mr Katter was left with one question: “Why don’t we do this in Australia?”

“We're an industrial backwater now,” Mr Katter said.

“In Brazil, they have 49 per cent of their motor vehicle fuel as ethanol, coming from their sugar cane mills, and they're paying $1.29 (AUD), while we're paying about $1.90.

“Because we're a colony of the giant corporations, the fact that there's one or two that are Australian owned is fairly irrelevant.

“The biggest corporations on earth are the fuel companies and they'll make a big song and dance about what they’re doing, but in actual fact, they're doing nothing.

“You get some strong governments like the government in Brazil, the government in the US, and then you get some joke governments like Australia's governments.

“We might have lost the political colonial government, but we never lost the colonial mentality.

“And we've only got two countries on earth not doing ethanol, New Zealand and Australia, and you have to say, the colonial spot marks are showing.”

[1] High airfares till 2040, predicts IATA chief economist | The Australian

Cash petitioners treated like ‘rockstars’ in push against council

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 04:50:31 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter is backing a newly-created petition which is calling on Cassowary Coast Regional Council to reverse its decision of going cashless at its facilities.

The council’s website states from July 1, 2022, the local government “will no longer accept payments by cash or cheque at our Customer Service Centres and other Council run facilities.”

The decision caused angst among the Cassowary Coast community with residents banding together to create a petition which reads: “This decision impacts our youth, the vulnerable, is discriminative, unpractical, undemocratic and controlling… We the undersigned residents petition to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council that cash payments (legal tender) be re-instated at all CCRC facilities.”

Eubenangee resident and petitioner Karen Benn said following a 5000-signature petition, neighbouring Cairns Regional Council opted to return cash at its facilities in April, after beginning its transition towards electronic transactions in 2019, and she was hopeful a similar outcome could be achieved further south.

Ms Benn said volunteers who were distributing petition forms were being treated “like rockstars” in each Cassowary Coast town, where the forms were now available at pubs, cafes, service stations, bakeries and most small businesses.

“With the forms and online, we have about 600 signatures so far,” Ms Benn said.

“Our fear is if our government is doing this, other businesses might follow. But it should always be our choice.

“The council might tell us only 9 per cent of people are using cash, but if you look through their statements they’re hammering diversity and inclusiveness in all departments, so is it OK to discriminate against that 9 per cent?

“I know people with disabilities who can work with cash, they know what they’re doing, but they’re unable to operate computers and cards, and the elderly are the same.”

Mr Katter recently fought to keep the Westpac branch open at Tully, as well as Ingham and Cloncurry, and said he strongly opposed the removal of cash transactions from communities.

“As it stands, cash is legal tender,” Mr Katter said.

“This is a scary pathway to be moving down, because when your money is in the bank, the bank controls it, not you. With cash, you control it.

“With banks and electronic money, they decide if you receive credit or not, they decide how you spend your money.

“And in an area like the Cassowary Coast, I don’t think we want to be reminded, but we will get cyclones, we will lose power, and we will need cash when EFPTOS doesn’t work.”

Mr Katter said he urged the CCRC to listen to its residents and reverse its decision of going cashless.

Quiet Aus-UK Free Trade clause will ‘decimate’ regional economies

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 03:32:46 GMT

A SNEAKY clause included in the Australia-UK Free Trade agreement has regional Australia feeling anxious about its future workforce supply with Kennedy MP Bob Katter calling for either a “handbrake” on the deal or a government-funded campaign to address labour shortage concerns.

The bilateral agreement which came into effect on May 31, has been sold to the public as a “gold standard trade deal that delivers benefits for all Australians – including manufacturers, workers, farmers, tradies, innovators, families, and students.”

However, from July 1, 2024, an additional clause will come into effect allowing UK passport holders to be “granted up to three Working Holiday visas without having to meet any specified work requirements.”

Previously, UK passport holders (backpackers) were required to complete at least 88 days of “specified work” which included service in regional and rural parts of the country – underpinning the workforce for small-town hospitality venues as well as fruit-picking farms.

In North Queensland, owner of the Barron Valley Hotel at Atherton, Michael Nasser, said “cutting off the backpackers would decimate the region.”

“To put it simply, if they’re no longer required to come out here, the beaches of Sydney and Gold Coast are far more appealing than the bush,” Mr Nasser said.

“For perspective, at the moment I’m getting about 100 inquiries per week from UK backpackers for work. We employ about 50 people here at the hotel at the moment I’ve got 14 backpackers.

“But they go on to all the farms around here as well, and I get inquiries from farmers about them as well. Because they’re willing to work, hospitality jobs - Australians don't want to do them because it interferes with their social life - weekends, split shifts, late nights.

“Of course there are some, but most Australians don't want to do them, and it's not just us here (in Atherton), ask any pub or roadhouse in regional Australia.”

Mr Nasser while there were working holiday visa applicants from other countries, the ability to speak English was an important requirement and employers shouldn’t be confined to employing people from a government-restricted pool.

“So you take the UK out - who I believe are the best workers, we're screwed. And no doubt, there’ll be a ripple effect, all of Europe will want the same deal.”

Mr Katter said regional Australia and Kennedy had long been suffering from a labour shortage in many industries and the trade agreement would further add stress on rural economies.

“Backpackers add vibrancy to towns (throughout my electorate) such as Mission Beach, they spend money at our cafes, they’re a hell of a lot of fun and make it fun for us Australians and they do meaningful work during their stay,” he said.

Mr Katter said he was seeking an “urgent meeting” with the Minister for Trade and Tourism to “make it compulsory for UK backpackers do rural service for at least three months.”

“We have world-class tourism here, and when they come to our electorate, they realise that.

“We're seeking an urgent meeting with the minister because we desperately still need our economic recovery since Covid, we're a long way off and the backpackers were a serious component of that.”

Mr Katter said failing a reversal of the decision, he wanted the Federal Government to campaign rural and regional Australia to working holiday visa holders to partly offset the losses to the regions.

Statistics won’t support phasing out cheques in rural, regional Australia

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 03:20:07 GMT

PHASING out cheques will be detrimental to rural and regional transactions and their respective local economies, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) is warning.

It comes as the Federal Treasurer on Wednesday announced a complete phasing out of cheques by 2030.

Federal Kennedy MP Bob Katter and KAP deputy leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto have continuously reminded corporate leaders and governments of the importance of bricks and mortar banking, as well as cash, to the rural and regional communities they represent.

The North Queensland MPs have argued statistics which are often presented along with these decisions, don’t accurately portray the needs of the demographics of their communities and are typically skewed to the metropolis.

“They’ll tell you only 10 per cent are using cash here, or that cheque transactions are down by a certain percentage. Well in the rural and regional area I represent, this decision definitely raises concerns about the impact on farmers, small businesses and pensioners – where cheque usage is higher,” Mr Katter said.

“What right do you have to stop us from making a contract with another person? You take away cash and cheques from those that rely on this means, you take away the economy of a regional town.

“We have the right to control our money – physical cash and cheques give us that control. Banks do not, our balances are controlled by the banks.”

Mr Katter said he feared “phasing out cheques” was a stepping stone toward phasing out cash all together.

“I will do everything humanly possible to resist tenaciously the abolition of cheques.

“We will be lobbying the crossbench and the opposition and I hope and pray that we can get unanimity to tenaciously oppose this.”

Mr Dametto labelled cheque books as the “tool of choice” for country people conducting business.

“It hasn’t always been convenient to carry large wads of cash,” Mr Dametto said.

“The Government and banks have successfully killed off large cash transactions by making it illegal to purchase anything over $10,000 with physical money.

“Now, city bankers who don’t understand the regions are trying to kill off the cheque in the name of convenience and security. What they don’t understand is, many places in regional Queensland lack the internet connectivity to utilise on the spot digital banking.

“To me this just seems like another step towards a fully digital currency and part of the process of removing bricks and mortar and face-to-face banking.”

Katter labels Voice 'Paternalistic, Tokenistic, Divisive'

Wed, 31 May 2023 05:21:30 GMT

Katter's Australian Party MP Bob Katter said the Voice to Parliament, which passed the lower house on Wednesday "made him uncomfortable," as he didn't believe it would address the needs of the "fair dinkum First Australians" in the community areas he represents.

Mr Katter said: "After weeks of hearing from my community on the issue it's ironic that I cop a bad bout of the flu when the vote is up in Canberra. However, what I'm hearing loud and clear from my community is that the whole idea is tokenism, paternalism and divisive to it's core."

Mr Katter has for decades advocated and tried to provide a "voice" for First Australians, with his calls for improved health and nutrition to increase the life expectancy from 56, and access to freehold land for those in community areas falling on deaf ears.

"Has anyone asked the people in Doomadgee what they want, or the people in Mornington Island what they want? And if they did, they'd probably say - a decent feed, with their life expectancy at 56.

"When I went out and asked them what they wanted - they said freehold title, private individual, freehold title. Yet the governments of Australia have imposed tribalism upon them.

"When I asked them what they want, and I went through every community and held public meetings with two or three hundred people, they wanted their market gardens back."

Mr Katter has previously labelled the Voice as “paternalistic, separatist and tokenistic.”

“This is so the ‘we’ll look after you brigade’ can feel good about themselves. Well, we don’t want you looking after us. Give us the right to self-managed communities.”

In November last year, Mr Katter invited to parliament, two First Australian women from Aurukun to share their voice and then in March, he invited Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive Troy Fraser and members from his neighbouring Gulf shires to parliament. They presented to government a series of basic improvements their communities required such as disaster evacuation centres.

“Did anyone listen to their voice?” Mr Katter asked.

Mr Katter said the KAP's party position on the Voice was no.

Permanent ‘price capping’: Stronger action needed to stop soaring electricity costs

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:11:03 GMT

“Price caps, but better” – Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter is urging the Albanese government to make its resource price caps more effective by immediately introducing a Reserve Resource Policy (RRP) which provides a fixed price and supply for coal and gas.

Mr Katter said every time the energy regulator or market operator warned of electricity price increases, the Treasurer had been quick to remind Australians “it could have been much worse” but for his government’s price caps on coal and gas. [1]

“Statements made by the Treasurer that it ‘could be much worse’ are a slap in the face for everyday families struggling to afford the astronomical increases in electricity price,” he said.

“I for one can see no reason to celebrate a price increase of 21 per cent which the Australian Energy Regulator is forecasting. Yet we have the Treasurer boasting about the price caps government has introduced has kept the bills lower than what they would have been.”

“If price caps have been so useful then - Why are prices not being capped further? Why aren’t these measures being instated permanently? Why isn’t government simply fixing a price that is fair and reasonable?”

Responding to the Australian Energy Regulator’s statement on Thursday that electricity prices would rise by at least 21 per cent from July, the Treasurer again told media that market intervention “had kept bills lower than they otherwise would have been.”

“Australia is a resource rich country. Many multinational companies, and the federal and state governments make significant incomes from our coal and gas reserves. We need, rather, we demand a Reserve Resource Policy that provides everyday families with affordable and reliable electricity, from resources that belong to this nation.”

[1] QLD power bill price rise: Prices to go up from July more than expected, final decision AER | The Courier Mail

Federal MP’s office broken into, slams revolving door of youth crime

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:06:05 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter is frustrated with the “revolving door” of youth crime policy, sympathising with Queensland’s juvenile offenders caught up in the system, following an alleged break into his Mount Isa electorate office late Sunday night.

Mr Katter’s office at Simpson St, Mount Isa was allegedly targeted just before midnight on Sunday, May 21, with the alleged offenders triggering the alarm and causing minimal damage inside.

Mr Katter said he had been informed four juvenile males had allegedly attempted to break into the building and all four had been taken into custody.

The Kennedy MP spoke on “revolving door” of youth crime during a 90-second statement in Federal Parliament on Monday, highlighting the need to break the cycle of sending kids to prison, only for them to return as “harden criminals.”

“There are little kids being thrown in a steel cage like an animal when they really haven’t done anything wrong,” Mr Katter said.

“Their older brother tells him to get in the car he’s stolen, or he gets a bashing. In the past, those kids would have been given a good kick up the backside and a clip under the ears by the local copper and that would have been the end of it, but now they are costing us close to $1m a year to be kept in juvenile detention centres.

“In the old days, before the white fellas came, the black fellas had ‘Buj-e-ka’ and it means banishment. If you played up in those days, they didn’t need prisons. You’d be sent out into the bush to live by yourself until you behaved like a civilised human being, and then and only then you’d be allowed back into the camp.

“What we’re calling it is Relocation Sentencing - being sent to some very remote location 1000km away. For residents of Cairns, Mount Isa, Ingham, Mareeba, Townsville, it’s that these offenders will not be in in their towns any longer.

“They will be 1000km away and they won’t be costing you $850,000 a year. They will be taught to build their own houses and essential services and will come back with skills and better behaved.

“No more of this revolving sentencing. It’s a joke and it’s costing us a fortune. With relocation, it’s ‘tat-tar’, goodbye, you’re not in Cairns anymore, you’re not in Mareeba anymore.You want to leave the campsite – well you can. The cattle stations may have you for dinner but then so may the crocodiles.”

Keys points of the KAP Relocation Sentencing Policy:

1. Applies to young repeat offenders aged 10-17 who have been identified as ‘at-risk’ of recidivism and have a demonstrated history of escalating criminality

2. Provides alternative harsh sentencing (and/or bail arrangement) options to magistrates/judges when dealing with these offenders

3. These alternative sentencing options include ‘on country’ programs in a remote and approved location.

4. Onsite training would go towards qualifications in fields such as a rural operations, cook, butcher, horticulturalist, or stockman, but would not be limited to primary or rural industries. Students would maintain their interactions with formal education and vocational training services.

5. The goal of Relocation Sentencing is to break the crime cycle while providing children with life skills, education, and an ability to reintegrate as a productive member of society on release

6. It would be available to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.

Katter puts Plibersek’s water commitment to the test

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:02:00 GMT

JUST one day after the $5.5m announcement for North Queensland water planning, Kennedy MP Bob Katter put that commitment to the test by inviting the Federal Environment and Water Minister to tour Big Rocks Weir at Charters Towers.

Senior members of Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek’s office, along with Charters Towers Regional Council mayor Frank Beveridge and Mr Katter inspected the site of the proposed weir on the Burdekin River, about 26km north of Charters Towers and 24km upstream of the existing Charters Towers weir on Thursday.

The project has $60m allocated towards a weir which would feature a 13.3m high wall and collect 10,000ML of water.

Following Ms Plibersek’s announcement on Wednesday where she stated: “Our Government is committed to delivering water projects that stack up economically, and deliver water efficiently to the places that need it,” Mr Katter said the benefits of Big Rocks Weir were undeniable.

“In Townsville, the minister told us she was here to listen, and she was here to commit. She told us they didn’t want to be a government that just put out press releases on projects and never built anything,” Mr Katter said.

“She told the meeting she was ‘here to listen’ and ‘here to commit’.

“Well the planning for Big Rocks is (almost) done. It’s time to build the thing.

“The ravages of drought cost North Queensland alone, millions of dollars a year. With no pasture, the cattle flog the country out, and we want to break that cycle.

“Now, when this irrigation goes in, we won’t have to send our little calves who have no feed here, down to lot feeders 2500km away near the New South Wales border to fatten them – because they can grow grain down there and we have no water to grow anything here.”

Mayor Beveridge said the Initial Advice Statement and Environmental impact assessment were completed in January 2021 but progress, in particular, release of funding from the allocated $60m had slowed.

No plan for renewables as FNQ community launches new anti-wind campaign

Mon, 29 May 2023 23:52:16 GMT

A NEW campaign has been launched in opposition of a major wind farm proposal in a small but passionate Far North Queensland community, as residents rallied against the “forest destroying” development.

More than 50 determined Ravenshoe and Tablelands residents gathered earlier this week at the town’s Kuradilla Park to continue voicing their opposition against the 86-turbine Chalumbin wind farm, alongside Katter’s Australian Party MPs Bob Katter and Shane Knuth.

The event also marked the unveiling of a series of new banners set to be displayed around Ravenshoe, as the community builds momentum on constant delays to a decision by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Ms Plibersek has discussed the project on multiple occasions with Mr Katter ahead of her decision, ultimately postponing it, a result the Kennedy MP described as “positive.”

“The minister has told me she’s aware of the threat to wildlife, the threat to the environment with erosion and irreversible damage these wingtip to wingtip blades going up would cause,” Mr Katter said.

“I’m no greenie, but today I’m on their side. We’re united here to protect our nature wonderland. We will not allow the destruction of our forests wildlife, for what – maybe a 15 or 20-year life in these wind turbines.”

Mr Katter pointed out his office had been advised that on October 31 last year, the AEMO updated the nearby Kaban wind farm closure date from 2048 to 2043, reducing the total operational period to 20 years.

Hill MP Shane Knuth said if ever there was a town that had been continually done over, Ravenshoe was on top of the list.

“Locals have been rallying to stop a third windfarm that will consist of some of the tallest turbines in the southern hemisphere and destroy up to 3000 acres of wet sclerophyll forests with threatened and endangered species,” Mr Knuth said.

Bob Katter and I attended the Keep Chalumbin Wild rally to continue the pressure on both state and federal governments to put a stop to this foreign-owned development.”

Committee member of Rainforest Reserves Australia and local conservationist Steven Nowakowski also attended the rally and said decarbonation should not come at the expense of sacrificing biodiversity.

Mr Nowakowski said following recent meetings with the state government, his primary concern was the lack of regulation and planning required in the renewable energy industry.

“Mick de Brenni, the state Energy Minister has made it clear that there is no plan whatsoever for the rollout of renewables,” Mr Nowakowski said.

“Big wind companies are simply picking where they want to set up shop and the state government is steam rolling all development applications through regardless if the wind farm is even in a high wind resource area.

“There urgently needs to be proper planning for the rollout of renewables. If this is not done then there is a high likelihood we will end up with stranded assets or renewable energy projects that are not fit for purpose and don’t deliver the energy capacity that is required.”

Katter declares water war over Burdekin dam

Mon, 29 May 2023 23:44:57 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has threatened to declare war with the state and federal governments if there is any attempt to raise the Burdekin Dam wall, warning growers are at risk of losing their farms if the project ever sees the light of day.

The warning comes as the Federal Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, as well as state counterpart, Glenn Butcher used a roundtable in Townsville on Wednesday to announce $5.5 million to assess all water projects in the Burdekin region.

“The Regional Water Assessment will identify options to improve water security in these communities with projects prioritised by urgency, location, and scope of work required,” a government statement read.

Mr Katter said that while he welcomed the opportunity to make a submission, he threatened it would be “World War III” if the Burdekin Dam project ever got the green tick.

“There is nothing that happens in Brisbane government – and I use the word Brisbane government, or Canberra Government where nothing actually happens, we just keep looking at things. They don’t build things.

“I think today there will be some great controversy as there will be some criminally irresponsible people advocating raising the Burdekin Dam Wall to provide the most expensive electricity known to man which is pumped hydroelectricity.

“If you’re a Burdekin famer, watch out mate, because they will be taking your water and your farm off you so they can produce the most expensive electricity in the world. Secondly, it is only fill-in “peak load” electricity – not base load. Thirdly, raising the wall completely destroys Bradfield.

“So any government that advocates this, they are backing themselves in against Dr. JC Bradfield who built the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Story Bridge in Brisbane, Sydney’s water supply, the Underground Railway System in Sydney which won the world prize for engineering.”

Mr Katter said the Revised Bradfield Scheme takes a little tiny bit of these massive, rampaging flood waters, and turn into the dry, drought-stricken inland of Australia, and create Girawanah - a land of flowers.

Don’t get too optimistic by Aldi’s NQ arrival: Katter pushing for ‘level playing field’

Mon, 29 May 2023 23:34:20 GMT

OPTIMISTIC North Queenslanders set to welcome a new major supermarket in Townsville should be cautious about real impacts the grocer’s introduction will have on their budgets, Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter warns.

Mr Katter has long advocated for increased competitiveness in the grocery sector and said while Aldi’s introduction to Townsville was a step in the right direction, it was unlikely it would have real impacts on family budgets. [1]

“Among the supermarket giants, the big two, and the smaller third - they don't compete against each other, they compete with each other,” Mr Katter said.

“So it might not be a monopoly here, or a duopoly, but it certainly is an oligopoly.

“During my travels I often arrive in Townsville late at night and chose to buy my groceries from the IGA near the airport. And until we all start shopping at the independents more, the poor old farmer will continue selling his potatoes to the supermarket for 52c per kilo, and we’ll keep buying them for $3.50.

“So the workers at these supermarkets are on minimum wages, the farmers are getting bugger all, families are paying increasing amounts for their food, and between all that there are executives earning millions because they have full market control.”

Mr Katter said the 2022 household expenditure survey showed the average weekly shop for a family of four was $478 per week, while in 1990 it was $148 per week – an increase of 223 per cent.

In the same time period, average wages had only increased by 226 per cent, from $550 per week to $1808 per week.

Mr Katter said he would be presenting to the government legislation that would increase supermarket competitiveness, and reduce the markup on produce from farmgate to the shelves.

Mr Katter’s six legislation recommendations are:

(a) Food and manufacturing labelling that highlights hidden imports and prevents fraud.

(b) Fresh produce labelling system that indicates the farm-gate price and the supermarket mark up.

(c) Divestiture legislation that reduces the market power of the corporations that operate the major supermarkets with the objective of levelling the playing field providing a competitive marketplace for consumers and suppliers.

(d) National Office of Better Agricultural Regulation with powers to reduce red tape and consider the actual cost of implementing both marketplace regulations.

(e) Investment in infrastructure and critical supplies/ support industries to reduce production and transportation costs (i.e. gas prices for fertiliser, chemicals, fuel, worker access).

He said Coles and Woolworths were now estimated to hold more than 60 per cent of the market, but he did not blame the retail giants for making the most of current legislation, running a business and serving shareholders.

“I’m not after Woolworths and Coles, I’m after a level playing field,” Mr Katter said.

[1] QLD power bill price rise: Prices to go up from July more than expected, final decision AER | The Courier Mail

The Budget Banana – Increase in $1.1bn transport charge is a split too far

Mon, 29 May 2023 23:24:23 GMT

AUSTRALIANS will be slugged with a hidden increase to the cost of their fruit, vegetables and most goods with the Federal Government’s plan to raise an additional $1.1bn through the Heavy Vehicle Road User charge.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter warns that the proposal for an 18 per cent increase in the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to balance the 2023-24 Federal Budget will cause significant price increases of goods throughout Australia but particularly in the North.

“Unless transport companies, farmers or small businesses can afford this burden, we will all have to pay the price at the checkout.”

Mr Katter said one transport company he’d spoken to in North Queensland considered this proposed budget measure would increase its annual costs by $461,000.

“Transport companies cannot, and will not, afford this cost and will have to pass on the charges to their customers – farmers and small businesses.”

As indicated by the banana graphic - the return that an Australian farmer can get for their produce is generally split to 50 per cent wages, a further 49 per cent to cover transport, fertiliser, packaging and farm maintenance with only 1 per cent remaining for the farming family.

Mr Katter said a 6 per cent increase in transport costs per year over three years would not only increase transport costs for farms but also increase the transport-related fertiliser and packaging costs – leaving nothing for the farming families.

“Either the consumer pays more for Australian fruit and vegetables or farmers walk off the land and small business will shut.”

“Something must give, either government reverses this insidious charge, or transport companies, farmers and small business go bust, or we all pay more at the checkout.

“The headline cost-of-living budget measure, the $500 in relief to our hip pocket will last less than a week – what about the other 51 weeks?.

“We are in a cost-of-living crisis, we need a government with an understanding of the implications of its decisions and the gumption to make real and tangle decisions that will assist all Australians.”

‘Unimaginative’ budget full of handouts and no revenue-generating projects

Thu, 11 May 2023 03:27:28 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has labelled the 2023-24 Federal Budget as “unimaginative,” one that robs “Peter to pay Paul” and one that creates no money-making projects.

“It just pulls some money from here and puts it over there,” Mr Katter said.

He said one of the budget’s headline statements was cost-of-living relief, but the measures taken by the government were just band aid fixes.

“So they’re giving out $500 in electricity relief, totalling $3bn, but doing nothing to address the issue long-term.

“That $3bn would go a very long way towards upgrading and converting our sugar mills to produce both enough ethanol for our domestic needs while also supplying significant gigawatts of electricity.

“All the cost-of-living relief measures were just handouts, there were no money-making projects that are going to inject new revenue into the economy and provide real taxation relief and economic support to the most vulnerable.

“Where are the factories that create jobs and wages, where are projects like Hells Gates Dam that would provide irrigation for a large-scale industrial undertaking which would include hydro electricity, grazing land accompanying a meatworks industry, and water for sugarcane for ethanol production.

“The government is pushing electric vehicles, yet we’re importing them and sending the wealth overseas, where’s our manufacturing of EVs that would create jobs and economic prosperity?

“Australia has a real opportunity to become a renewable energy superpower, but this won’t be achieved with an off-shore wind farm and hydrogen trial.”

However, Mr Katter said any cost-of-living relief would quickly be mitigated with the government’s plans to increase the road user tax by about 20 per cent imposed upon the nation’s trucking industry.

“That’s an extra 20 per cent cost rise to all your basic goods, all your groceries, all the inputs for small businesses which are already struggling to stay afloat,” he said.

Mr Katter said he welcomed the additional support in increased Medicare and the increases to the single parent payments which will allow sole parents to earn the payment until their youngest child turns 14.

On housing, Mr Katter said the government continued down the path of increasing demand with handout initiatives, rather than supply.

“The additional rent assistance, just like the home buyer schemes will put more money in pockets and increase the demand, increasing the rent.”

On agriculture he said farmers were the backbone of this country, but the budget provided limited support.

“$1bn to control of pest and disease will do little to compensate rising electricity, transport, fertiliser, wage and packaging costs.

“Overall, it’s a budget really just full of hand outs and does little to establish industry, to establish revenue-generating projects which if invested in correctly by the government would slow inflation and increase wages – two hurdles currently crippling this nation.”

Major bank reverses branch closure decision following KAP negotiations

Thu, 11 May 2023 03:20:45 GMT

REGIONAL North Queenslanders have been provided the guarantee of physical bank branches, previously slated for closure, following Katter’s Australian Party’s (KAP) negotiations with a major operator.

Westpac has reversed its decision to close branches in Tully, Ingham and Cloncurry, after it had stated in February the three venues would cease operating mid-May.

Following immediate backlash from the North Queensland communities and the KAP MPs, the major bank then agreed to “pause” its branch closures to engage in discussions, before it announced on Monday it would continue operating at Tully, Ingham and Cloncurry.

“This decision follows discussions with our customers, and community leaders such as yourself,” a Westpac spokesman said in a statement to Kennedy MP Bob Katter.

“I hope this decision gives you and your community certainty,” he said.

Mr Katter said he praised Westpac for its decision, ensuring regional Queenslanders would continue to have access to the essential service.

“Without banking there is no economy – you don’t have a local bank, you don’t have a local economy,” Mr Katter said.

“Banks create money and wealth providing an essential service, and if private corporations want to restrict the growth of regional Queensland, then we’ll establish our own people’s bank.

KAP leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said he was happy with the result of “this one battle” but there were larger issues that needed addressing.

“A bit like our governments, the banks often don’t tend to see the ‘value’ of areas located out of the major city radius.

KAP Member for Hill Shane Knuth said it was great news that the Tully Westpac Branch would not close.

“Many Tully residents expressed their concern to me over the last few months as a lot of the elderly don’t have access to online banking,” Mr Knuth said.

“The least they could do is provide their service to communities in regional and rural areas with direct one on one contact which also provides local jobs in that community.”

KAP deputy leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said the decision by Westpac to keep the Ingham branch open was a landmark win for banking customers seeking a reasonable level of service delivery from their financial institution.

“I commend Westpac for the decision to keep Ingham’s branch open. If Westpac’s closure had gone ahead, it would have been the fourth bank to abandon Ingham since 2018.

“Regardless of Westpac’s decision to remain open, the fight is not over. The federal senate inquiry into regional bank closures will continue and I look forward to attending the public hearing scheduled to take place in Ingham on the 18th of May.

“Hopefully the result of the inquiry will lead to legislative reform that deter other banks abandoning the regions in the future.”

Katter’s ‘fashion’ statement to expose anti-coal brigade

Thu, 11 May 2023 03:10:24 GMT

NO CO2, no tree.

That is the simple slogan which sets the premise for Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter’s latest “fashionable campaign” in which he will expose the anti-coal brigade and advocate for the use of the resource which the nation’s economy and electricity supply rely upon.

Mr Katter has designed a vest which reads “No CO2, no tree,” on one side, and on the other it states: “No tree, no me,” with a picture of koala hanging in a tree.

The North Queensland MP debuted his new vest at the opening of Bowen Coking Coal’s Burton Coal Mine, north of Mackay on Thursday.

Mr Katter said the light-hearted reminder came as the country’s leaders continued to gamble with the nation’s economic prosperity and reliable energy sources by cancelling coal in Australia.

“We’ve got over 8000mw in coal-fired power stations coming off the grid over the next five years,” Mr Katter said.

“And the one major base-load replacement we had coming online – Snowy Hydro 2.0 – is looking more likely than not to be delayed another two years.

“Meanwhile, every month, there seams to be a warning from the AEMO of future electricity shortages and the urgent need to invest in back-up power supplies.

“So, we are starting a grassroots campaign to expose anyone who claims to be ‘green’ and using no coal, Mr Katter said.

“We’re going to remind them, they’re buying their electricity – in the form of intermittent power – solar panels and wind turbines – from China, who is manufacturing these components using its rapidly expanding coal-fired power network.

“And guess what? China doesn’t buy its electricity from China, it buys its coal from Australia.”

Mr Katter said first on his anti-coal exposure hitlist was beer company Victoria Bitter and supermarket giant Coles.

The two major corporations have signed up to operate on 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 by purchasing electricity from solar and wind farms.

“You might think you’re not buying your electricity from coal, but just take a good look at where your solar panels and wind turbines are coming from.

“You don’t buy from Australian coal which supports thousands of jobs, funds roads, schools, hospitals and the economy… well we the middle class people won’t be buying from you Coles and VB.”

Mr Katter said while the campaign made fun of having no trees if there was no carbon dioxide, he was “all for a pullback of emissions"

“Research shows in the last 20 years, we’ve lowered emissions by 16 per cent, not even 1 per cent, per year.

“So what we’re doing at the moment isn’t working, and that 16 per cent wouldn’t account for the CO2 we’re sending overseas to have our solar panels built.”

Mr Katter said he had been pleading for years to increase the uptake of ethanol and to invest in High Efficiency, Low Emission coal-fired power stations paired with algae ponds – which absorb CO2.

[1] Italian construction giant Webuild likely winner on renegotiation of fixed price Snowy Hydro 2.0 contract | The Australian

[1] AEMO warns on ‘urgent’ need for new electricity supplies | The Australian

Aussies to lose influence of RBA in overlooked review recommendation

Thu, 11 May 2023 03:04:03 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter is disgusted that a review of the Reserve Bank of Australia is recommending removal of the Parliamentary oversight and allowing the central bank to become even more autonomous and out of touch with everyday Australians.

“We had an opportunity here for the RBA to address the soaring cost of living and highly inflated housing market,” Mr Katter said after sitting through a recent parliamentary briefing of the review’s findings.

“Yet we have an organisation that could lead this reform, instead so drunk on power and ego that they are now proposing that their decisions should go unquestioned and unexplained.”

Mr Katter said the overlooked recommendation 1 on page 4 of the RBA review read: “To further support the RBA’s monetary policy independence, the power of the Government to override decisions of the Reserve Bank Board should be repealed.”

Mr Katter said if the RBA had the capacity to “prop up” the big banks, then it should also be capable of investing in nation-building, money-making projects and infrastructure, at the command of the government.

“The principle which allowed the government to override the RBA’s decisions was introduced following great Labor leader Ted Theodore’s directive in 1930 to the then central bank governor to issue new notes and invest in public works to create employment.

“Now, our governments go on about bringing back Australia manufacturing and reconstruction funds, so if they’re real about investing in public works, they’ll give the people of Australia a voice to direct the RBA on its decision making.

“Now, any oversight we had over the RBA is being repealed, and both major parties are willing to accept this recommendation.

He said all the “buzzwords” being reported following the review, including “more transparency” and “accountability” of the RBA board meant little, if the people of Australia through their government had no power over the financial institution.

“Australians are struggling to buy groceries, pay for healthcare, pay electricity, fuel and rent and mortgages, and trusted the RBA to guide them through this financial pain,” Mr Katter said.

Tug-of-war for drugs set to erupt with medication dispensary changes

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 05:00:44 GMT

A PROPOSED major change to the way medication is dispensed has caused grave concerns throughout the nation’s pharmacies with the industry reporting more patients will miss out on life-saving products if an increase is allowed.

Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter has been inundated with community pharmacists worried about the Federal Government’s proposal to allow patients to receive 60 days worth of medication on one script, an increase from the current 30-day period. The change is expected to come into effect on July 1.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey told Mr Katter he appreciated the government’s attempt to ease pressure on GPs, but said this change would have detrimental effects on community chemists and customers.

“There are 472 drugs that are unavailable in Australia, we don't have enough medicine to give everyone one box and the government wants us to start giving people two boxes on July 1,” Mr Twomey said.

“So which patients do they want us to give two to, and which patients do they want us to give none to?

“The PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) is 75 years old this year, the entire system has been built on giving people one box at a time, if you want to redesign the system, you don't do it in a budget release, without talking to the sector on how it's actually going to work.”

Mr Twomey said the changes would also reduce dispensing fees which pharmacists earned, estimating a $3.5bn cut from pharmacies nationwide which Mr Katter said was a great fear that every day mums and dads would have to pay an increase in receiving essential medication to make up for this shortfall.

“This means costs will be passed on to patients or services reduced, not to mention the cuts to jobs and opening hours. I've got young pharmacists saying they'll be bankrupt, and I've got old pharmacists saying their superannuation has just evaporated,” Mr Twomey said.

He said it wasn’t as simple as “just ordering more stock” because Australia manufactured very few medications and imported about 95 per cent of products.

Mr Twomey said he didn’t object to increasing the length of a prescription “so people don't have to go back to their doctor - we think that's a great idea.”

Mr Katter supported Mr Twomey’s position and said other small pharmacists from his electorate had raised concerns about corporate players “out-purchasing” small family businesses in what is set to become a tug-of-war for drugs.

“I’ve been informed by your family-run pharmacists that when the medication shortage will be in full effect, they won’t have the power to source and order stocks to match the larger corporate chemists,” Mr Katter said.

“So if you don’t have the medication, where are all the customers going to go – to whomever has them obviously.

“Now our governments seem to have no sense of sovereign essential services. Just like everything else, I’ve been told we import over 95 per cent of our medication.

“Mr Twomey has told me the pharmacy industry would support Australian manufacturing of medication, but he too understands that to establish any kind of manufacturing, you need cheap, reliable energy.”

Katter released defence review years ago and for free, calls for parliament debate

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:55:52 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter is ready to pull the trigger on past foolish defence spending, calling for an emergency parliamentary debate to determine who was responsible for previous failures, following a Defence Strategic Review which echoes his countless cries of years gone by.

Mr Katter said he wasn’t surprised the Defence Strategic Review found that “Australia was not ready for conflict with China” after years of passionately screaming the exact same message.

“The review says we need major spending on long-range missiles… well thank you for spending millions of dollars of taxpayer money to determine that, when a nobody like me has been passionately and endlessly telling you for years,” Mr Katter said.

“Now it was criminal to spend over $40bn on 15 patrol boats that carry one machine gun on each boat,” he said of the Turnbull Government’s decision to build offshore Navy patrol vessels.

“I'll be moving for an emergency debate in the Federal Parliament on this issue - on the spending of the $40bn, on who made the decision, and what you're now doing to protect your country.

“And we don't want any more inquiries or 'looking into it', we’ll debate it publicly.”

Mr Katter said he was happy to save the government time and money from future reviews and remind the country’s leaders of the importance of sovereign manufacturing and North Queensland’s role in any potential conflict with China.

“To this date we have not spent a single dollar to manufacture missiles domestically - all the money goes overseas.

"Yet I've been advised we have missile manufacturing capability right here in Australia, ready to go. I'm calling on the government to spend taxpayer's money on local defence manufacturing.

“And we have the most exposed coastline of any country in the world. This battle with China will take place in the Coral Sea - we must sure up our military presence with these missiles across North Queensland and Northern Australia's coast lines.

“So if you want to protect this country and do it right, I’ve been told those patrol boats have the capacity to arm at least 30 missiles each.

“It is my opinion that there should be 70 or 80 patrol boats because that will give you a reach of nearly 2000km - a protective wall.”

Mr Katter also reiterated his past calls to restore the nation-wide mandatory school cadets program.

Australia needs to follow Toyota’s footsteps in biofuel investment: Katter

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 04:19:54 GMT

IF one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles is heavily investing resources towards low-emission biofuels, then Australia’s politicians ought to follow, Katter’s Australian Party MP Bob Katter says.

Mr Katter and the KAP have long advocated for the use of ethanol in Australia, arguing the benefits of lower emissions and cheaper, cleaner fuel by making the switch.

Mr Katter said despite a lack of support and vision from successive governments “we now have car manufacturers and oil companies understanding the huge benefits that ethanol can bring.”

“I am screaming in frustration, over the last 15 years I have introduced bill after bill into the Federal Parliament to get Australia using ethanol as a main fuel source – saving our environment, our sugar industry and our hip pocket.

“I am informed that we only need 10ha of sugar cane to produce 10,000L of fuel – cheap, reliable, renewable fuel is in our grasp.”

Mr Katter welcomed recent news of Toyota and ExxonMobil joining forces to “test a biofuel that could cut tailpipe emissions by up to 75 per cent .”

Toyota, a leader in electric vehicles, has reported its interest in biofuels was motivated by ensuring all customers could be catered for and that “there needed to be multiple solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation ,” not just a complete switch to EVs.

Mr Katter said if a car manufacturer which had dominated the market considered biofuels a necessary requirement, then Australian governments needed to take note.

“Australian politicians, in Canberra particularly have done absolutely nothing about reducing the emissions from vehicles and the deaths in the cities from carcinogens in emissions,” Mr Katter said.

“If two of the world’s largest companies are willing to stick their necks out and invest in biofuels, we must act and get on the front foot and begin converting our sugar mills to produce ethanol and legislate a mandatory uptake of biofuels.

“Instead, we’re subsidising and rushing the use of EVs. This is at a time we’re shutting down our baseload power – our coal-fired power stations – and at a time where we’re told the cost of electricity will continue to rise and there may be shortfalls.

“So with no electricity, we are being encouraged to switch to EVs.

“Yet we’ve got the resources for biofuels, we just need a government that’s willing to act.”

[1] How Toyota is trying to save the internal-combustion engine | The Australian

[1] Toyota and ExxonMobil to develop eco fuels - Drive

Katters divide over league loyalties

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 03:31:03 GMT

Does this duo of KAP MPs and Cowboys supporters include a pretender? Is there a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

Or a dolphin looking like a brahman?

KAP Hill MP, Shane Knuth, said for the first time ever he was torn over who to back in today’s NRL competition between the Redcliffe Dolphins and the North Queensland Cowboys.

Knuth, a very proud born and bred North Queensland, played his first football in Collinsville, then eight Foley Shields for Townsville A grade, 13 A grade games for the NQ Marlins and won two premierships in the Townsville District Rugby League Competition with the Charters Towers Miners and the Souths Bulls.

Knuth then transferred to Brisbane and played 97 games for the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, who was attending the game in Townsville with his State counterpart, Shane Knuth, said question remains…was Knuth barracking for the Cowboys or his old team where he was a superstar, the Dolphins?

Mr Knuth said, “They were great years (those years with the Dolphins), especially playing the last grand final ever in the Brisbane Rugby League competition before the Broncos came in, in 1987.

“I am probably more loyal in the sense of my roots, so I’d say I’ll back the Cowboys and wear the shirt tonight. But I might also be seen with a Dolphins cap too!”

ENDS

*Images taken by Cameron Laird

‘Nothing on the scoreboard’: Safeguard to destroy another industry, 200,000 jobs

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:28:47 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter delivered an electric speech in Federal Parliament on Monday lamenting the proposed collapse of a 200,000-job industry through the latest Safeguard Mechanism Bill amendments.

“This bill is bad for our economy, bad for our jobs, bad for our hip pocket and bad for the global environment,” Mr Katter said.

The latest amendments to the Government’s climate policy will legislate a hard emissions cap on coal and gas projects, while restricting the industry’s expansion, effectively “squeezing” them to death in another “venomous attack” on coal, he said.

The North Queensland MP said the Safeguard Mechanism Bill was ideologically driven and “was not coming from reality and not coming from the needs of the people (cheap, reliable energy).”

“Now you want to cold bloodedly go and destroy the jobs of 200,000 people.

“And I sure would like some of our so-called trade union leaders to stand up here because, it seems to me I'm one of the very few that's standing up.

“It's alright for everybody here, with a nice warm job and their $250,000 a year.”

Mr Katter said during the election campaign he was appreciative of the Prime Minister saying that there would be no power stations closed and there would be no coal mines closed.

“Now China and India are buying Australian coal, and if you think a tiny little European country is going to tell them that they're not going to have cheap electricity, you believe in the tooth fairy.

“In India, they have no ability to be able to put solar, and they've got very little hyrdo.

“In China, they're laughing at us, they're producing the solar panels and sending them to Australia, while they're reported to be building 200 coal-fired power stations.

“So keep going the way you're going, but 200,000 Australians depend upon this industry and just remember that you're sacking them and there's nowhere else to go because we've got no industry left in this country. There is not one single thing being done by this government or the last government to create industry in this country.

“Nothing, there's nothing on the scoreboard.”

Flooded Gulf community’s priorities as recovery begins

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 06:32:37 GMT

THE long process of rebuilding community infrastructure, businesses and livelihoods will soon be underway at Burketown in the Gulf – one of the hardest hit parts of the region during the recent flooding.

Katter’s Australian Party MPs for Kennedy and Traeger Bob and Robbie Katter visited the Gulf communities for the second time on Friday, March 17, however this time were joined by Queensland Minister for Agricultural Development and for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, and Federal Minister for Agriculture and Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt.

The KAP MPs had been heavily pushing for the ministers to visit the flood-affected region since their first trip, and were calling for immediate flood relief funding.

On Friday, Federal MP Bob Katter welcomed the funding announcements which included payments through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance which provides up to 13 weeks of federal income support to assist people who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.

Mr Katter said he appreciated Minister Watt’s presence while reminding the government of the significance of Australia’s cattle industry – the hardest hit industry in the Gulf with the latest estimates reporting more than 50,000 cattle losses.

“For most graziers, it will take up to seven years at least, for them to return to where they were before the floods,” Mr Katter said.

“We get floods everywhere in the cattle industry, we get droughts, we get a lot of things.

“But if the government can help us through these tough times, we can continue to deliver 20,000 - 30,000 jobs (throughout the industry) in Australia.”

Burketown Mayor Ernie Camp on Friday said authorities had begun to assess the damage throughout the town and stations, identifying which houses were safe to return to, following the mass evacuation earlier in the month.

Mr Camp said going forward, the focus for the local government would be to secure funding to prepare for better disaster resilience.

“You'll never flood-proof the Gulf, but you can make it more resilient. Some of these roads need to be 1.5m higher,” Mr Camp said.

“In town the water has certainly fallen away, water would have been up to your chest at most of the causeways around town. But it only takes one storm and it starts all over again.

“For now, we appreciate the government’s announcements. We just ask for on-the-ground assistance to process the payments and funding.”

Burketown Mayor Mr Camp and Doomadgee Mayor Jason Ned will be in Canberra this week meeting with Federal Ministers in a bid to ensure full recovery efforts are prioritised.

‘Watered-down’ Reconstruction Fund will serve minority groups, not build nation

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 03:56:28 GMT

THE National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) has become a farcical "woke" and "leftist" run $15bn bureaucratic junket, more concerned with inclusivism and appeasing minority groups than genuinely delivering nation-building projects.

Katter's Australian Party MP Bob Katter slammed the hijacking of this visionary proposal which he described as a $15bn taxpayer-funded, “watered down slush fund.”

Although, Mr Katter had initially supported the NRF as the legislation's language posed promising signs towards sovereign-owned nation-building projects, industries and infrastructure.

And to ensure remote, rural and regional areas were not omitted from the funding, Mr Katter attempted to lobby the government to agree to his detailed amendments which would modify the legislation so these areas would be considered a priority, and to ensure a member of the fund's board represented the interests of those regions outside the cities.

These amendments were opposed.

In a twisted turn of events, amendments moved to appease the "woke-left" by encouraging board participation for historically underrepresented groups, as well as prohibiting the NRF from investing in projects involving coal or natural gas were accepted.

He said he feared critical projects addressing the soaring cost of living and securing Australia’s economic future would no longer be supported.

“I started as a very enthusiastic supporter of the bill, and I have very great respect for the Minister for Industry and Science,” Mr Katter said.

“But whether he's been forced to, or whatever the case may be, the bill has been watered down, and watered down, and watered down. And if you put enough acid in a basic solution, it will then become an acidic solution.

“And that's what has happened here, the bill has shifted from a promotion of industry to serving the interests of minority groups and to serve the interests of the anti-coal brigade.

“I agree we need to restrain the exponential growth in CO2. I do not agree on abolishing coal. Let me point out that we have only three exports: iron ore, coal and gas. If you take away coal, you bankrupt this country. Start picking out the hospitals that you're going to close—just pick them out—because there's no money.

“I fear that this money will go where it shouldn't be going.”

Mr Katter said it should be noted the Minister for Industry and Science had agreed to minority representation.

“You and I both know the biggest minority in Australia is the people that don't live in the big cities. What I want is that minority to be represented.

“It seems the Government has no interest genuine prosperity for all Australians and is instead preoccupied with its inclusivism mantra.

“I remind you, a preoccupation with inclusivism will result in the exclusion of public interest. So the people of Australia and their interests will be sacrificed while you’re pursuing some social objective.”

Mr Katter said without government investment into money-making projects, diminishing towns in regional Australia would continue to falter despite the potential economic prosperity they presented with their resources.

“Assign the right people on the board who will deliver the Hughenden Irrigation Project (HIPCo), who will deliver the operation of vanadium mines at Richmond and Julia Creek, nickel cobalt processing at Townsville, eco-carton manufacturing at Innisfail, turn woody weeds into diesel at Hughenden, and will deliver the Revised Bradfield Scheme.

Although the Opposition conceded and accepted the bill with amendments, and opted to debate the legislation in the senate, Mr Katter said: “I'm sad to say that a bill which I started out with great enthusiasm for, will now serve the interests of minority groups, it's got nothing to do with development, it's been corrupted to a point where it'll fail to achieve its objectives, and I with sad regret say I will be opposing the bill.”

CopperString will spark Nth Qld’s ‘industrial might’ to life

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:54:17 GMT

NORTH Queensland is set to realise its “industrial might” as its mineral and energy-rich towns eagerly await to be connected and contribute to the national energy grid.

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP Bob Katter has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement on purchasing and setting a construction timeline for the CopperString 2.0 Townsville to Mount Isa transmission project.

The 1100km transmission line is set to bring renewable energy projects in the North West online, including the Super Energy Hub near Hughenden, while powering the expansion of the minerals province, which is set to unlock the metals of the future.

However, Mr Katter said CopperString 2.0 had the potential to achieve more, including providing confidence towards the construction of the Hughenden Irrigation Project (HIPCo) dam and Hell’s Gates Dam, both which could be generating hydro-electricity.

“It's not just my electorate, it's the Australian and Queensland economies that will benefit,” Mr Katter said.

“Let's be positive, there are at least four, major base-metal mines in North West Queensland, that will open up when we get competitively priced power out there.

“I'm certain those three giant vanadium mines will go ahead and with their related product, there's no doubt we'll be producing over $1bn from the vanadium mines alone. Now there's a hell of a lot of other new metals out there as well.

“This opens up essential infrastructure items including the 1000mw windfarm at Hughenden, it opens the way for Hell's Gates irrigation and we will have enough cheap electricity coming from these projects as well as a full-pumped hydro system on the Tully River to carry North Queensland to its immediate destiny of four million people and realising our industrial might.”

Mr Katter said various governments had backed CopperString 2.0 for more than a decade without actual commitment and he looked forward to the project’s completion.

“Multi-user infrastructure by definition has to be a government initiative. All I can say is I put a power line in for $270m as a Queensland minister, it paid for itself in four years, it paid itself off, and there were no great mines between Normanton and Cairns, yet it paid for itself.

“We thank the Premier for her announcement and applaud her for igniting one of the most significant achievements seen since the sealing of the Bruce Hwy.

“I believe that the Midwest towns will spark into large and significant towns… and we may even get our rugby league teams back.”

Funding needed to target uni students for bone marrow donations

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:59:35 GMT

KATTER’S Australian Party MP Bob Katter is pushing for the allocation of funding towards the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) and to kickstart a national university college campaign which could potentially save the lives of thousands of Australians living with blood cancer.

In February Mr Katter raised the alarm during Federal Parliament of Australia’s shortfall in bone marrow donors, gaining the attention of Health Minister Mark Butler who acknowledged it was an area of healthcare that had “moved too slow” and had fallen behind in technology including the use of at-home cheek swab kits which assess DNA for potential matches.

Mr Katter then visited St Leo’s College at the University of Queensland where he successfully supplied 200 swabs to students with the assistance of the ABMDR.

Now, Mr Katter is calling for the kits to be delivered to all Australian university colleges, however this can only be achieved with sufficient funding for the ABMDR to launch a campaign and produce the swabs.

Mr Katter said he had been advised there was $12.8m “locked up” from Australia’s international cord blood exports, which was yet to be allocated for any purpose.

“We have 100,000 people, I'm informed, on the (bone marrow donor) register. To be in line with other countries, we should have 200,000. I can't see any reason why we can't get to one million,” Mr Katter said.

“When I heard about this, my mind went straight back to my university college days. I was president of the university college, and we were approached about blood donations.

“I couldn't see anyone in the college objecting to it. We put it to the college council, everyone agreed and nobody disagreed. It was that simple to get blood donations from 200 university students.

“But (ABMDR chief executive) Lisa Smith has got to approach some 300 or 400 university colleges in Australia, and she needs personnel to do this. She also has to pay for the swabs, and they may come in at $50 a swab by the time you get them processed and everything else. She needs money.”

Stop gambling superannuation balances and build national infrastructure: Katter

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 06:05:18 GMT

SUPERANNUATION should be invested in government-guaranteed endeavours to ensure security of retirement funds for Australians, while also contributing towards nation-building projects, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

The North Queensland MP said he supported the Federal Government’s proposed changes to super which included restricting withdrawals or “early access” to ensure balances remained for retirement.

“I strongly back the Government's initiative here otherwise there is going to be no money for people when they retire,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter said he wanted to see the majority of superannuation contributions go into government guaranteed securities, “where people know it will be there when they retire.”

“When it was first introduced, 60 per cent of all superannuation went into government securities.

“So your rail lines into the mines were built with that superannuation money, the power lines – all government guaranteed.

“The last time I checked, 52 per cent of your money was going into the stock market. Which is simply speculation. To quote the great economist John Maynard Keynes, 'the stock market is a roulette wheel'. Well I'd call it a Ponzi scheme.”

Mr Katter instead suggested superannuation money could be invested in shovel-ready projects which would boost both North Queensland and the country’s economies. These included the CopperString Townsville to Mount Isa transmission line which would power mines producing minerals “of the future,” and the Revised Bradfield Scheme which would create new agriculture industries and help provide food security.

“We should also be investing in facilities that turn urban waste into fuel through the process of pyrolysis, and investing in grain and sugar mills which would produce ethanol. We can switch from fossil fuels to renewables, and with these alternative forms of fuel, we'll be filling up at the petrol station for $1.29, the same as they do in Brazil.”

Australia’s ‘worthless’ free trade agreements killing agriculture

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:28:09 GMT

THE Federal Government’s free-trade deals aren’t “worth the paper their written on,” Kennedy MP Bob Katter says as large farming corporations struggle to turn profits and consider selling, amid export bans on their produce.

A bid to relaunch Queensland’s fruit and vegetable exports, after the devastation caused to the industry by fruit flies, has reignited following reports one of the country’s largest avocado growers is considering selling its farms.

Costa Group has told media it is looking at “trimming” its avocado business following unprofitable years with weather events and inability to export from Australia’s east coast impacting the bottom line .

Mr Katter said if a big company like Costa was cutting back on avocados, then inevitably, small farmers would go to the wall.

“The jobs that will disappear with the sale or demise of our farms is a direct result of these worthless free trade agreements, when the Government promised so much to growers and allowed them to expand without any real chance of trading internationally,” he said.

“Now they’re facing challenges with excess supply, and no opportunity to export that produce because no one in the Government will stand up for Australian farmers.

“It’s even more absurd because there is a solution for avocados staring at them in the face – it’s been reported to me that there is an agreement that we can export avocados at risk of fruit flies by freezing for seven hours first. But whether its fumigating or freezing, our Governments should be providing these services if they’re fair dinkum about exports.

Mr Katter said that other fruit and vegies growers weren’t as fortunate and spoke on the Export Control Amendment Bill earlier this month doubling down on the need for fumigation facilities, which would allow Queensland growers to meet international standards and send their produce overseas to large markets such as Japan and China.

“When I was the Minister for Northern Development (in State Parliament), we realised that we had to put a fumigation plant in Cairns, which is one of the centres of fruit and vegetable growing in Australia. But the government went down before we got it in.

“Thirty years later, we still haven't got a fumigation plant. It is quite justified for another country to say: 'If you want to send bananas, mangoes or whatever to us, then we don't want any of your diseases; we want it fumigated before it leaves Australia’.

“Build a fumigation plant in Cairns or your free trade agreements are worthless. It is desperately needed. Build a fumigation plant now if you're fair dinkum about exporting fruit and vegetables from this country.”

Major bank postpones branch closure following KAP pressure and calls for State-owned service

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 01:23:43 GMT

A MAJOR Australian bank’s decision to pause its regional branch closures has been welcomed by Kennedy MP Bob Katter, who along with the Katter’s Australian Party has been strongly speaking against the financial “abandonment” of regional Australia.

Westpac has advised Mr Katter’s office it would postpone eight regional branch closures that were announced earlier this month, which included Cloncurry, Ingham and Tully in North Queensland.

The bank told Mr Katter’s office it would make no further decisions on the branch closures while it engaged in a Federal Senate inquiry.

“We’re deeply appreciative that we, the KAP, have achieved a pause,” Mr Katter said.

“There’s real danger for the major banks with the KAP’s determination to proceed with the postal bank, following the courageous initiative taken by Christine Holgate, who was sacked by the Liberal-Nationals when she was trying to do this.

“Whilst this is a small battle in a big war, we thank Westpac for its concisions.”

State Member for Hill Shane Knuth cautiously welcomed Westpac’s “temporary pause” in its decision to close regional branches.

“Many Tully residents have expressed their concern to me as a lot of the elderly don’t have access to online banking,” Mr Knuth said.

“Communities such as this rely on regional branches to provide a service and direct one on one contact and provides local jobs in the community.

“The reality is banks standing within the community are at an all-time low as they rack in multibillion dollar profits while cutting services.”

KAP deputy leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said it was good to see the backlash from Westpac customers in regional areas was enough to pressure the bank into postponing its regional branch closures.

“While it seems we have been a given a short reprieve here in Ingham, it is vitally important that regional Australia take this opportunity to be heard through this enquiry and I encourage every affected person to make a submission into the inquiry by the 31st of March, 2023.

“We can only hope that the inquiry delivers overwhelming evidence that shows the important role that banks play in the regions.

“We have been shown little loyalty by the big banks over the years and I will always support the idea of a public postal bank that gives the big four a run for their money.”

KAP leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said the aging population within the Traeger electorate was a concern that came with banks giving online only options.

“The impending closure of the Cloncurry branch however to me seemed highly misguided,” he said.

“Cloncurry is a solid growth area, and for Westpac to have considered pulling a branch from that district shows a disregard for the regions.”

“We’re especially grateful to the strong leadership of the locals in Cloncurry for playing a big role in putting a holt to the decision.”

Westpac’s announcement comes after the Federal MP asked the Prime Minister during Question Time on Wednesday if he would provide a guarantee of banking services in regional parts of Australia.

“Prime Minister, banks in Australia's towns are closing. Treasurers Keating, Hockey and Swan averred the majors will always be underwritten by government.

Will you support North Queensland's industrial leadership in proposing a North Queensland postal bank, initiated by the KAP,” Mr Katter asked.

Mr Katter also pointed out the hypocrisy of two Liberal senators whose party sacked former Australia Post chief executive Ms Holgate while she was attempting to form postal banks, and who were now calling for an inquiry into that very idea.

“I note the curious inconsistency of two Liberal senators, who, in power, sacked Holgate, the person actually creating a people's bank. Out of power, the two want to 'look into it'.

“Churchill observed: 'Looking into it, you'll only see yourself. How extraordinarily narcissistic.”

Calls for state-owned bank as branch closures ‘abandon’ people of Australia

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 21:09:06 GMT

THE closure of multiple branches of a major Australian bank in North Queensland has been labelled a “dangerous” set back for the region, while prompting calls from Katter’s Australian Party to reinstitute a public “people’s” bank.

Westpac on Thursday informed Kennedy MP Bob Katter’s office it was set to close its branches in Cloncurry, Ingham and Tully, impacting five staff, and thousands of customers. The branches are set to shut on May 19.

While Westpac told Mr Katter’s office the closures were driven by “the changing behaviours of its customers”, the Federal MP said unfortunately, customers were being left with no choice but to “change their behaviour” in a move forcing them online.

“Physical branches are becoming an irrelevancy and they want to push us into electronic banking,” he said.

“Every single thinking Australian must understand that once they move to electronic money, your freedoms begin to cease, you have less control of your money.

“The banks are continuing their abandonment of the people of Australia.”

KAP deputy leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto agreed with Mr Katter that banks moving to entirely digital operations restricted the rights and freedoms of their customers.

“We've got an ageing population, 4850 as a postcode is the oldest demographic per capita in all of Queensland. A lot of those elderly people don't have smartphones, they aren't savvy with internet banking and with the amount of scams going around online, they're scared to go online and use internet banking,” Mr Dametto said.

“They have decided out of safety for their own wealth, to withdraw cash on a weekly basis to pay for their bread and milk.

“And once the banks move away from cash, I'm sure it'll be a lot easier for the supermarkets, who have already got rid of people working behind the registers, to not be counting cash.

“This is a dangerous step for regional Queensland.”

Mr Katter’s office was also advised by Wesptac that on average, 125 customers visited each of the affected branches per week.

Mr Dametto said those figures could not be used as justification to shut down physical branches.

“Whether it's 125 or 150 customers coming through your door, that's a large number in a regional town.

“In a place like Ingham, if you owned a small cafe or a dress store, having that many customers a week would warrant keeping the hard infrastructure there.”

Hill MP Shane Knuth said the KAP had long called for state-owned banks to be reinstituted to ensure regional communities have basic banking services and to increase competition in the market.

“The Government and big corporates keep talking up competition that supposedly benefits the consumer, but when there is a competitor in the banking industry, such as a state-owned bank that provides a service to the people, they will pull out all the stops to oppose this,” Mr Knuth said.

Mr Dametto supported Mr Knuth’s call for a state-owned bank.

“The KAP has always supported the idea of a people's bank whether it's run and managed by Australia Post, or, we also support the idea of starting a separate bank to go in competition with the big four.

“At the moment, you can't get a loan in regional Queensland for certain things because someone who's in Melbourne assessing the loan doesn't understand the risk. They don't have people out there in the regions understanding how these businesses operate and work and it's holding regional Queensland back.”

Mr Katter reaffirmed Mr Knuth, Mr Dametto and the KAP’s position on a state-owned bank.

“Christine Holgate, the most successful businesswoman in Australia was sacked because she was thinking the people of Australia need their own right to create money, their own right to banking.

“Australia Post, I'm certain under her, would have become a people's bank,” he said.

Tailored tax system could boost fertility rates and ease nation’s population woes

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:42:19 GMT

A PROPER tax system encouraging the increase of childbirth rates is Kennedy MP Bob Katter’s preferred method of population growth and an alternative to the Business Council of Australia’s (BCA) push to increase the immigration cap.

Responding to reports[1] of the BCA calling for an increase on immigration from 195,000 to 220,000 to deal with the nation’s skills shortage, Mr Katter said the focus should be on bolstering Australia’s own population first.

“Within the composition of the people coming in, the vast bulk of them are coming from countries with no democracy, no rule of law, no Christianity - look after your fellow man, make the world a better place, no egalitarian traditions and no system of award wages,” Mr Katter said.

“Now within 15 years if the BCA gets their way, those people will be a majority in this country.”

He said instead, a tailored tax system which encouraged childbirth would resolve the nation’s slowing and ageing population woes.

“Those who are DINKS (Double Income, No Kids), collectively can be earning $200,000 a year. Pay $50,000 in tax, leaving each person on average $75,000 in disposable income.

“Meanwhile, if you have a stay-at-home parent with three kids and the working parent is on $100,000 paying $25,000 in tax, the disposable income is again $75,000. However, split between five people, that’s $15,000 each.

“Now the question becomes, do I want to be on an income of $75,000 or $15,000?

“This is just ridiculous, that income is split over five people and that's the way the tax should be levied.”

To address skills shortages, Mr Katter called for greater investment into “real” TAFE institutions, rather than “downgraded” organisations operating with minimal resources, while trying to compete with the attraction of university.

“Where we had three TAFES, we have none in Kennedy. The only full TAFEs in North Queensland are in Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns.

“Yet you have universities producing as many lawyers as we have, with as many as we already have practicing in Queensland… it's a very nasty deceit of our young people telling them they can get a job as lawyer when they have no hope.”

[1]Migration increase should be directly tied to population growth, business says | The Australian

Replace price caps with High Efficiency, Low Emission power stations: Katter

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:34:02 GMT

NOT a single effort has been made by Australia’s major parties to invest in reliable, low-cost and low-emission power sources while poor government policy has led to gas producers closing their doors to domestic markets.

Responding to reports that gas producers are hesitant in entering new supply contracts due to the Federal Government’s $12GJ price cap, Kennedy MP Bob Katter said both major parties had failed to address long-term, reliable supply of energy.

Mr Katter also criticised the Member for Wannon’s Dan Tehan’s comments who labelled Labor’s price cap policy a “failure” and called for it to be scrapped.

“I fear that the Member for Wannon has had a terrible fall off his horse on the Road to Damascus. I think it’s affected half his brain because he is one of the many that led the triumphant march to Net Zero by 2050 and yet they have not carried out a single act to achieve that goal,” Mr Katter said.

“It obviously affected half his brain because he cannot remember that one of the biggest power stations in Australia announced its closure a few months before the election . If they had courage of their convictions, they would have announced its non-closure.

“The major parties just don’t get the message; there is a third force out there in politics – and I call them ‘The Others’.

“More people voted for The Others than for the ALP and the LNP at the last election, so don’t make attention-grabbing grand proclamations that we are going to be Net Zero by 2050 one minute, and then ask to rewrite energy policy the next.”

While economists and experts have suggested price caps will cause long-term price hikes , Mr Katter said it was a shame the country’s leaders hadn’t looked to High Efficiency, Low Emission (HELE) coal-fired power stations – which would provide cheap, reliable baseload power, reduce CO2 output and protect the critical royalties-generating coal industry.

According to the Minerals Council of Australia , hundreds of HELE power stations were “already in operation, under construction or planned in Europe, North America and East Asia led by China and Japan,” and were reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40 per cent.

“The only solution the majors – the ALP/LNP – have come up with is a ’20-year short-term fix’ of solar panels and wind turbines that are a super expensive answer to a pathetic effort to overcome the unreliability,” he said.

“By 2050, almost every solar panel in Australia will need to be replaced and almost every wind farm currently being built in Australia will have ceased operating.

“I am confident that our state team, when they win the balance of power at the next state election will move on the critical initiatives which will reduce emissions in Australia without expending our mining communities.

“It is absolutely amazing to me that the four of us in the KAP can come up with a plan that does not involve chopping down trees to put up wind farms and solar panels that’ll run out of juice after 20 years.

“And it’s even more unbelievable that this lack of foresight and unparalleled irresponsibility is happening at the same time that they are spending $62 million on a project that will not produce a single megawatt of cheap and reliable energy.”

[1] PoliticsNow: Scrap gas price cap now or face crisis: Tehan | The Australian

[2] PoliticsNow: Scrap gas price cap now or face crisis: Tehan | The Australian

[3] Switching off: Inside Eraring power station as staff come to terms with its closure - ABC News

[4] Retailers blame price cap for fears over gas supply | The Australian

[5] Lowering emissions with Australian coal | Minerals Council of Australia

[6] QLD premier Annastacia Palaszczuk targets 70% renewable energy by 2032 | The Courier Mail

Katter urges Govt to build proposed sea mines in Australia while praising commitment

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:26:29 GMT

MEMBER for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has praised the Federal Government for its announcement to fast-track the commission of a $1 billion sea mine program designed to protect Australia’s vast coastline from foreign threats.

Mr Katter said that it was certainly a step toward “fortressing Australia” but warned the Government the sea mines should be built in Australia, and not by Europeans, and that he would write to the Minister to insist sovereign production.

“The missile we most need are these missiles that sit under the water,” Mr Katter said.

“If a Chinese aeroplane can drop off a hundred of these things into our harbours, then Australia would be crippled overnight. But it moves the other way if we brace our border with sea mines to at least protect Australia’s ports and coastline of strategic importance.

“Please God, it is the start of a missile fortress program for Australia. Whether these missiles are delivered from the seabed as mines, or from the back of a truck, or from patrol boats, there is an absolute requirement for around 200,000 in Australia. Currently, from the advice we have received, it is doubtful if there is even 200 in Australia.

“But if the Europeans wish to supply these sea mines, then they can build the factory here in Australia, and the factory will be owned by Australians.

“As the old moral saying goes, “It is better to teach a man how to fish, then to give him a fish”, and to quote the leader in the great debate of the Boston Bridge, “If the bridge is built by Americans, then we have the bridge and the money. If it is built by foreigners, we have the bridge, but they have the money.”

Mr Katter also said that Australia should learn from Russia in WWII who converted its factories to building sovereign weapons and artillery.

“Leningrad, the second biggest city in Russia, despite being under siege for the entire war, was never taken by the German war machine, even though it borders Germany. Leningrad had converted their giant factories into making ammunition and machine guns every day.”

Mr Katter said he praised the Federal Government for taking Australia’s defence seriously.

“I want to pay the Federal Government the highest possible condemnation,” Mr Katter said.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a government do something good and I’d have to go back to the NDIS or Snowy 2.0 to find a precedent of equal importance.

“I hate to say this, but the last Government spent $4.2 billion on patrol boats and drones [1] that carry no power at all, except for 15 machine guns mounted on the patrol boats. The patrol boats should have been built to take 20 missiles. That would have made them a very formidable weapon indeed.

“So, congratulations to Defence Minister, Richard Marles, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and the Government for doing a very good thing here.

“We have been screaming for a 200,000-missile program for six years, and we haven’t been Robinson Crusoe, so I also thank greatly the people throughout Australia because this pressure has resulted in a commitment to action. Note, not action, a commitment to action.”

[1] Coalition axes $1.3bn armed drone program and redirects funds to cybersecurity | Australian politics | The Guardian

[2] Coalition axes $1.3bn armed drone program and redirects funds to cybersecurity | Australian politics | The Guardian

Tablelands wind farm rejection: Final public plea to Fed Environment Minister

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:19:15 GMT

MORE than 1000 submissions opposing a Tablelands wind farm were submitted earlier this month as Kennedy MP Bob Katter joined passionate community voices in pleading with the Federal Environment Minister to block the development.

Mr Katter joined Tablelands adjunct professor and conservationist Tim Nevard, Rainforest Reserves Australia president Carolyn Emms and Stop Chalumbin Wind Farm’s Matt Lachlan in calling on Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to turn down the proposed 86-turbine wind farm near Ravenshoe.

Mr Lachlan said there was ample land throughout North Queensland for wind farms, and there was “no justification for using high biodiversity areas for this development.”

“If this development is approved, it will result in the destruction of habitat critical to the survival of endangered species being destroyed. Magnificent Brood Frogs, just to mention, may not survive, koalas another,” he said.

Professor Nevard also argued the Chalumbin site was not suitable for a wind farm and spoke of the long-term cumulative effects of such a development.

“The cumulative impacts of clearing high-altitude, potential refugia habitat, in addition to the massive high-altitude clearing already undertaken for the adjacent recently approved Kaban wind infrastructure project, would be significant for both common and endangered species,” professor Nevard said.

“These include Koalas, Greater Gliders and Magnificent Brood Frogs, but for the Red Goshawk severe and regional extinction would be a real possibility for one of Australia’s rarest birds.

“Biodiversity is the ‘buffer at the end of the tracks’ for global climate change. When there is a plethora of alternative low-biodiversity locations for renewable energy infrastructure, sites of intrinsic high biodiversity, such as Chalumbin and others on the Atherton Tablelands, must not be considered appropriate for development.”

Ms Emms further spoke about the environmental impacts of the wind farm and said the proponent “had no social licence” for the project.

“Chalumbin will be left with about 1 million tonnes of concrete that will stay in situ. The wind turbine blades may need to be replaced in nine to 15 years time,” she said.

“The proposed Chalumbin wind farm faces widespread community opposition. Most of the Atherton Tablelands community does not want it to go ahead. The local community is concerned and distressed at the prospect of its beloved landscapes becoming the site of an industrial wind development.”

Mr Katter pointed out his office had been advised that on October 31 last year, the AEMO updated the Kaban wind farm closure date from 2048 to 2043, reducing the total operational period to 20 years.

“All that destruction, for what, 20 years of intermittent power,” Mr Katter said.

“What is happening here is our nature wonderland is being turned into an industrial wasteland.

“But to expose the ground on top of the Great Dividing Range, to the elements and their massive erosion, cyclonic monsoons, and to put those windmills right beside one of the very last remnants of serious high-elevation jungle in the world... birds can't fly east - it's ocean, so they go west straight into the windmill blades.

“While I’m normally fighting Greenies on getting development, this is not development.”

Mr Katter said “there would further developments” and strategies in opposing the wind farm to push for its rejection.

Mr Katter’s office has been advised the Federal Environment Minister is expected to make her decision in “the next couple of months.”

Axe Queen’s Birthday and celebrate Australia Day twice: Katter

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:07:53 GMT

PROUD Australian and Federal MP Bob Katter has weighed in on the Australia Day debate and has proposed two days of celebration, respect and remembrance.

Mr Katter who “celebrates Australia Day everyday” spent the day touring festivities around Far North Queensland while assessing the national debate and said the media coverage of the would suggest “it was not working”.

“Yet it mostly certainly was at Cardwell where the Cassowary Coast Regional Council held its ceremonies, and at the Kurrimine Beach and Garradunga pubs,” Mr Katter said.

He said January 26 should continue to be celebrated as the nation’s annual day, and there should be a second day to celebrate First Australians.

“There should be a day we respect the people who came here and turned this into a small but significant nation and created a standard of living as high as anywhere in the world. Australia as we know it today is an entirely different animal from when the second Australians arrived.

“I think Australia Day should be a day in which we respect our forebears that came from overseas, but there should be another day in which we respect the people that were already here.”

Mr Katter has put forward the suggestion of celebrating First Australians on the Queen’s Birthday holiday, which is set to become the King’s Birthday this year.

He said while he respected Queen Elizabeth he believed in famous United States president Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence and Archbishop Stephen Langton’s Magna Carta – ‘all men are born free and equal.’

“I have respect for England, and I revere the constitution of our nation, but I believe infinitely more, that all men and women are equal. I’m sorry but having kings and queens is not compatible with all people being equal.

“So, let’s substitute the Queen’s birthday, for First Australian’s Day.”

Banning foreigners from Aussie properties a short-term fix for housing

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 04:50:12 GMT

BANNING foreigners from purchasing Australian real estate will create an immediate short-term solution to the nation’s housing crisis and offer long-term protection for Australians looking to enter the property market, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

Mr Katter said the Federal Government should follow in Canada’s footsteps to prohibit foreign ownership of local residential properties after the North American nation passed legislation last year that he intends to move a similar legislation in the Parliament this year.

According to the Foreign Investment Review Board about 4 per cent of Australia’s homes are foreign owned, and prior to the pandemic, about 10,000 homes a year were sold to overseas buyers.

“We know when there’s a 5 per cent lack of demand, the price will go through the floor, if there’s 5 per cent over demand, the price will go through the roof,” Mr Katter said.

“So if you have 4 per cent buying (from overseas), they’re forcing the price of housing up through the roof.”

He further pointed out the Federal Government’s current housing affordability incentives including the loan deposit schemes were only fuelling demand and not addressing supply issues.

Mr Katter said according to the Urban Development Institute of Australia, there was an at-market shortfall of 200,000 dwellings in Australia, which he said could be addressed by removing the impositions and red tape on subdivisions and opening empty land in North Queensland.

“Build the Bridle Track Tunnel (in Cairns) and we can open up 15,000 – 17,000ha of scrub land on the other side of the range and create some 50,000 housing blocks.

“Remove the impositions on subdivisions and we can do the same at Townsville and Mackay, with all our empty land. And then who would want to live in the urban slum of Sydney when they can live in North Queensland with our beautiful lifestyle?

“It’s shocking to see the slum housing we’re creating, even here in Kennedy where a kid has no room to swing a cricket bat because there’s no backyard and you can put your hand out the window and shake hands with your neighbour.”

Australia is just feeding the ‘Chinese crocodile’: Katter

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 05:09:54 GMT

AUSTRALIA’S relation repair with China is like feeding a crocodile, and if anyone knows a thing or two about the apex predators, it’s North Queensland MP Bob Katter.

While the government celebrates its recent talks with China as the dawn of a new era in bilateral relationships, Mr Katter is reminding the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister the dangers of “feeding the crocodile”.

“We’re a marvellous quarry to them, and when that quarry runs out, we’re bankrupt,” Mr Katter said.

“The Labor government is walking on dangerous grounds playing footsies with China.

“There is no doubt, embedded in the Chinese psyche, is the concept of a middle kingdom and there is no doubt they dominated the known world for 1500 years.

“India was hidden by the Himalayas, America wasn’t discovered and Europe was so far away it didn’t exist for China. The rest of the world was ruled directly or indirectly by China and that mentality is still there.”

Mr Katter said the Government’s actions with the Asian powerhouse were symbolic of famous English leader Winston Churchill’s quote: “An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile-hoping it will eat him last.”

“You just don’t poke the crocodile,” he said.

The Kennedy MP instead called on the Government to focus on and prioritise essential services for Australia – water, electricity and communications, a missile fortress wall with 200,000 missiles and a semi-automatic rifle and training for every schoolboy in the nation.

“Try and pick a fight with a 10 million-strong army.

“Ask the Americans how they went in Vietnam, ask French general Napolean how he went in Spain.”

Katter and TEL call on PM to fund NQ infrastructure in coal price cap deal

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:06:28 GMT

POWERING North Queensland should be a priority following the “energy deal” struck between the State and Federal Governments which will lead to additional Commonwealth funds for Queensland infrastructure projects.

It is understood the Queensland Government is expecting additional Federal funding for two pumped hydro power stations and a ring road in Rockhampton, in exchange for agreeing with the Prime Minister to cap coal prices at $125 a tonne.

Meanwhile, the CopperString Townsville to Mount Isa transmission line would open North Queensland and Australia to a world of new-age metals and minerals and is awaiting construction with conditions and costings approved.

“We have the world’s biggest vanadium deposits and we’re not producing an ounce; to open up this vanadium, required for your suburban solar batteries – this requires CopperString,” Mr Katter said.

“The nickel-cobalt plant at Lansdown (near Townsville), requires CopperString.

“The massive lithium deposits at Georgetown, require CopperString.

“The (proposed) Hughenden wind farm, requires CopperString.”

Mr Katter said he would continue pushing for Hells Gates Dam, the Hughenden Irrigation Project and an extension of the Tully hydro power station – all of which would require CopperString’s transmission lines.

“So if we want to go into new-age metals and new-age energy, which the governments constantly speak about in their energy plans, you must build CopperString,” Mr Katter said.

Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith said CopperString was the most advanced electricity project in the country and it needed State and Federal Governments to support the decarbonisation of industries now.

“There is no transition without transmission. The CopperString project connecting Townsville to Mount Isa needs to be prioritised to open the $740 billion of untapped critical minerals along the North-West corridor and enable the supply of green energy for advanced manufacturing, hydrogen production and green mining” Mrs Brumme-Smith said.

“CopperString is the key enabling transmission infrastructure that is absolutely integral for the green energy industrial revolution ahead of us.”

Speaking on the decision to cap coal prices, Mr Katter who had previously warned the Prime Minister against such a move said while he respected the leader’s “good intentions” to honour election promises including $275 electricity bill reductions, he could not understand why a Reserve Resource Policy (RRP) was not being introduced.

“When I was electricity minister in Queensland, we maintained the household price at $674 for 11 years. The environmentally misguided ‘missiles’ blew up the price to over $3000.

“Almost all of Queensland’s electricity came from the then biggest power station in the world at Gladstone, with a RRP the coal was actually free. The power station was paid of within seven years, so the only charge was a bit of labour, maintenance and replacement.”

Alternative Voice Referendum question proposes additional First Australian Senator

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 04:56:00 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has called on the Prime Minister to include an alternative question in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.

Mr Katter said he agreed that First Australians deserved to have their voice and their needs heard and recognised by the Parliament, but stressed the importance of that voice being a true representation of Indigenous people.

He proposed members of community areas geographically delineated be given the right to elect one senator to represent First Australians of those communities in Parliament, as opposed to a government-appointed “silver tongue from Sydney University.”

“Canberra has been granted two senators with a few hundred thousand people, and it’s a similar situation for the Northern Territory as well,” Mr Katter said.

“So I can't see how you could argue that these people in community areas, who desperately need special representation, shouldn't be given at least one senator in the Australian Senate.”

Mr Katter warned Labor of the previous government failures when interjecting in First Australian communities and “wanting to help the people”.

“Whilst I'm not advocating people vote against this proposal, I am urging in the strongest possible way against a continuation of tokenism, separatism and paternalism. This nation cannot prevail with the overriding evil of do-gooder paternalism.

“Meanwhile, they will not give us the right to own our own home. There is no such thing as freehold title in the community areas. Since there's no such thing as private land ownership in community areas the current "Mickey Mouse" arrangements will not be recognised by the banks.

“I've never heard of a commercial enterprise occurring without a bank loan, and I've never heard of a bank loaning money without a mortgage over the title deed.

“There’s racist laws that say white fellas are allowed to drink but black fellas are not, which has the most obvious of outcomes. So everyone who is black that drinks alcohol gets a conviction and therefore can't get a blue card. No blue card, you can't get a government job.

“They took away the market gardens, so try buying fresh fruit and vegetables in this communities, where the life expectancy is 56.

“First Australian have the highest incarceration rates of any identifiable group of people on earth, the largest stolen children rates and the lowest life expectancy – how’s a ‘voice to parliament’ going to be any different when the cries so far have fallen on deaf ears?”

Affordable living solved with supermarket duopoly dismantling laws

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 02:37:44 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has called on the Federal Government to introduce a suite of laws to provide food security in Australia for both farmers and customers as living costs cripple family budgets.

Mr Katter delivered a notice of motion on Monday with six key recommendations for agriculture legislation that would ensure fair prices are being paid to farmers, without hurting consumer wallets and help provide sovereign production security while Australia was a net importer of fruit and vegetables.

Mr Katter’s six legislation recommendations are:

(a) Food and manufacturing labelling that highlights hidden imports and prevents fraud.

(b) Fresh produce labelling system that indicates the farm-gate price and the supermarket mark up.

(d) National Office of Better Agricultural Regulation with powers to reduce red tape and consider the actual cost of implementing both marketplace regulations.

(e) Investment in infrastructure and critical supplies/ support industries to reduce production and transportation costs (i.e. gas prices for fertiliser, chemicals, fuel, worker access).

(f) Reforming the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme to ensure farmers have direct access to the program.

Mr Katter said these laws would not only provide fair prices for both growers and consumers, but also address affordable living which “everyone in Parliament is going on about” but barely acting on.

“My wife was away and I went down to the supermarket, I didn't have to buy any meat, there was plenty of that in the fridge and I still spent $363. I nearly died of shock,” Mr Katter said.

“In 1990 the average household in Australia spent $92 a week on food, they are now having to spend $279 a week on food; that is a 2020 figure and there has been a huge escalation in food prices in the last two years.”

Mr Katter said in that period food had gone up 230 per cent but average weekly earnings had only increased 150 per cent, while pensioners’ allowances had only risen 110 per cent.

He said while 20 years ago the average markup from farm gate to supermarket shelves was 106 per cent, it was now 242 per cent.

“There have been 15 inquiries into Woolworths and Coles and not a single thing has been done, not a single recommendation has been put into practice.

“Woolworths and Coles in 1991 had 50.5 per cent of the market. When a searching inquiry was done, in 2001, their percentage of the market according to the ABS was 68 per cent. And there's no doubt they're up around 90 per cent now.

“I find that the CEO at Woolworths is struggling along at $8m a year and the CEO at Coles is struggling along at $7.5m a year.”

Mr Katter said while Australia once had 16,000 dairy farmers, it now had 6000. And where the country once had 240,000 farmers in total, there were now just 83,000.

“Whose fault is that?

Seven wasted months: Visa delays costing NQ and Australia critical doctors

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 22:43:17 GMT

A FRUSTRATING lack of resources and an underwhelming effort to process visa applications is costing North Queensland and the nation critical healthcare professionals during a severe shortage.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter is turning the heat on the federal Department of Home Affairs after a doctor looking to relocate to the Far North from Ghana, missed his Australian Medical Council exam due to a lack of progression on his visa application.

The doctor’s application process began in April this year and his exam was in early November. Despite constant efforts from the local medical clinic and Mr Katter’s office, the applications stalled for more than six months, and the department was still yet to provide a response.

“It is incredibly disappointing that when communities are going without adequate access to GPs, visas for skilled doctors from overseas are being denied,” Mr Katter said.

“We have approached the Parliamentary Liaison Network on multiple occasions this year to expedite critical visas, their phone lines go to voicemail and no useful information is provided via email.

“How can we help our constituents when we cannot get any help from the immigration department and what can we tell medical clinics who are desperately trying to meet the needs of the community?”

Mr Katter said while most of regional Australia was struggling to employ GPs, it was difficult to accept that a bureaucratic process was denying communities from accessing basic healthcare.

He said the average wait time for a patient to see a doctor in Kennedy was four weeks, while there were GPs putting off retirement as they were the only practitioner in town.

“We are advised that despite clinics finding overseas professionals, who are willing to relocate permanently and practice rurally, their visas are not being processed. Our communities are suffering as a result of the reluctance of Home Affairs to process visas or offer any resolutions.”

However, Mr Katter’s office reported it wasn’t just visa applications for skilled workers that were being stalled, but ordinary residents were also struggling with a lack of information and opportunity to successfully complete applications.

Mr Katter’s offices in recent months have been bombarded with frustrated locals who have had applications for overseas friends and family either stall or denied with limited communication from the Department of Home Affairs.

Among the concerns raised were that there was not enough information available on what relevant evidence an applicant needed to provide with their application, such as identity documents. Further, when applications were denied, there was limited information outlining why it had been denied, and no opportunity to make amendments or provide necessary additional documents.

Mr Katter’s office also reported a lack of reliable human contacts at the department to answer basic application questions was frustrating locals, who were being referred to expensive, private immigration agents. Furthers issues have also arisen from agents with reports some are charging tens of thousands of dollars with no fee breakdowns or guarantees with the service they will provide.

Katter awards QLD Government an ‘Oscar’ for coal and energy policies

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:39:16 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has awarded the Palaszczuk Government an “Academy Award” for hypocrisy as the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) launches a campaign against the new royalties regime.

The QRC has reported the new royalties scheme, which effectively doubled the taxation of coal mines, was already impacting investor confidence in the sector, as well as in the critical minerals sector, which would produce the metals needed to manufacture energy infrastructure for the Queensland Government’s $62bn renewable energy plan.

“With this increase in royalties, they’re going to make the state’s economy depend upon coal at the same time they’re spending $62bn to eliminate coal-fired power stations in Australia,” Mr Katter said.

“For an exercise in hypocrisy, this gets the Oscar.

“But the criticisms from the mining sector are 100 per cent accurate. You don’t want to do deals where they change the rules of engagement.

“These people in the Queensland Government, none of them have done a business deal in their life. Your most important asset is your integrity. Lose that and you won’t be doing much business.”

Mr Katter said it was naive of governments to “relegate the economy of Australia to intermittent power”, while he personally prepared for the worst.

“I don't know about other people, but I priced a little generator, some batteries and an inverter, because we have already had outages twice in Queensland because Callide B is closing down.

“They're not going to do any repairs or maintenance on it, and it's constantly dropping out. Five power stations are closing in Australia, taking one-seventh of our base-load power away and replacing it with intermittent power.”

Mr Katter said with a reserve resource policy guaranteeing cheap coal, and algae ponds accompanying modern coal-fired power stations, CO2 could actually become a product rather than an emission.

“We want to produce as much CO2 as we can possibly humanly produce, and a coal-fired power station is the best way of doing that because that CO2 is the feed for algae.

“The Minister for Environment and Water knew the name of the algae—which is much more than I knew—you use to produce diesel.

“That's the way of the future. I went to Israel, because Mike Kelly, the senior minister in the Rudd government, told me I had to go to Israel. They are making so much money out of the CO2. They're putting into hothouses and they're putting it into ponds to grow algae, and that is where we want to go in Australia,” he said.

‘Invisible’ Indigenous voices travel to Parliament to test Government’s commitment

jai@clearpixel.com.au (Jai Warner) — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:33:12 GMT

TWO formerly “invisible” Indigenous women from Far North Queensland have put the Federal Government’s promise to listen to First Nations Australians to the ultimate test by travelling to Parliament from their remote communities to share their voice.

Aurukun women, Sharina Wolmby and Tonia Pootchemunka, have experienced trauma, violence and riots in their community and were once invisible in their own world before gaining employment with charity Orange Sky’s mobile laundry.

Now, they are inspiring role models and leaders in their community and this week travelled to Parliament to demonstrate to the Government they are willing to speak up and deserve to be heard if Labor is genuine about an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

During their visit, they met with Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Malarndirri McCarthy and Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher.

“We wanted to meet with them to discuss our ideas to improve our community, to improve employment, health and how we can empower women in our communities,” Ms Wolmby said.

“We’ve shown two ordinary women who came from nothing are willing to speak, we thank the Government for wanting to listen, but now we will see if they act.”

Managing director of Aurukun-based Indigenous employment and training service ReSet, Tim Whyte, helped train Ms Wolmby and Ms Pootchemunkan before securing employment with the laundry, and is a long-term Cape resident.

Mr Whyte said while the women and community welcomed the Government’s ambition of a voice, there had been frustration in the past and Labor had “one chance to get it right.”

“If you want to know what's going on in Aboriginal communities, we've got some amazing and powerful women who have not previously had a voice,” Mr Whyte said.

“So if you really want to kick this ‘Voice’ off, these ladies are saying 'we're here, we're the invisible people in remote Aboriginal communities'.

“We're spending $15m a year in just this community incarcerating our local people, there was a productivity report in 2019 that said we must have alternatives like rehab and training camps here in Aurukun. We're now going into 2023 and there's still been not one action on those recommendations on that productivity report.

“So here we have a Government saying we want to give Indigenous people a voice, well this is the first time these two women have been out of their community, they've never seen a high-rise, a set of traffic lights, but they've had the courage to come down because they believe in what the government is saying.”

Kennedy MP Bob Katter congratulated Mr Whyte and his partner Veera Judin, on their efforts in training and employing Indigenous locals in Aurukun, while savaging the negative effects of the “we’ll look after you brigade” of Government interfering with Aboriginal affairs.

“If you want to know what’s being achieved for First Australians don’t listen to the rubbish you hear in this place (Parliament), they have achieved absolutely nothing.

“We have the highest death rate in the world, that I know of, in the First Australian communities up there. They took out the market gardens, they have no right to private property, and then they wonder why these situations exist.

“Aboriginal affairs have been in the hands of the ‘we’ll look after you brigade’. Well that’s the problem – ‘we’ll look after you’. All the blackfellas should be asking for is for the government to go away and ‘let us run our own affairs’.”

Mr Katter singled out the low life expectancy of First Australians which he labelled “a disgraceful shame” for the nation.

“I got the money four-and-half years ago for the market gardens to return. In that time the government has put in not one single market garden.

“They go on and on about closing the gap, they know the gap was created because the nutritional requirements were taken away.

“But rest assured the whitefellas are looking after us,” he said.

Crucial backpacker labour clause removed in new Aus-UK Free Trade Bill

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 04:39:09 GMT

AUSTRALIAN farmers already suffering from worker shortages will be dealt a major blow after the Federal Government moved to remove important labour requirements that obliged backpackers to serve time in rural and regional areas.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter raised concerns about the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Implementation Bill which will result in English backpackers, crucial to the farming industry, no longer required to work in country areas upon arrival.

Mr Katter pushed for amendments to the legislation and called on the government to note that currently the Australian agricultural sector was experiencing critical workforce shortages and the impact of the removal of the 88-day farm work clause for backpackers in the proposed free trade bill was significant.

While the Free Trade Deal was signed between Australia and the UK in September 2021, crucially, the UK was yet to move the legislation to ratify the deal. Until then, the Australian Government could accept Mr Katter's amendment and leave the "backpacker clause" untouched.

He said without this requirement there would be little, if any, incentive for backpackers to come, let alone stay, working in regional communities for the length of time needed for their training to be a viable option for farmers.

Mr Katter also said the legislation had failed to explain or adequately address the significant impacts to regional economies as a result of the removal of the 88-day clause.

His amendments called on the government to:

(a) Provide evidence that the United Kingdom has requested this clause be omitted and provide evidence supporting the concerns regarding the backpacker on-farm workforce;

(b) Ensure a proper and thorough analysis is undertaken into the financial impacts to farmers and regional tourism economies as result of this clause being removed; and

(c) Deploy a highly specific advertising program in all major metropolitan centres focused on attracting backpackers to work on farms in regional areas”.

Mr Katter said the onus should be on the government to “build the means of production” however, pointed out both major parties with their free-trade policies were destroying the agriculture sector.

“What you've done here is effectively take out the United Kingdom workers completely, they vanish because there's no way they're going to go to a place they've never heard of before in their life, when they can go to Sydney and hang around on Bondi Beach,” he said.

“I represent about 6 to 7 per cent of Australia's fruit and vegetable production. But thanks to your free trade deals, we have been for 10 years, a net importer of fruit and vegetables.

“Australia’s rural industries have been for 100 or 200 years, wool, cattle, grain and cane, with Australia always being self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables

“Thirty years ago the free-market paradigm was imposed so now whenever rural industry takes a hit - fire, flood, drought - causing market crash, where the government had intervened to help the farmers restore their numbers, their cultivation land, this does not now happen.

“Sheep numbers are down 72 per cent, cattle down 23 per cent, the dairy herd, following deregulation, is down 17 per cent, cane production following Australia’s failure to move to ethanol- has fallen 15 per cent. And with fruit and vegetables, believe it or not, Aust has become a net importer and has been for nearly a decade.”

‘Into a jungle’: Industrial relations bill ‘has no feeling’ for small business

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 03:36:44 GMT

The in-decline farming industry and small businesses need to be protected and therefore excluded from the legislative ambit of the Federal Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

While Mr Katter supported the intent of the 27-part Fair Work Legislation Amendment Bill, he said its implementation would severely impact small businesses and farmers.

On Thursday he moved an amendment calling for businesses that employed under 50 full-time equivalent employees in rural, regional, or remote Australia to be exempt from the legislation’s provisions.

Mr Katter said the complexities of meeting industrialised wages and negotiating in enterprise bargaining agreements could not be imposed upon farmers or small business employers, who often do not have the necessary resources to engage in such matters.

While he agreed elements of the bill, which seeks to boost wage bargaining, limit fixed-term contracts to create job security, and boost workplace conditions such as flexible work were of vital importance in other industries, he said they were too onerous for employers and employees in small business and farming.

Mr Katter said when GST was first introduced, it reduced a “tough-as-nails” small hardware business owner in his electorate to tears at the thought of additional complex paperwork.

“She said ‘I work until 6pm at night, I race home and cook dinner, and then I do the books for my husband’s business and mine, and I’m up to well after midnight’. So she said she just burst out crying at the thought of another hour of paperwork.

“But (in this bill) there really isn’t a feeling for small business. It's interesting that four of us (from the crossbench) are moving to exclude small business.

“Without protection, farmers and small business just won’t be able to meet their requirements of proper industrial demands.”

However, Mr Katter said he supported competitive wages for farm and small business employees.

“If they want some overall catch-all base wage, I think everyone here would agree with that. But to turn small business into a jungle in which they're the little guys—I think that's what's going to happen here,” he said.

Two ‘non-south-east Queensland’ LNP senators really destroyed Hells Gates Dam

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 05:10:59 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter was pleased to see the scrapping of a revised and ineffective plan for Hells Gates Dam from the federal budget.

But he is adamant he did not destroy the correct proposal, and still stands by building the original dam.

However, it was the Liberal National Party (LNP) and Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL) who destroyed the original concept and drafted a “glorified weir,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter spoke in Federation Chamber on Monday after reports two LNP senators who claim to represent non-south-east Queensland had been falsely advising North Queensland residents he was responsible for the destruction of Hells Gates.

He said he had initially secured $48m to draw an updated engineering plan with costings for Hells Gates Dam, but that money was given to TEL, who instead, at the direction of the former Federal Government, designed a low-level dam that would only irrigate 50,000-60,000ha of land and featured pumped hydro.

“They drew up not, ‘the’ Hells Gates, but ‘their’ Hells Gates, and there is one hell of a difference between that, and the Hells Gates agreed to and designed by Dr JC Bradfield himself,” Mr Katter said.

“Under the TEL proposal, sending water to Townsville would’ve been very costly and talking about pumped-hydro in North Queensland is a disastrous idea as we do not have the peak load electricity demand.”

Mr Katter said the revised Bradfield design had called for the dam to be built 395m above sea level, and would provide cheap, gravity-fed water to Townsville, protect Ingham from a double flood, open up an additional 100,000ha of farmland for Ayr and send water out west.

“All of that was destroyed by the LNP.”

Mr Katter also responded to the Queensland Government water and resources department questioning the benefits of building a new dam west of Townsville and stating there was risk with the current “supply-driven” approach.

“Where the hell do these people come from if they cannot see the dream of the Australian people to irrigate inland outback Australia—to take a little bit of water from where it rains all the time and put it out there where there are droughts all the time, in heartbreak country.

“They have a complete inability to see the big picture,” he said.

New 404-room accommodation centre threatens NQ town’s economy

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:55:18 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter says while he welcomes accommodation solutions and business initiatives in Charters Towers, the town holds economic fears for a planned new 404-room non-resident accommodation development.

A development application awaiting Charters Towers Regional Council consideration for the construction of 404 rooms at 82-92 Deanes Rd, Millchester has raised concerns among local business owners.

According to application documents lodged with the local government, the demand for the facility was realised due to the expansion of nearby mines including Carmichael and Ravenswood mines.

The documents stated the development would be made of 101 demountable buildings, and would provide “temporary accommodation opportunities” for various industries and worksites in the local government’s area and adjacent localities.

“The development will free up the local motel and hotel accommodations for use by the normal visitor traffic to town (tourists, business trips, family from elsewhere visiting, etc). This will ensure economical balance in the town is maintained,” the application read.

Mr Katter said the proposal was concerning for local accommodation and meal providers and he would be seeking further assurances the benefits of the development would truly flow to the town.

“The people initiating this proposal are doing so with the best of intentions, and we love business initiative – get up and go people,” Mr Katter said.

“But they must insure their plans are for the benefit for the town.”

Mr Katter said it was concerning the language used in the application leaned towards the construction of a fly-in fly-out (FIFO) mining camp.

“Mining camps have proven very damaging in other towns, they’ve overtaxed the town’s infrastructure – roads, water, sewerage. They use catering companies from down south.”

Mr Katter said there was no reason the accommodation development couldn’t be a more permanent structure that serves as more traditional housing, which would lend the residents to reside and contribute to the local economy.

“People in the cities are travelling on average over 50km to work every day. We don’t want FIFO – it destroys family life.

“Whilst we applaud people wanting to put accommodation in Charters Towers, unless we’re assured the benefits will flow locally, we’ll oppose the construction,” he said.

Reserve resource policy the key to easing cost-of-living pressure

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:50:15 GMT

WHEN one of the nation’s major “building blocks” has tripled in price in one year, it’s no wonder cost-of-living pressures are crippling Australian budgets, but a simple policy could ease the pain Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

Mr Katter joined Katter’s Australian Party and Traeger MP Robbie Katter in calling for the return of a reserve resource policy.

Following reports the Federal Government was considering introducing gas price caps as manufacturers paid up to $35 per gigajoule, Bob Katter said such a move alone would be a “joke”.

“There will be a question to the Minister in Parliament House next week, on why we have no reserve resource policy,” Mr Katter said.

“Queensland’s (former) reserve resource policy meant most of the state’s electricity was coming from the world’s biggest power stations and had zero input costs – the coal was free, taken by law, by the government under RRP.

“The vast amount of gas is being exported, so the price cap is a joke. But if you combine that with a reserve resource policy, then it can work.”

Mr Katter said with Australia paying up to $16 a unit for its gas, while countries like the United States paid about $6 a unit, the nation “could not compete” in manufacturing – a key influence in rising cost-of-living pressures.

He said Australian budgets were further being hit with the rising price of fuel which had a flow-on effect from transport of goods, to the price Aussies paid at the checkouts.

Mr Katter said the solution was a sovereign fuel guarantee which would include banning oil exports and instead refining it domestically, requiring all metropolitan government vehicles to be Australian-made and electric, and manufacturing fuel through waste materials and producing ethanol.

“Brazilians are filling up on $1.27 per litre while we’re paying over $2,” he said.

DAM OR BE DAMNED!!!

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 02:29:58 GMT

Mr Katter outlines how water and irrigation can create prosperity in inland Australia. Photos taken by Scott Radford Chisholm

In my Parliamentary office, I sit under a photo of Black Jack McEwen and Red Ted Theodore. McEwen said the most important thing in Govt. is getting it right. Theodore epitomised getting it right. John Anderson is a likeable bloke, written many good yarns but his “Spotlight on Dams” TB. 16 July 22 exemplifies the same lamentable journalism manifest in his “synapses snap” when writing a glowing tribute to a Qld. police officer who was in charge of cattle thieving. If that sentence has a double meaning, that is, what is intended.

Six heartbroken familys – their loved ones – murdered or murder suicides. I don’t know Ewen Jones. He presided at a Cowboys dinner letting us know that he and old ‘so and so’ were “old school tie” buddys from a ‘Rah Rah’ (R. Union) school.

We commoners were gently reminded that we’d gone to R. League Schools. At my school, Mt Carmel, ‘History’ and ‘Logic’ were compulsory.

Now, these comments are not “ad hominem” they are at the heartland of this debate. Because the real question here is who do you follow? “John Crew Bradfield” and “Leo Hielscher”? Or do you follow Mr Anderson and the exponents Mr Anderson has put before us?

Dr J.C. Bradfield built the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Story Bridge in Bris, Sydney’s water supply, the Univ. of Qld, Sydney’s Underground Rail System (the latter winning, that year, the “World Prize for Engineering”).

Sir Leo Hielscher who with Bjelke-Petersen gave Qld its Economic miracle: - Coal, Aluminium, Nickel, Tourism. Leo at 95 is still working to see “Bradfield” happen. I was with he and his engineer last month. Qld. Premier Peter Beattie, PM Malcolm Fraser, Dep. PM Doug Anthony, PM Kevin Rudd all are on record backing Bradfield. You can follow them or you can follow Mr Jones, Messer’s Lindsay and Lindsay and Townsville Enterprise. To be fair, Mr Jones in his proposal for weirs on the Upper Burdekin and the Flinders Rivers is ‘spot on’. With the two weeks in which I had the balance of power, I secured $28m for what will be the first of two weirs above Charters Towers and $185m for Thread Irrigation, Ballot Farms at Hughenden. This was 4 ½ years ago. Why no action?

Because Fed Govts. have spinelessly bowed to the anti development Qld Govt.

As a published historian I am entitled to observe that the current Qld Govt is easily the worst in Qld history thanks to its euthanasia, abortion and scorn for motherhood; we Qld’ers are now a ‘vanishing race’.

They’ve quadrupled the price of electricity and sold Qld Rail, eliminating the jobs - sacking 14,000 railwaymen, 2,300 electricity workers (following reregulation), and more recently 6,000 taxi drivers. They've committed us to a ‘Nero like’ Olympic games which cost China $29,000m (Qld’s annual budget is only $54,000m). $7,000m on a Taj Mahal for themselves and Pleasure Domes along the Bris. River and 33km of tunnels. NQld’s got none.

Qld’s Govt gave all of the Flinders River Water allocations to two corporates, Stanbroke and AACo (foreign owned). The locals, we Nth Qld’ers, effectively got nothing. The Great Theodore Labor and B-Peterson Country Party Govts took the land off the rich and the corporates (built the sinews of industry) and “gave it to the people”. This Qld Govt does the opposite.

The Qld Govt. claims it pioneers exports. It does. It exports jobs in coal mining and power stations to solar factorys in China. HIPCo - Hughenden's ballot irrig farm proposal extended to C-curry, Julia Ck, Richmond will put 100,000 residents into the Midwest, where only 9,000 people now live.

Before 'balloted farm' irrigation at Emerald, Griffith (NSW) and Mareeba each had a pop. under 1,000 people. With “owner occupier” “balloted” irrigation farms each town grew to a pop of over 20,000.

Mr Jones quite rightly criticises the ‘extraordinary’ proposal to “Raise B-kin Falls Dam” to create pump hydro electricity. It is the same proposal T’ville Enterprise put forward for their ‘shrunken’, ‘miniaturised’ Hells Gates proposal, costed at a prohibitive $5,400m. Much worse still, the Raised B-kin Falls project takes water from the dry inland – in the driest continent on earth – in order to create electricity in the most ‘coal rich’ and ‘solar rich’ state on earth.

Raising B-kin Falls – unconscionably – wastes yet another half million megalitres to evaporation. It starves Bradfield (Hells Gates) and Urannah of water. Destroying both projects for forever.

“ We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil” No we haven’t! Ms Qld Govt took it from us. An abortion of a govt, rotten with “gang” “green”.

Now let me be very specific. The Bjelke Peterson Govt. (under Leo Hielscher) and the Fraser Anthony Fed Govt. announced the building of Bradfield in 1982, commissioning the leading dam builders in Aust. history to produce the “Bradfield Consortium Report 1984”.

Bradfield Stage I was the Hells Gates Dam and the Grand Canal to irrigation at the “Uplands Desert” S.W. of Ch. Twrs and thence onto Hughenden’s midwest plains. It was costed (in now money) at $1,410m. Recent add-ons would cost it closer to $3,000m.

Production from Bradfield Stage I is delineated in the “Hells Gates Upper Burdekin Irrigation Scheme” (UBurIS) (McFarlane Consulting 2018). This heavily footnoted document quantifies the project’s annual prod. Figures:

Ethanol (clean petrol & a feedstock for plastics) - $870m
Sugar – $502m
Electricity – $240m
Biodiesel – $10m,
Beef Production (from sorghum & pondfeed algae) - $1,380m
Eucalyptus – as dressed timber - $1,200m.

(as it is an algae project there’s ‘net zero emissions’)

It will earn for Australia from from just UBurIS (Hells Gates) –

Bradfield Stage I $4,200m every year forever.

Hells Gates built to a crest height of 400 metres (above sea level) facilitates the syphoning – not pumping – of water to T’ville.

T’ville will now get the cheapest and most adequate water supply of any Australian city.
Ingham, with the diversion of the Upper Herbert, will be protected from the “catastrophic double flood”.
The Hughenden, Cloncurry, Winton, Longreach Circle’ taking the Bradfield water coming through this Break in the Great Divide will supplement the great but erratic waters of Australia’s 6th largest river - the Flinders. And will deliver over $12,000m every year for forever.
It regenerates my homeland the Midwest – the “Plains of Promise”. They sadly are now the “Plains of Perish and Pain”. They’ve been degraded by nature;- “the dry” bares the ground and then “the wet” erodes it away. With the ever-growing 12m hectares of prickly acacia infestation and the 3m wild pigs – we now have advanced land degradation with widespread and spreading erosion.

Ballot Farms and Thread Irrigation arrests and reverses this downcycle. It will also provide a reward for those heroic Australians.

“Keeping the flame on a windswept plain”.

“That will keep them broke ‘til they go insane”.

My wife’s (and my) 10 acres in Ch. Towers 50 years ago hadn’t a single tree on it, it had two eroding gullys, scattered tufts of wire grass and over 400 chinee bushes and rubber vines. It now has thick knee high euracloa and buffel, the gullys are rocked. It runs 2 horses and 3 kangaroo who visit. It has over 1,000 native trees and 22 bird species, lawns and gardens.

This is what we can deliver to Inland Nth Qld. The protection of our creeks and rivers, their banks now lined by irrigated pasture. A restoration of nature – the Flinders and Mitchell grasslands. And most important of all, the creation of a wonderland of freedom, opportunity and excitement for our grandkids and their great grandkids .

Youth Crime - Sky News Interview

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 04:38:00 GMT

Revolving door sentencing? Or Relocation Sentencing? It's a no brainer!

Let's solve youth crime in North Queensland so residents don't feel like they're living in The Bronx, as they've reported to local media.

Now, our current laws are not working, our current systems are clearly not working.

So you tell me what you prefer?

-The State Labor Party is proposing building a $500m prison in Cairns, and they're talking about introducing licenses for parents to have kids... I mean come on, seriously!

- What Katter's Australian Party proposes is relocation sentencing - move the kids out of their systems, break the cycle, and teach them some life skills at a remote location, making them civilized citizens ready to rejoin society.

n the old days, before the white fellas came, the black fellas had ‘Buj-e-ka’. And it was a common word, Percy Neal told me, used by the tribes, a common word in Eastern Australia, common word in Central Australia and a common word in Western Australia and it means ‘banishment’.

If you played up in the old days, they didn’t have prisons, so you’d be sent out into the bush to live by yourself until you behaved like a civilised human being, and then and only then you’d be allowed back in the camp.

So, what we’re saying is to bring back ‘Buj-e-ka’.

Goodbye, ta-da.

The below is my Sky News interview on the matter. Vision taken for Sky News by News 24x7.

Mixed bag for North Queensland in Federal Budget: Katter

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 03:03:34 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has welcomed significant announcements listed in the Federal Budget for North Queensland including $225m for exploration grants in the resource-rich “North West Minerals Province” near Mount Isa, significant investments in protecting Australia against foot and mouth disease, grants for invasive weeds and feral pigs, and funding to improve telecommunications in the electorate’s many black spots.

Despite this, Mr Katter warned that cost pressures will be placed upon Australia’s largest employer group, small business owners, who will now be forced to foot the bill of the expanded paid parental leave.

Resources

The Federal Government has announced $225m for exploration grants in the North West Minerals Province and $99.8m over three years from 2022–23 for the Strategic Critical Minerals Development Program to support Australian critical minerals producers overcome technical and market access barriers.

“North Queensland is the hub of new-age minerals, the minerals we require to produce batteries for electric motor cars – nickel, cadmium, copper.

“We asked the Prime Minister on Tuesday if he was aware of the North West’s potential, and we were very pleased with his answer recognising the availability of minerals and their sovereign requirement.

“And the PM’s has been as good as his word with serious money in the budget. It seems a government at long last has seen what we clearly see in the North West.”

Mr Katter also welcomed $22m to develop Townsville’s Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, which will host advanced manufacturing and technology industries that will underpin future jobs in North Queensland.

“We’ve had conversations with the French company supplying the nickel and cobalt and they are taking this project of new-age minerals very seriously.”

Agriculture

Mr Katter welcomed the Government’s announcement to right off $14.7m in debt for 5300 farmers through the Farm Household Allowance scheme.

“This wonderful scheme was secured by Mareeba’s rural allowance action council and if your farm did not make its repayments, the government topped you up. On the evidence we have, one in five Australian farmers survived only because of this wonderful scheme.

Mr Katter also praised significant investment into biosecurity which included $14m to improve defence against lumpy skin disease, $14m to improve defence against foot and mouth disease, as well as a $10m package for Indonesia to prevent the latter disease entering Australia.

There was also $30m announced for the removal invasive species, which in North Queensland include feral pigs and prickly acacia and there was a further $13m announced for innovative measures to remove invasive weeds.

“With the notorious prickly acacia and the pig devastation we have got to ensure that it gets priority in that $30m. It would appear that the pyrolysis type conversion of pricky acacia in Townsville surrounds can be seriously addressed with money from this $13m pool.”

Water

Mr Katter said there was still hope for the Hughenden Irrigation Scheme after the government announced deferring funding of $899.5 million of water projects including HIPCo to be reconsidered once business cases were completed. The Government will retain $1.0 billion over eight years from 2026–27 in the National Water Grid Fund to support future projects.

“They want a business case, well the business case is already there. But this is a project, that unless we’re going to accept the depopulation in 95 per cent of Australia, they have to look at Hughenden.

“The survival of this nation seriously depends on the occupation of the landmass of Australia. I think there has been a disconnect between the departments and ministers here.”

Mr Katter said he wasn’t surprised to see $5.4bn for Hells Gate had been scrapped.

“I can understand the decision because the proposal before the Federal Government, no sane person could have proceeded with that proposal and it didn't produce anything for North Queensland, it destroyed the five great benefits that flowed from the proper Hells Gate proposal.”

Jobs and skills

Mr Katter welcomed the Government’s move to increase the migration cap from 165,000 to 190,000 to address the workforce shortage, but said he was concerned about the focus of that migration cap being on Afghanistan.

“It is very worrying because they have a continuous history of violence, they have no history of democracy, rule of law or award wages.

“You must give priority to nations with similar values.”

Mr Katter also welcomed the announcement allowing pensioners returning to work to earn $11,800, up from $7,800 without having their payments affected.

“That’s excellent news and whilst it’s a trial we have got to make sure it becomes permanent; they are a highly skilled workforce. To put an irreplaceable workforce on the scrapheap is beyond my understanding.”

Telecommunications:

With multiple mobile blackspots throughout the Kennedy electorate, Mr Katter said it was always welcomed news to see continuous funding for improved telecommunications.

The Government is investing $111m to improve mobile coverage part of Mobile Black Spot Program to implement commitments for new mobile infrastructure to improve mobile coverage and reception quality across Australia as well as $30m for the On Farm Connectivity Program to support farmers and agricultural businesses to purchase and install on farm connectivity equipment.

“Mareeba, Cairns, Fishery Falls and Mission Beach are red hot with black spots. We need the local communities and council to pick up the initiative and aggressively make sure we get this funding to improve coverage.”

Fuel

Mr Katter welcomed the announcement for $5.1m over three years from 2022–23 to support the development of sovereign capacity in renewable fuel manufacturing, particularly for the Australian Defence Force.

Mr Katter has long been an advocate for sovereign fuel manufacturing and with fellow crossbenchers is preparing to introduce legislation to increase the manufacturing and use of Australian-made fuel.

“We’ve got our foot in the door here, we want all fuel to be used in Australia, to be manufactured in Australia. This is a small start, but it is a start. No doubt in my mind this came from our crossbench initiative.

“We feel on the crossbenchers confident we’ve got the foot in the door, with our four-pronged legislation.”

Rural and regional Health

The Federal Government announced $50,000 one-off grants for regional medical practices to help them improve patient access, for capital works, training, or purchase new equipment.

The Government also announced $2.5 billion over four years to improve the quality of care in residential aged care facilities by requiring all facilities to have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

“We thank all the people who have made representations to us, Dieticians Australia, the NQ Nurses Union, the Primary Health Network, and I would single out Dr Lisa Fraser, Dr Rod Catton, Dr Grant Manypeney for their continuous efforts in advocating for regional health. We’ve welcomed the previous increase in wages and the HECS announcement, but we still have no doctors in many of our towns.”

Mr Katter said the reduction of the PBS co-payment from $42.50 to $30 “was not as good as it appears” because it made the threshold for free medication harder to earn, but it was a step in the right direction towards affordable health.

Roads

The Federal Government’s announcement of $210m for the upgrade of Kuranda Range Rd was labelled as “absolutely appalling” by Mr Katter.

“The only thing you can start doing there is tearing down the jungle and rainforest. That money has got to be spent on developing the tunnel, the Bridle Track, through the range. I tenaciously oppose this.”

However he welcomed $2.1bn for projects in Queensland, including $866.4m for the Bruce Highway and $400m for the Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers) upgrades.

Cyclone reinsurance pool

The previously legislated cyclone reinsurance pool has received $15m for oversighting by the ACCC to ensure premiums are fair.

“This is vital. We’re paying 400 per cent more for insuring our house. We got the breakthrough for reinsurance from the last government and now Alliance has led the charge on our behalf, they said it does not achieve parity, so if they’re right, there’s $15m now to see if they’re right.

“And, I haven’t noticed a decrease in premiums like there should have been.”

Childcare

Mr Katter welcomed the Government’s $4.7bn to make early childhood education and care more affordable for Australian families. From July 2023, Child Care Subsidy rates will increase up to 90 per cent for eligible families earning less than $530,000. Families will continue to receive existing higher subsidy rates of up to 95 per cent for any additional children in care aged 5 and under.

“We are simply persecuting people who have families, people cannot afford to have children and we are a vanishing race.

“I’ve had staff who’ve spent up to 70 per cent of their salary on childcare. We need to support Australian families, or in 20 years’ time, death will exceed births.

Mr Katter was critical however, of the expansion to the paid parental leave program, arguing that it would bring with it, cost pressures to the mum and dad business owners throughout the region who will have to foot the bill.

ENDS

Katter questions lack of relief for soaring food prices in Federal Budget

jai@clearpixel.com.au (Jai Warner) — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 02:55:49 GMT

THE Federal Treasurer certainly “said the right things” in highlighting the nation’s affordable living issues but failed to deliver effective measures in his budget announcements, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

Mr Katter questioned the lack of relief for escalating food prices, just a week after Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Victorian floods would likely affect the cost of produce on supermarket shelves.

And in his speech, Mr Chalmers said Australians knew the cost-of-living was rising, and the nation needed “policies that are affordable, fair and future-focused, delivering a long-term economic dividend.”

Mr Katter said there was none of that in easing “soaring” food prices.

“We are bringing to government a five-point plan to provide for Australian Agricultural food security, increase competition, fair farm-gate prices and lower checkout prices,” he said.

The plan:

(a) Provides food and manufacturing labelling that:

a. highlights hidden imports and prevents fraud; and

b. indicates the farm gate price and costs included (ie. Production, transportation, ripening) and the supermarket mark up and costs included (ie. Distribution and shelving); and

(b) provides maximum mark-up on fresh produce - giving both farmers and consumers a fair price; and

(c) requires divestiture of the large multi-national companies that run Australia’s supermarket giants - both levelling the playing field and providing a more competitive marketplace; and

(d) creates a National Office of Better Agricultural Regulation - reducing red tape and the overburden on farmers of marketplace regulations; and

(e) provides investment in infrastructure and critical supplies/support industries - reducing production and transportation costs (ie. fertiliser, chemical, fuel, worker access).

“I am outraged that the average mark-up from the farm gate or the factories to the supermarket for basic goods in 1991 was 106 per cent, now, it is 242 per cent.”

“Obviously if there was competition in the retail sector, we wouldn’t be having this problem,” Mr Katter said.

He said Coles and Woolworths were now estimated to hold more than 80 per cent of the market, but he did not blame the retail giants for making the most of current legislation, running a business and serving shareholders.

“I’m not after Woolworths and Coles, I’m after a level-playing field,” Mr Katter said.

$15 mangos, $10 punnet strawberries, $8kg potatoes - forecasted insidious cost of producing Aust fruit & veg

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 04:48:50 GMT

The Federal Government’s approval of further increases to the Road User Charge, a cost set by the Commonwealth for each litre of diesel used by heavy vehicles on public roads, could spell disaster for truck companies, fruit and vegetable growers and the consumer.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter said if you believed that this cost wouldn’t be passed on to the consumer - you believe in the tooth fairy”.

“Transport companies in my electorate are already warning growers that they are going to have no choice but to pass the cost onto farmers,” Mr Katter said.

“Farmers already burdened by labour shortages, and a recent doubling of freight, fertiliser and packaging costs - will be left with two choices: go bust or get a higher price for their fruit and vegetables.

“Put simply, if the consumer is not willing to pay higher prices for Australian fruit and vegetables - our supermarket fruit and vegetable shelves will be empty.

“Immediate action from the Federal Government to overturn this ridiculous decision is required to support Australian farmers, not crucify them.

“I don’t know of any truckies that are flying in private jets or going off on overseas holidays so the expectation they are to absorb these costs and survive is laughable.

Mr Katter said, 3,000-4,000 farmers were leaving the industry every year and turning to cattle because the costs were killing them in crop farming.

“If I lose places like Innisfail to cattle, the town which is currently 24,000, will die.

“One would have thought the pandemic, that saw supermarket shelves empty for the first time in my lifetime, would have been a wakeup call for the Government. You would have through that China cutting off our Urea (and thus diesel) would have been a wakeup call? No way hosay.”

Townsville transport operator, Clynton Hawks, said the industry lacked transparency and that increases to the Road User Charge would decrease the Fuel Tax Credit, a cost alleviation for truckies.

“We’ve already been hit with inflated prices of diesel, insurance and AdBlue and now we are being told we have to absorb a 9c per litre increase – it’s just wrong,” Mr Hawks said.

“The Federal Labor Government was elected as the “government of transparency”, introducing a Federal ICAC, but they can’t even disclose where these funds will be spent. It’s a closed-door process conducted by the Transport Commission, and we get no information as to where they get these increase numbers from or why.

“Any decrease to the Fuel Tax Credit means everyone loses out and what they are talking about here is an 9c per litre tax increase to the already existing to the road user charge.

“If the Government thinks the truckies are in a financial position to absorb these costs increases – and we are told more are coming – well it’ll just be a matter of time before thousands of truckies assemble on the lawns of Parliament House.

“Trucks will park up if they can’t pass on these costs. And they shouldn’t be expected to absorb them either.

“The Road User Charge is supposed to be used for road works across the country, but we have no idea whether this money is being spent in areas it’s supposed to be.”

President of FNQ Growers in Mareeba, Joe Moro, said another increase in costs to farmers could spell the end for growers already struggling in the north.

“Prices are rising across the board right now; transport is just one of them and this isn’t going to help.

“A lot of the farmers are either not making money at all, or barely making a profit. They can’t cop another cost increase.

“The growers are beholden to the supermarket giants that set the prices for their product. They don’t have the ground to negotiate as the industry is driven by a supply and demand scenario.

“The Treasurer is saying an there has been an 8 percent increase in food prices, but that doesn’t necessarily get passed on, and if it does get passed on, we have no reason to think it’s enough to help the industry.”

Mr Katter’s office spoke with the Minister for Transport’s office on Friday afternoon requesting they consider including transport bodies in the National Transport Commission’s state and territory PAYGO reporting process and a consideration to move to an indexation model for setting the Road User Charge. An official request in writing will be made to the Minister this week.

– ENDS –

How salary sacrifice and FIFO restrictions could resolve housing crisis

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 05:58:34 GMT

SALARY-SACRIFICED homes for the dwindling armed forces and restrictions on FIFO mining could resolve the housing crisis in regional Queensland, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

In a recent media report, housing body Q Shelter said about 1500 people were homeless in Townsville and 1660 were on the social housing register [1] .

And, a PropTrack report stated in regional Queensland the number of rentals available below $400 had fallen from 49.5 per cent at the start of the pandemic to 21.9 per cent in September 2022.

Mr Katter said without the State Government’s “ridiculous bureaucratic” processes in sub-dividing, 1000 low-cost blocks of land just kilometres outside of Townsville could be opened for army families. He proposed the development on the Townsville side of the Lansdown Industrial Precinct.

“We've got a dual-lane highway which we'd have to raise to 110km/h for that 30km and you should be able to get to work in 20 minutes or less from that area,” Mr Katter said.

“If the Government takes up 2000 acres of land, they should be able to get 1000 houses on to that land. The land might be worth $400,000, so for 1000 houses, we're talking $400 of land per allotment.

“Then you've got services, you might be talking $20,000 a block. You try and buy a block of land in Townsville under $150,000, I wish you well. I challenge you to buy a block at all, I wish you well.”

Mr Katter further added the solution should include a salary sacrificing option for army personnel to own the homes, similar to how miners were encouraged to take up work in remote mining towns prior to FIFO work.

“It's also a solution to the dwindling numbers in the army. There is a huge problem, they cannot keep their army numbers up, it just keeps going down, down, down.

“Now if you do what the famous Jim Foots did in Mount Isa, I think it was 2000 blocks of land, he turned it into a housing allotment for virtually no cost at all.

So, he offered those blocks of land, in terms of today's money it was about $100 in salary sacrifice a week and the mines put in $200 a week, and Jim suddenly had himself 3000 workers.

“So instead of overcrowding in Townsville with FIFO, we had boom times in the mining towns because the workforce resided in those towns - the Charters Towers, the Emeralds, the Black Waters,” Mr Katter said.

[1] QLD housing body warns of ‘rental emergency’ in Townsville - realestate.com.au

Why Albo owes North Queensland $5bn in job-creating projects

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 05:54:28 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter says the Prime Minister owes North Queensland its share of job-creating projects after news reports claimed Hells Gate was scrapped from the budget, and subsequently, $6bn was announced for electricity projects in Victoria.

While Mr Katter had been a critic of the revised lower-level Hells Gate Dam proposal which the former government had committed funding to, he said the region had a shovel-ready project in the CopperString 2.0 transmission line network waiting to power the North’s mineral province.

“I am hoping and praying that if Anthony Albanese can find ($6bn) for alternative energy sources in Victoria, that he can find $5bn to now do projects in North Queensland,” Mr Katter said.

“We'd need about $3bn to do Hells Gate properly. And $5bn could save so many problems - CopperString would be a third built.

“Now he has the opportunity to do wonderful things with the money the last government claims they had committed, but it seems that the PM has mixed up the postcodes and given the money to Richmond in Victoria instead of Vanadium rich, Richmond in North West Queensland.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had on multiple occasions stated her government was “committed” to CopperString, and had requested federal funding.

Asked if the Prime Minister should be looking to strike a deal with the Queensland Government to expedite the construction of Copper String, Mr Katter said: “I think he’d be doing a lot bigger job for himself if he was creating something that would provide jobs for the people.”

However, Mr Katter said ultimately, the State Government still needed to pass legislation to commence construction of the transmission network.

“The mining royalties coming out of the North West mineral province I would think would be in the vicinity of about $1bn-$2bn a year. The whole state budget is $50bn, we're talking 5 per cent of the state budget they're going to lose, unless they put CopperString in and they haven't even gotten off their backside to put in the enabling legislation.

“To have no grid-system power going into the interior of Australia, three-quarters the surface area of the continent... what are you there for, if you're not there to supply water, if you're not there to supply electricity, you're not there to supply roads, well what the hell are you there for?

“Why are we wasting this money on having a government?”

How restaurant demand for feral pigs could save FNQ farms and parks

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 06:57:32 GMT

A North Queensland mill estimated more than $1m worth of damage to sugar crops last year from an escalating feral pig issue, however local growers and a meat retailer say there could be a simple solution.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter and Hill MP Shane Knuth are backing calls for federal grant funding for cane growers to manage wild pigs on their properties, and for the state government to allow shooters in national parks, where it is understood the boars are breeding at rapid rates.

Third-generation Greenhill and Fishery Falls cane farmer Glen Anderson has suffered years of condemned cane due to pig damage, losing 80 tonnes in 2016, 117 tonnes in 2021 and this year he had 1.6ha not able to be harvested. Mr Anderson’s total damages were estimated to be about $20,000, while the Mulgrave Mill has estimated potential losses of over $1m every year since 2018.

Mr Anderson said after speaking with Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt, state bio security officers and Cairns Regional Council, he had been told feral pigs on his property were his problem.

“In September in the mill’s area we killed off 100 pigs, but it’s all out of our own pockets, plus we’re losing money for the damaged cane,” Mr Anderson said.

“Now the farmers everywhere, we're hunting, killing, shooting as many pigs as we can, but they keep being replaced by the ones in the national park.

“Guys with thermal scopes at night have been successful, but they want to get paid for their time, so whether there's money around for them... I know one farmer hired a shooter, he got 60,70 pigs and cleaned out his farm, but five months later they were back again from the parks.

“For me the solution is funding and access to allow baiting and shooting in national parks.

“I know they're worried about cassowaries and I don't want to see a dead cassowary, but there's farmers looking at going out of business and selling.”

Brisbane-based game meat industry consultant Andrew Varasdi said if the state government commercialised feral pig meat, the private sector could help manage the boars in national parks without the need for public funding.

“There is a growing and increasing demand for wild boar meat in Australia and globally and there are thousands of harvesters available to help,” Mr Varasdi said.

“All we need is access from the government to national parks and the animals.

“Through trapping, wild boar, can be harvested with almost no impact or risk to public land, native animals, or fauna, and with a very small cost to the government compared with environment and economic benefits that commercial harvesting offers.

“Once the traps are bought the harvesting of the animals, emptying of the traps, is carried out by third party commercial harvesters. There is no more manpower, or any requirement of time for National Park staff, or government staff.”

Mr Katter said he supported Mr Varasdi’s venture for commercialisation of pig harvesting, but said it would take more than traps to protect wildlife in national parks.

“While yes, we can money out of the pigs with trapping - that's a big part of the answer, but that's not the full answer, we need access to national parks,” Mr Katter said.

“Now let me be very specific, I cannot see how the cassowaries, the turtles and a whole lot of other species are going to survive these pig numbers.

“In Australia, you're not allowed to shoot pigs because you're not allowed to have the weapon and you're not allowed go where the pigs are which is in the national parks. Nature has been tipped on its side, the pigs' biggest predator was man, that predator has been removed.”

Mr Knuth said the State Government needed to provide special permits for recreational pig hunters to access national parks which were a huge breeding ground for these animals.

“Providing permits to access national parks, coupled with a bounty program would make a significant dint in the feral pig population,” Mr Knuth said.

“The reality is that feral pigs are one of the most destructive pests in Australia. They are killing cassowaries, digging up turtle eggs, causing millions of dollars of crop damage each year and they destroy our native flora and fauna.

“It is estimated that up to 20,000 tons of sugar cane alone is lost each year.”

Katter issues warning against FNQ ‘vandalism’

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 22:54:58 GMT

QUEENSLANDERS could enjoy cheap, reliable power without turning the state’s natural wonders into “industrial wastelands”, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

Mr Katter has been supportive of the Ravenshoe and Atherton Tablelands communities opposing wind farms at Kaban and Chalumbin, which the member said were a deadly threat to native bird species.

Speaking after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had “switched on” Kaban on Tuesday, Mr Katter said he had formally requested Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to not give permits for the 94-turbine project at Chalumbin.

“We have given notice that North Queensland will not tolerate any further vandalism which has been imposed upon us,” Mr Katter said.

“Or else there will be serious protests.”

Mr Katter said he feared the Queensland Government’s $62bn energy plan featuring multiple wind farms, solar, and two dams with pumped hydroelectricity stations would lead to higher electricity prices, and potential blackouts.

“The problem with intermittent power is, that it’s intermittent. Northern Europe has already tried the experiment of intermittent power, they quite literally froze to death during their winter.

“Pumped hydro means what it says, you’ve got to pump water up and you lose up to 20 per cent of your electricity on the up, then another 15 per cent on the down through natural inefficiencies. Those losses will drive up the price for the consumer.”

Mr Katter said a hydroelectricity plant at the Hells Gate dam, built to the proposed Bradfield Scheme height of 395m above sea level made more sense.

“Hells Gate has the height, there’s no pumping required. A dam at that height means the water can also be sent to Townsville via a gravity-fed pipeline, which would create hydroelectricity and provide urban and industrial water for Townsville.

“Building the dam at 395m above sea level would also allow 130,000ha of irrigation for industrial purposes like ethanol and algae production, timber, cattle-fattening, petrol and energy production.”

Mr Katter said before the mass introduction of renewable energy, consumers were paying about $800 a year for their electricity, and now it was close to $3000.

He said the only justification for the price increase was either the reserve resource policy for coal had been abolished or the increased costs were subsidising expensive renewables such as solar.

“Now, I don’t believe in climate change, but I absolutely agree we need to reduce our CO2 levels.

“I’m confident the Katter’s Australian Party can secure the balance of power at the next state election and I pray we will restore a reserve resource policy for coal and build coal-fired power stations in North Queensland with algae ponds to remove CO2 and deliver cheap electricity,” Mr Katter said.

Plan for 20,000 cheap housing blocks without ‘government intervention’

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 06:40:53 GMT

THE national housing crisis will only worsen under the Federal Government’s plans to increase demand for property while ignoring land supply issues in an “empty country”.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter has blamed the “cancer of government intervention” for the lack of affordable land to build on, while rental vacancies of less than 1 per cent are being reported across the nation.

Responding to Federal Housing Minister Julie Collins’ announcement that Labor brought forward its Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme to October 1, Mr Katter said everything the government proposed as a “solution” was counterintuitive.

Labor’s scheme aims to allow 10,000 first-home buyers to purchase property in regional Australia with just a 5 per cent deposit.

“Unfortunately minister, all you talked about was increasing demand. You're going to help them get deposits so that'll increase demand,” Mr Katter said.

“This is not a demand problem, this is a supply problem.

“You live in a country where the average price of land is $400 a hectare, why are we paying $400,000 a hectare?

“I'll tell you why - it's because of the cancer of government intervention. In Charters Towers, we were under the mining act and under the mining act we walked in and spoke with a local bloke: 'Can I have that piece of land, divide into three', and he said 'yes'. We signed a form, walked out, and sold the land the next day. That was the process of subdivision.”

Mr Katter said there were now up to $100,000 in “government barriers” slowing the subdivision process.

He said with just $2bn to construct the Bridle Track Tunnel connecting Mareeba and Cairns, up to 20,000 housing blocks could be opened within 20 minutes of the major Far North city.

“So give us the infrastructure, we'll give you the cheap land. But take away the restrictions on land,” Mr Katter said.

Far North rehab centre’s expansion hopes and housing solution

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 05:14:48 GMT

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has penned a letter to the Minister for Health seeking urgent financial support to ensure that a crucial Far North rehabilitation facility with capability of addressing the region’s social and housing shortage issues remains open long term.

The Shanty Creek Residential Rehabilitation facility at Mareeba is operated by Lives Lived Well and Indigenous Business Australia, and is funded by National Indigenous Australians Agency, with the lease of its 11ha property set to conclude in October 2023.

Shanty Creek provides alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, through a 12-week program, to Indigenous people seeking support throughout Queensland, including Cape York and the Torres Strait, with a capacity to house up to 25 residents.

The focus of its program is to provide a culturally safe environment for residents to begin the healing process as a part of a community. The complexities in providing effective drug and alcohol treatment include supporting people in meeting basic needs such as shelter, food, clothing, medical needs, addressing mental health issues and trauma.

In the past three years, more than 270 people were treated at Shanty Creek and clinical services manager Karen Camilleri said the organisation was hopeful of having its funding extended, to expand and add new services including upskilling its staff to be able to offer a variety of training and support to clients.

Ms Camilleri warned that the facility was aging rapidly and desperately needed support that assisted in training and other operational services.

“A number of people attending Shanty Creek Residential Rehabilitation are homeless or being released from incarceration and remain at high risk of future homelessness at the completion of the program which can cause a further delay for reintegration to community living,” Ms Camilleri said.

“We propose to add additional program staff to assist residents in ‘transition’ by intensively supporting access to a variety of community services and treatment delivery options over several months. There is an additional opportunity to implement agriculture and farming education/training access on the site and develop local community member’s skills for future employment opportunities similar to our existing Nurture program on a sister campus in Queensland.

“The site is quite large for a small program and many buildings require upgrade and repair to be utilised to their best potential. This is an opportunity to provide housing and further access to ongoing treatment at the end of the 12-week program,” she said.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter toured the site on Friday and said the facility and its staff were an important solution to the Far North’s crime and social issues.

“We badly need to extend their contract, they're doing very challenging work and we have admiration for them,” Mr Katter said.

“These people strike me as people that can, and have done a lot to rehabilitate and train their clients, that make them much more useful citizens than they are now.

“We feel that Shanty Creek can provide part of the solution to the crime problem in Cairns and the Far North. At the very least it would alleviate the enormous social pressures, particularly from overcrowding,” he said.

Why ‘essential’ AdBlue production should be government produced, not imported

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 05:08:22 GMT

BUILDING Australian-owned and operated AdBlue manufacturing plants is the only reasonable response to concerns of the product’s shortfall and legislated requirement of its use in Aussie trucks, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

The federal government on Thursday announced it was “moving to build” a stockpile of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which includes AdBlue, as part of a $49.5m investment. It proposed the investment would build a government-controlled stockpile of 7500 tonnes of technical grade urea – a component of DEF, as well as initiate a “competitive grants program” to support manufacturing projects that would produce the urea domestically.

Mr Katter, a long-term advocate of a sovereign fuel security bill labelled the announcement as “rhetoric” and “far from reality”.

“I’ll praise them when I see the reality,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter, who earlier this year called for a temporary suspension to AdBlue requirements to address shortfall concerns, said if the government wanted to legislate its use, then it ought to be responsible for its production.

Mr Katter is calling on Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and the Albanese Government to do more than stockpile and incentivise an “essential” product.

“If you're going to force us to use the product, then it is only fitting that you should also ensure that the product is made in Australia and Australian-owned,” Mr Katter said.

“It should never have been legislated to force Australians to add this stuff into their diesel, but we can't go backwards, because every vehicle has to be rejigged at a huge cost in time and money.

“So that being the case, there must be one or two facilities in Australia, government-owned, providing a full and adequate supply of AdBlue.

“It will take superannuation monies - 100th of one per cent of superannuation investment money - to build the facility which will be owned by Australia. At the present moment, superannuation money is going overwhelmingly into the share market.”

Mr Katter said Mount Isa was an example of an ideal location for an AdBlue facility, if not for “astronomical” electricity costs.

“We've already got a major fertiliser plant at Mount Isa, if you give us a cheap ideal source of electricity, the ideal place to put it would be where you've got the gas, where you've got the phosphate.

“So if Minister Bowen fails to do this, then we have a continuation of the national economic betrayal that has taken place. But if we end up with an Australian-owned facility, capable of producing all of our AdBlue requirements, then I will be the first to applaud the minister and his government.”

ENDS

Govt called to intervene on the Conflict Islands China sale

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:22:23 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has endorsed the concerns raised by Retired Lieutenant General John Grey who has warned that the Federal Government should intervene on the sale of the Conflict Islands ^[i] which sit between the Papua New Guinea and Australian coastline.

The Islands have been put up for sale by an Australian businessman and China is reported to be bidding for the purchase.

Mr Katter said this would carry serious national security risks knowing China’s increased presence in the South Pacific, and said the Federal Government needs to provide Australia with the necessary means to defend its enormous coastline and valuable resources.

“If the Government want to move to become part of the middle kingdom, then they should just stay out of it. But selling these Islands is only good so long as we stand ready to defend our ‘Island’.

“We have no sovereign essential services, we have no missiles and we have no rifles. At present there is not the remotest possibility of defending our island.

“We have no essential services. If China, or anyone else, embargoes our fuel, then we are on realistically three days of fuel. The trucks bringing medicals to the local pharmacy and hospital can’t operate. Flights stop. Towns stop. And as for our entire armed forces, well they’ve been rendered immobile.

“China owns, or controls, 42 percent of the electricity industry excluding the glass on our roofs of which they own near 100 percent. If it closes three or four power stations, you’re on intermittent power where you’ll be waiting for the sun to shine and the wind to blow.

“But what about the water? Who owns that? Truth is, we don’t actually know. But what we do know, is that the two biggest water sources were given to China. The Ord Stage 2 and Cubbie Station.

“Australia must provide its own Australian-owned essential services – our own electricity, water, and fuel and it must have a missile fortress wall of 200,000 missiles and five million combat rifles with people trained to use them.

“Instead we have 36,000 rifles and maybe a couple of hundred missiles to defend the biggest coastline on earth.

“We need the sovereign fuel security bill before the Parliament which will kick all foreign ownerships out of the electricity and water industry completely and secure our fuel supplies, with some exemptions for development projects of course.

“We Australians have a right to defend our home. We Australians have a right to defend our nation, but at present the Government have taken our right off us.

“It’s time they show some strength and defend this nation by stopping any sale of the Conflict Islands to China,” Mr Katter said.

ENDS

Health Dept DPA expansion leaves carrots the last resort for rural GPs

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 23:57:06 GMT

DOCTOR shortages in regional and remote GPs may be a thing of the past if a decent federally funded incentive program is offered, luring them to country areas, Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, has said.

Mr Katter who has been in state and federal politics for nearly 50 years said the fight to maintain an adequate health workforce in North Queensland had been a constant battle. Mr Katter said he feared that the Federal Government’s recent expansion of the distribution priority area (DPA) will lead to an immediate exodus of doctors out of rural and remote areas.

The changes enforced by the new Government sees all GP catchments in Modified Monash Model 2 (MM 2) areas automatically gain DPA status with immediate effect. It means places like Sunshine Coast can compete for medical staff from the same pool that very remote parts of the country like Cloncurry tap into.

These inclusions in priority status also enables them to recruit from an expanded pool of doctors, including Overseas Trained Doctors (OTD).

In a Question with Notice submitted to the Minister for Health, Mark Butler, Mr Katter asked, “Is the Minster aware that recent changes to the scheme has allowed areas such as Canberra, Hobart and the Sunshine Coast to be classified as ‘regional’, and therefore are now eligible for OTDs that were formally destined for genuinely rural areas?”

Mr Katter said he has also asked the Minister to reverse the decision to water down the regions ability to attract doctors but conceded it was unlikely to be overturned.

“Half my term in office was spent fighting for a North Queensland medical school, which we got at James Cook University (JCU),” he said.

“Our kids previously went to Brisbane’s University of Queensland, and they never came home. Townsville’s JCU has been turning out over 200 Doctors a year now for 15 years and yet our doctor shortages are higher now - even though in theory we’ve trained 3000 extra doctors locally.

“Two of the doctors in my electorate, Grant Manypeney from Mareeba and Rod Catton from Innisfail, are working into their 70s. They are still working because they don’t want to let their communities down.

“Medical graduates should be made to complete two years’ service country areas and the Federal Government should pay doctors serving in rural and regional areas an extra $80,000 a year to retain them.

“It will not be a great cost to the taxpayer. People are in pain waiting for doctors. People are dying waiting for doctors and the answers are there right now,” he said.

Deloitte issued a General Practitioner workforce report earlier this year which said the nation was facing a doctor drought of up to 9,000 doctors by 2030.

Innisfail local, Dr Rod Catton, who has been fighting the issue for nearly two years now and travelled to Canberra to make representations to the former Minister for Health, said the Government had very little control in solving the problem and the only solution left was financial incentives.

“It has to be carrot or stick, and I don’t think there is any stick left in our society, however you look at it. Most have been tried and tossed out,” Dr Catton said.

“The Government needs to cook up some new carrots and we need to know from them, what are the incentives they are offering to attract doctors to the regions?”

Dr Catton said a number of possible solutions had been floated throughout northern GPs including a double or tripling of the rural incentive payment.

Mr Katter intends to make submissions to the Minster for Health over the coming weeks in anticipation of a meeting at the September sitting.

-ENDS-

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/rural-health-workforce/classifications/dpa

Katter calls on feds to provide assistance to victims of funeral fund collapse

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 00:00:35 GMT

BOB Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy, in a letter to the Assistant Treasurer, Hon Stephen Jones, has condemned past governments failed response to the Youpla collapse, suggesting they had been sitting on its impending doom for decades.

Youpla, formerly known as the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund, went into liquidation in March this year after nearly 30 years of controversial operation, leaving thousands of First Australians financially destitute and desperate.

Mr Katter said, “Multiple complaints have been received by our office regarding Youpla. I’m told that 2990 people in Kennedy alone have been affected by the insurance fund’s collapse.

“One of our constituents has advised us that after losing her son to suicide in 2018, she joined the fund to ensure her children would not have to financially struggle in the future. It is our understanding she will be unlikely to receive any of her funds back – having paid $14,000 into the fund over the years.

“We are not advocating for a bail out. We are advocating for government to compensate those affected. Government was asleep at the wheel and despite knowing, took no action allowing further people to be victims of the inevitable collapse.

“The Mareeba Express ¹ reported more than 300 Indigenous people in Mareeba have been caught up in the collapse of the funeral fund and that Yarrabah has been hit the hardest with a reported 786 people affected in a town with only 525 homes.

“This is utterly, utterly disgraceful. The first complaints made against Youpla date back to 1999 federally. The New South Wales Government have been aware of these complaints since 1992.”

Mr Katter said he had previously written to the Treasurer requesting an investigation with the view to assistance for those affected by the failure of Youpla.

In a response provided by the then Senator Financial Services, Senator Jane Hume said, ‘the Government has been after this shonky business for 30 years’. Mr Katter was also visited by a delegation representing “Sorry Business” in Canberra this week where he was appalled to learn the extent of the collapse.

“It beggars’ belief how this company was able to continue such predatory behaviour for so long,” Mr Katter said.

“The Albanese government has a chance to set an example and fix this by putting an end to the prolonged financial and emotional suffering of those who have been left at risk of not being able to pay for the funerals of their loved ones.

“An investigation must be rolled out immediately with a view to provide assistance to all those affected by the failure of Youpla and its associated entities to ensure they do not lose their funeral insurance plan savings.”

- ENDS -

1] https://www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au/community-and-business/data-reveals-extent-of-funeral-fund-collapse

Religious belief persecution continues as parli’ prayers ban proposed

jai@clearpixel.com.au (Jai Warner) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 04:11:19 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has used a media address in Canberra today to slam the continued persecution of Christianity, after learning the Senate Chief has proposed to ban morning prayers [i] .

An enraged Mr Katter used the opportunity to hold up the Holy Bible and rattle off a plethora of recent examples of religious persecution in Australia. He showed solidarity and support to the seven Manly Sea Eagles players, who stood down to defend their religious beliefs, praising them for their conviction.

“This Book for 5,000 years has been the heartland of religious belief, a concept that there is something bigger than me, but in sharp contrast, the persecutors believe that there is nothing bigger than themselves and their opinions,” Mr Katter said.

“For 5,000 years the persecution of the people who believe in this Book have been on public record. I will not go through the persecutions that go back to the dawn of time. I’ll just mention one – just one.

“During WWII, six million people were murdered in cold blood, many in gas chambers, for no other reason than what they believed. And remember, the Torah is based on the first five Books of the Hebrew Bible.

“This continued persecution is well and truly alive today. Just have a look at what’s happened to these seven boys from Manly. They have been persecuted for no other reason than they have moral conviction and whether you agree with their convictions, or not, is irrelevant.

“The conviction shown by these seven men is heroic and every decent member of society should admire them. Whether you agree with them or you don’t, they have stood up for what they believe in at great personal sacrifice and that is truly admirable.

“This is what the people of self-righteous arrogance have done to them: they have had their jobs taken off them, taken their family security off them, taken their incomes from them, they have put the house they live in in great jeopardy, their futures, their aspirations – all in jeopardy.

“According to news reports [ii] today, these players have been confined to their houses; they have been locked up. Apparently, they are doing this to protect the players, but do you know what they said to the First Australians when they rounded them up in chains and sent them to Palm Island? They said, “we are doing this to protect you.”

“To think that this is happening in Australia today is sickening. We Christians have no illusions that we are now under persecution.

“First, they targeted the Hollingsworth and biggest church in Australia. He was torn to pieces. Having finished with the biggest church in Australia, they then started on the leader of the second biggest church in Australia. Tore him to pieces.

“Then they turned to the Evangelicals. They started on Israel Falou. They took his whole life away from him and destroyed his career because he made a quote from this Book. He was punished for his quotation of this Book. Yet for 5,000 years people have based the foundation of entire societies on its teachings. More than half the world believes in this Book, or in parts of it.

“Is it an unreasonable thing to quote from a book that more than half the population is committed to? In Australia it is!

“And now, we have been told today by some that we cannot say prayers in the Parliament. We can show allegiance to some lady in England, but we cannot say prayers.

“So, to my fellow Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, and people of other religious belief, I say this to you – Please will you circulate the names of those who persecute you. We must stop this cold-hearted persecution. They got Pell, they got Hollingworth, got Folau, they have got the Manly boys, so when will they start on you?!”

-ENDS-

[i] https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/atheist-senate-president-sue-lines-wants-lords-prayer-gone/news-story/92e2be9d68dfa277b1ad458823727ac7

[ii] https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/sport/manly-rugby-players-advised-to-stay-home-amid-security-concerns/video/635a678a10156f2925fe34500fb57210

Cyclone Reinsurance Pool predicts big savings but jury still out on cost reductions

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 04:55:54 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has applauded the Reinsurance Pool as a huge win with insurance premiums predicted to drop by 27 to 30 per cent in the coming months in high-risk cyclone-prone areas.

Hard fought legislation providing a Government-backed cyclone reinsurance pool was passed in the very last minutes before Parliament closed prior to the election. The Pool is now at the roll-out stage.

Mr Katter said, "The Albanese Government has honoured this common-sense legislation to provide accessible and affordable insurance cover for all people living and working in cyclone affected areas."

At a briefing by the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) today, Mr Katter was told that the Government-backed Reinsurance Pool will be cost neutral to the Government whilst providing significant savings to consumers in cyclone prone areas.

Data is still being collated by the ARPC, but initial figures predict a 19 per cent on average saving for home insurance in Northern Australia, with a 27 per cent saving in high-risk areas between Townsville and Cairns and a 30 per cent savings in Cairns.

It is anticipated that as more insurers enter the Northern Australian insurance market, even greater savings could be delivered.

The ARPC will finalise premiums by 1 October this year, allowing for insurers to fully transition to the Reinsurance Pool over 18 months.

However, Mr Katter concedes the battle is still not yet won.

“We have achieved brilliant results here, but the fight is far from over. It is vital that insurance premiums in North Queensland are similar to those offered in the rest of Australia.

“While there’s a significant predicted reduction in premiums, there is a risk that we won't get economic development and investors in Northern Australia until we have premiums that are competitive with those down south.

“It also doesn’t provide the protection for post-48 hour flooding, a critical issue in areas such as Ingham, or the degree of protection for the on-farm agriculture sector that we had hoped.

“We’ve been paying over $4,000 for insurance per house, whereas in the rest of the country they pay $1,500 per house. The oppressive rate of strata title insurance meant we couldn’t get bank finance to build new apartment blocks in North Queensland.

“A 27% to 30% saving is appreciated but we deserve and should demand for accessible and affordable insurance that is on par with the rest of the country.”

KAP Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, said he was sceptical of the ACCC’s ability to be effective on bringing costs down for all consumers.

“Costs need to be as close as possible to the rest of Australia. The ACCC which is going to be brought in to review the Pool annually has been described as being a ‘toothless tiger’ in the past, so we will be doing what we can to ensure these reviews fix the problems highlighted and provide a fair deal for all North Queenslanders.”

-ENDS-

Katter engages with industry after fed biosecurity briefing on cattle disease risk

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 01:11:35 GMT

BOB Katter, Member for Kennedy has encouraged graziers and farmers to ramp up on-farm biosecurity while the Government continues to roll out biosecurity efforts at airports in response to the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease or Foot and Mouth Disease in Indonesia and Bali which would have dire consequences on their trade.

With Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease on Australia’s doorstep, Kennedy MP, Bob Katter sought a briefing from the Federal Department of Agriculture this week regarding biosecurity prevention efforts.

He hit the phones yesterday seeking feedback, opinion, and advice of representatives of the livestock industry in the Kennedy Electorate and has shared this feedback with the Minister for Agriculture and Department of Agriculture for consideration.

Suggestions provided within the report included working with Indonesian counterparts to prioritise vaccination in areas of high tourism, mandatory bag searches for all returning passengers, foot baths upon arrival, an updated declaration card featuring the question ‘Have you been in Bali in the last six months?’, and an on-farm ban period of two weeks upon return from infected areas.

Mr Katter said, “I’ve spoken to a dozen graziers as well as meat and livestock industry associations to understand what it is that they need from Government. They all agree that the risk is very, very serious and that biosecurity efforts need to be ramped up, particularly at all airports with returning passengers from Indonesia and Bali.”

Mr Katter said most of the local industry understood the concerns highlighted around travel bans and the consequential trade impacts, but most were supportive of increased presence at all airports that receive passengers from Indonesia and Bali, not just at Cairns and Darwin as it is currently.

“These people are returning from a place that has a very serious disease. Lumpy Skin is mainly carried by mosquitos and biting insects whereas Foot and Mouth is spread from animal to animal and human to animal – both could wipe out our cattle and livestock industry. The farmers tell me they hold serious concerns about the produce coming in from these countries and mandatory bag searches must be ramped up immediately at all airports around the country that have planes coming in from Indonesia and Bali.

“Anyone that visits Bali must also dip their shoes when they get off the airplane into an antiseptic footbath and an idea was posed was that a two-week farm ban also be imposed on passengers returning.”

Mr Katter said farmers should be asking all visitors to their properties if they have been to Bali or Indonesia recently and take steps to enforce a farm biosecurity plan.

“We have public servants responsible for managing our borders who are so far removed from our way of life up here. The various cattleman associations must be ready to sue these people for negligence if they fail to seriously take up these proposed prevention methods,” Mr Katter said.

Member for Hill, Shane Knuth said these two diseases posed a real threat to Australia and biosecurity measures needed to be in place years ago not just being thought of now.

“The reality is, if one case was to get into Australia the very real possibility of this spreading throughout the beef and dairy industry is huge.

“It could be easily brought in through produce and travelers returning from Bali or Indonesian countries which is why we need stricter security measures.

“If one feral pig was to contract these diseases it could spread throughout the country with the recent figures revealing more than 25 million feral pigs in Australia, we wouldn’t be able to stop it.

“We don’t want to be developing plans we want security measures in place, now, to prevent and stop these diseases from entering this country.

“The devastating cost to the industry could be up to $80 billion alone if Foot and Mouth was found in Australia.”

-ENDS-

18-month AdBlue law suspension and return to Reserve Resource Policy will solve urea supply crisis

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 03:26:29 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has written to the the Minister for Transport, Hon Catherine King, and the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic today where he requested an immediate 18-month suspension of the AdBlue law which requires trucks and heavy vehicles to drive on the roads.

His letters come after the Western Roads Federation ^[i] issued a warning to the Federal Government of another impending national AdBlue shortage.

The National Farmers Federation also weighed in, requesting the Federal Government tap into the $500 million National Reconstruction Fund to support the manufacture and supply of urea. Mr Katter labelled the idea short-sighted given the enormous price of gas for producers, which was the final nail in the coffin for Incitec Pivot’s urea factory due to shut up shop in December this year.

“AdBlue is urea which is an ammonia nitrate natural gas. It will not matter how many people put their hands up to produce it – unless the Government can bring down the price of gas long term, it won’t be a survivable industry,” he said.

“We have the highest priced natural gas in the world. No one is going to produce urea in Australia, and this is the concept that is hard for an ordinary intelligent thinking person to understand because it is so unbelievable.

“There is a law in this country that ensures every truck in Australia will go off the road if they do not provide a constant, affordable supply of AdBlue. But the Federal Government have no intention of doing anything about it because they are driven by ideology, and this overrides common sense.

“The regulations must be removed for a least 18 months and in that time, we must return to Reserve Resource Policy like every other major western country. The world is not going to come to an end if that is done.

“To use Government money to attract more producers is enormously illogical. With the free market and all its fang and claw, all our gas was swiftly sold off overseas for around 6c a unit. We Australians now buy it back at $16 a unit. Reserve Resource Policy will bring the price of gas down and make the industry profitable, long term.

“So now we are in this situation where food is going up, fuel is going up, fertiliser is going up, electricity is going up. If the AdBlue dries up, the whole country will be in dire straits, not just the farmers or truckies. The Government must act to eliminate this utterly stupid piece of legislation.

“Come Christmas this year, Incitec Pivot will cease operating their Gibson Island facility and we will be in the same position we were at Christmas time last year!”

Mr Katter said that Reserve Resource Policy would solve the issue long term, but State Governments needed to also rubber stamp gas projects that are under development and release the gas immediately for domestic use to bring down costs in the short term.

“It seems to me that the answers are just sitting there but the interest in serving the tyrannical monopolists is more important than providing solutions that keep down costs for our farmers, producers, and the public.

“God forbid they do something sensible like introduce ethanol. If you put ethanol in your tank and take the cancer-inducing aromatics out of petrol, you would be dramatically reducing the CO ² small particle problems and the carcinogenic problems that exist with petrol at the current moment.

“You might be a bit worse off with your diesel, but you’ll be a hell of a lot better off overall with the heath environmental benefits,” Mr Katter said.

-ENDS-

[i] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-04/adblue-fears-with-australian-manufacturing-to-cease/101197454

Veteran Suicide Royal Commission will expose Chief failings

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 06:23:14 GMT

FLANKED by several war veterans, KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, told media today after attending the morning session of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides in Townsville that he hoped that the Royal Commission will be the launchpad for reform across the Defence Force and that he would like to see a variation of the Kapani Warrior program rolled out.

The Kapani Warrior program is headed up by veteran and psychologist, Tim White, and involves a three-month military training program that helps to overcome aggression, substance abuse and trauma.

“A warrant officer once said to me that when you exit the army, you lose your identity, your purpose in life, your income, your medical coverage, and as often as not, you also lose your real family as well. Also, you can’t get a job. Your pride is all but taken away because what has kept your head upright has been removed,” Mr Katter said.

“I think that people like retired Captain Tim White, who as I understand it will be coming before the hearings, has proven that there are answers out there with his Kapani Warrior program. While he has an awesome reputation for what he has accomplished with First Australians in the Cape, to me, this is where the answers lie but on a much bigger scale.”

The Royal Commission confirmed that many more suicides had been reported to them since the last Hearing was held and Mr Katter said it was reflection of the government and their continued failure to look after the people who lay down their lives to defend Australia.

He said the Chief of Defence needs to take responsibility for his actions when he fronts the Commission on Thursday and Friday this week.

“What tipped me over the edge on this issue was when I was down at the Bushland Beach Hotel and out of a couple of hundred people, I ran into nine people whose cousin/brother/sister had attempted or succeeded in committing suicide,” Mr Katter said.

“I have religiously backed Heston Russel and Jacquie Lambie on this and helped organise the meetings in Townsville where around 2,000 people attended.

“I had been told a few months earlier that there had been 25 suicides in just 11 weeks and if this isn’t proof that the government is failing our great citizens who stand and defend our country with their lives, then I don’t know what is.

“I would have spent hundreds of hours just listening and I think it is quite clear to me now the nature of the problem, and it starts and ends with the person on the top.

“The whole Inquiry has been pushed by people such as myself who think the person in charge is a reflection upon govt and are ashamed this person is still in a position of power.

“Angus Campbell, when he fronts the Commission this week, needs to answer media reports that allege some extraordinary claims that he had said that he wants half the front-line troops to be women to raise the intelligence of the soldiers, he also needs to address the claim that he has directed the entire armed forces not to use the word ‘kill’.

“He also stripped the citations from the SAS units for allegations of atrocities which who knows if they are unfounded or not.

“If these allegations are all untrue, this is the opportunity to come forward and deny them.

“A decent commander will always take responsibility for his actions. You are the Commander in Chief. You don’t blame your troops. But all this bloke has done is blame shift at every possible opportunity.”

Local veteran, Michael Wood, said that he was pleased the Royal Commission had been held in Townsville.

“This has been a long time coming and having it in Townsville, the biggest army town in Australia. Hopefully we can help the next generation coming through, " Mr Wood said.

“We are not going to stop the suicides, but we can slow it down and we need keep that mindset. Younger people are more open to expressing their feelings, but older people like myself will hide it.

“You don't want to let your friends down. Trying to put up that wall and barrier that you are okay, you think you're doing your friends a service but it's only later that you realise you're doing them a disservice.”

Vietnam veteran, Bob Doyle, served in the 161 Recce Flight flanked Mr Katter at the press conference and commented on his experiences.

“The Royal Commission is so important for all the wars, going right through to what we have now. This is desperately needed. I have seen a number of things, but the younger blokes have seen so much more. They've got a lot more behind them.

“In my car transport service business, I knew and drove around a a young bloke who had fought in Afghanistan. He’d talk to me, and I like to look after him. He committed suicide.

“I think you must look at everything here; the preparation for deployment and for what the soldier has when he comes home, that's something we didn't have and was desperately needed.

“Had I gotten out (of the Defence Force) when I got home from Vietnam, I might have given up. But I stayed in for another 20 years. By the time I retired, I did come out with confidence, but many don't.

“One of the biggest problems are that Commissions take time. But something has to be decided immediately here. We are losing too many lives. They must make a decision out of this so we can all move forward.”

– ENDS –

Katters slam Fed plan to continue down renewables route

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 04:32:03 GMT

Katter’s Australia Party (KAP) Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, and his son, KAP leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, have together slammed the Prime Minster and Energy Minister’s announcement today which encourages a more aggressive push toward renewable energy [i] , a move they agree is disastrous given the turbulent power situation currently unfolding.

Mr Katter Snr said the complete opposite action should be taken and criticised the Minister for Climate Change and Energy’s comments that “Australia has turned the ‘climate corner’ [ii] as being ‘void of intellect’.

“I have very great respect for Anthony Albanese, and I remain confident that there will be a vast gulf between his rhetoric and reality, but would someone please tell the fanatical free market puppet, Chris Bowen, that in Queensland the lights are going out,” he said.

“The issue of electricity is not a Federal function; it is a State function, an ALP State Government function. And the Federal Government pressuring them to go to more renewables will considerably worsen the situation.

“The more you impose intermittent power and a free market ideology, then the worse the situation will become.

“When I was Minister for Mines and Energy, the Government had 30 percent of our power on standby. They have not been at the disposal of the grid because of the prohibitive cost and limited access that Australians have to Australia’s gas.

“Thanks to the State and Federal Governments, we sold all our gas for 6c a unit and now we Australians have to buy it back for $16 a unit.

“In my electorate, we have seen a staggering $200 million loss in value in one mine alone due to intermittent power problems.

“The rest of the world are enjoying stabilised power costs because they have a reserve resource policy. Our government represents foreign companies, and some mythical and dangerous creature called the ‘stock-market’.

“Essential services must be in the hands of the Australian people and until these free marketeer socialists got into power in Queensland, we had the most secure supply in Australia. Now, clearly there is no adequate emergency supply and all they want is more intermittent power.”

KAP leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, said that coal-fired power was more critical now than ever before and objected to the statements made by the Prime Minister and Energy Minister today.

“There is no scenario here where we don’t have a critical requirement for coal-fired power in our energy future,” Mr Katter Jnr said.

“Direct reports to us from inside power stations is that they are all being geared up to shut down which can only create more severe occurrences of the situation we have now.

“During this crisis, for them to suggest a move to more renewables is irresponsible to say the least and furthermore, I never thought I’d see the day that I’d see the Labor Party advocating for private and mostly foreign-owned power generators to take over.”

– ENDS –

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-16/australia-updates-emissions-reduction-target-paris-agreement/101157008

https://7news.com.au/politics/australia-updates-un-climate-submission-c-7179509

AEMO suspension sign of free market and ‘save the planet brigade’ failure

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 04:26:30 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has blamed past government free market policy and an irresponsible renewable-power push as the reason that the Australian Energy Market Operator [1] has been forced to take control of directing power from energy generators to grid.

Mr Katter said, “This is the consequence when you combine the free market with the “save the planet, put glass on your roof” brigade. The chickens are well and truly now coming home to roost.

“You couldn’t get the message in elections past and that’s why we have had eight prime ministers in 15 years.

“We are at crisis point. We need fuel and energy sovereignty and security. We are a nation of great resource wealth and we should not be in a position where we have to rely on Chinese manufactured junk, to produce a minimal amount of electricity at a far greater cost.”

Mr Katter said the answers were simple and that the raw materials were there to provide cheap, self-sufficient and in often cases, renewable energy.

“We have already proposed this to Government in the form of the Sovereign Fuel Security and Emissions Reduction Bill which has the backing of the crossbenchers.

“The legislation will prevent the export of Australia’s indigenous oil supply which will increase our refining capacity here. It will mandate that Government cars driven by public servants in the metropolitan areas be electric vehicles that are made in Australia.

“The Bill will require all of Australia’s waste to be recycled into petrol and diesel using pyrolysis, as is currently being done by Southern Oils in Wagga Wagga and Gladstone and there will be a renewable fuel mandate which will include ethanol produced by Australia’s sugar and grain farmers, and algae technology.

“You can offset the emissions from a coal fired power station by pumping the C0 ² into algae ponds. From this you can create highly valuable feedstock for animals, pigs, chickens, cattle and even humans.

“The answers are there. We don’t need to bankrupt our economy. Coal is our second largest export item.

“For too long we have been beholden to government with a 30 second media grab vision.

“We’re calling on the new administration to act now and adopt the legislation that will support Australia, to support our workforce and keep the lights on.”

– ENDS –

Katter labels blackouts the result of “extreme irresponsibility”

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:59:58 GMT

QUEENSLANDERS have been warned to brace for two days of power blackouts due to the worsening electricity crisis and Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, ain’t a happy camper, though, he’s volunteering to teach people how to boil a billy over a fire, a skill they’ll need to master if common sense doesn’t prevail soon.

In response to reports [i] this afternoon that energy users should brace for power outages over the next two days, Mr Katter said he wasn’t surprised and warned that people should get used to it.

“Any system that cannot be understood by the ordinary person in the street – and the issue of electricity supply is an example of one of these systems – is going to have catastrophic consequences,” Mr Katter warned.

“Pushing people to put glass on the roof in a big town or city is an act of extreme irresponsibility. The real costs are horrifically high for solar, and the amount of energy needed in producing that super high-quality glass would leave me being very dubious that there is a net C0 ² value at all.

“Solar power is incredibly good in remote locations like the little towns in the Gulf, Cape York and mining ventures etc, but for a whole system to be based upon the sun shining and supplying power for only eight hours a day, is simply absurd.

“The ultimate outcome of this policy is that for every 100 hours that glass is on a roof, a power station worker and coal worker is sacked. Both jobs are sent to China.

“The fact that I am a well-off person and get my power for free because my wife put solar panels on the roof, while my retired neighbours have to pay twice as much for their power, effectively to subsidise the rich people who pay nothing, is disgusting.

“We need reliable water and power. And to allow 42 percent of the Australian power supply to be owned by Chinese interests and a 100 percent of the 12 percent solar supply, it’s no wonder that a third of the Australian people said they weren’t voting for a major party at the last election.”

Mr Katter said his Sovereign Fuel Security and Emission Reduction legislation will secure a reliable fuel and transport industry and that the same needs to be done in electricity.

“All foreign ownership of energy/electricity delivery systems has got to be terminated because the corporate interest in solar panels and windfarms is nothing more than an energy scam, and in the case of wind farms, a land scam.

“Masquerading as saviours of the planet but yet they have never planted a tree or even an ornamental bush in their lives."

Mr Katter issued a final warning to residents of Queensland.

“For those that are happy for pensioners to pay twice as much for power to subsidise the rich, for those who are happy to sack Australians and send their jobs to China, for those who are happy to go without their television, air conditioning or stove, well just keep going the way you’re going. As for me, I’d recommend stockpiling your firewood and I volunteer to teach everyone how to boil a billy. You are going to need it.”

ENDS

[1] https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rare-price-cap-enforced-in-queensland-as-wholesale-power-prices-soar/news-story/ecc99a71a8390d23ca83358053c03c8f

Super monies directed to north-west Qld phosphate industry could catapult Australia out of economic abyss

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 09:57:31 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, says that Australia is sitting on a ‘gold mine’ with the north-west Queensland mineral province which holds some of the largest phosphate reserves in the world.

In response to the statements made by leaders of the fertiliser industry at a conference [i] in Darwin this weekend, Mr Katter said the situation was not just critical, it was desperate.

“Every year we have an opportunity to redirect $200m of Australian superannuation money away from speculative stock market games and into Australian ‘make-money’ infrastructure and phosphate and fertiliser projects which would generate untold levels of wealth for the country,” Mr Katter said.

“Countries around the world are crying out for resources from economically and politically stable countries. With strategic infrastructure and processing investment Australia we could not just provide the raw material we could instead provide the high value, high demand end products to the great benefit of Australian consumers and to our key trading partners.”

“The situation is beyond critical now and the irony in this is that Australia is the biggest gas exporter in the world, alongside Qatar, yet Qatar gets $29b out of their gas, but we only get $600m for the same amount.

“Australia buys gas at world market prices, as they also do for fertiliser.

“Crop and fruit and vegetable farmers are looking at a year of losses because of the exploding cost of fuel and fertiliser prices, and the shortage of labour,” Mr Katter said.

“We have the raw material, land and technology to be relatively self-sufficient in fuel and fertiliser but we need investment and vision.”

Mr Katter said that a proposed 150km canal (extended waterway) from the Gulf near Burketown to north of Mount Isa would open up the entire minerals province and would provide the world’s cheapest fertiliser.

“Building what I refer to as the ‘Yi Pi Pi canal’ to export the cheapest fertiliser in the world will require building a number of giant fertiliser plants. A deal has to be secured with a gas equity partner, Verdant, and a number of other key resources in the greater Mount Isa, Dajarra area.

“The Yi Pi Pi proposal will enable us to get product out of the region cheaply by ferrying some 150km up the canal to the Gulf instead of road tripping it over 1000km from Mount Isa to Townsville, only to then ship it up the coast of Queensland before it can access the rest of the world.

“We should be able to get fertiliser freight prices down to as low as $5 a tonne which is a hell of a lot cheaper than what we pay now, which is closer to $100 a tonne. The answers are there.”

ENDS

[i] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-11/fertiliser-industry-push-for-georgina-basin-phosphate/101141522

Katter says beware of disingenuous Get Up

Fri, 20 May 2022 02:30:33 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says GetUp is one of the major forces wanting to take away the rights First Australians have had for 40-thousand years, and says the political organisation is promoting political parties like Labor who have restricted land ownership and enforced alcohol bans on First Australians in the community areas.

GetUp are aggressively promoting Labor and the Greens on polling booths in the Leichhardt and Kennedy electorates, telling First Australians to vote for Labor and the Greens if they want a better deal.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, has labelled the tactics of GetUp as extremely disingenuous and says the State ALP Government has been a disaster for First Australians.

“Whitefellas can get a freehold title to land. Blackfellas in the community areas don’t have access to freehold title deeds. White fellas can drink, Blackfellas in community areas can’t. Whitefellas get Bluecards. We can’t because we drank alcohol and got a criminal charge against us,” Mr Katter said.

“We had the right to timber for dugouts, woomeras, spears etc. Now we cannot chop down a tree,” he said.

“We were allowed to take rocks and quarry materials for our axe heads and for crushing seed to make flour. Now we cannot take the rocks.

“We were allowed to turn our creeks into fish traps, now we cannot do that.”

Mr Katter said the LNP hadn’t been much better either having pulled funding for First Australian housing and failing to deliver on key promises like establishing market gardens.

On 8 November 2019, Bob Katter received a signed letter off Prime Minister Scott Morrison promising that his Government would, ‘work with communities like

Yarrabah, and Mornington Island, to set up market gardens as part of the plans for the economic and health opportunities for these communities.’

The Federal Government hasn’t built any market gardens, but rather spent money on feasibility studies which are yet to be finished.

Former Napranum Aboriginal Shire CEO, Greg Wallace - who instituted the work for the dole scheme for Australia - and ran for the KAP in the Senate at the 2019 Federal election, gave a speech that summed up the disadvantage community areas face now. [1]

“We had three-thousand jobs in the Cape, and in Napranum we designed and built our own housing. Today, the Federal Government has actually pulled the funding. So, we have an all time need for housing,” he said.

“In those days we had self-management and we had black CEOs in the majority of the communities. Today, we have one or two and that’s about it. Instead of going forward we are going backwards.

“We had 36,000 head of cattle in the cape and now we have none. The industry has been destroyed.

“We had title deeds in the communities. Now there is no certainty with the deeds. Once we get title deeds there are business opportunities. We can borrow money from the banks and create businesses.”

Mr Katter said when he was Minister for Affairs in the Bjelke-Petersen State Government, he granted inalienable freehold title deeds because that’s what the people wanted.

“I am famous forever because they are called the Katter leases,” he said.

“But really, I didn’t have much to do with it. I just listened to the people and gave them what they wanted.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://m.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=737394403749856&id=735095280646435

Attraction and retention of rural and regional Doctors is key

Wed, 18 May 2022 03:10:56 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says doctor attraction and retention are key to reducing the doctor shortage in rural and regional Australia.

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP, wants medical graduates to complete two years’ service in the regions immediately after they graduate to attract them to the regions.

Mr Katter also wants the Federal Government to pay doctors serving in rural and regional areas an extra $80,000 a year to retain them.

“Under the Bjelke-Petersen Qld Government that I was a Minister in, we never had doctor shortages because if you wanted to become a doctor in Queensland you did your two years in the regions,” Mr Katter said.

“It really is not that difficult a problem, the governments must act. It will not be a great cost to the taxpayer. It won’t be a lot of money.

“People are in pain waiting for doctors. People are dying waiting for doctors. The answers are there right now.

Mr Katter took a delegation of general practitioners from his electorate including Dr Grant Manypeney (Mareeba), Dr Rod Catton (Innisfail) and Dr Lisa Fraser (Gordonvale) down to Canberra to discuss these issues with the Health Minister, Greg Hunt, in June last year.

“Two of the doctors in my electorate, Grant Manypeney from Mareeba and Rod Catton from Innisfail, are working into their 70s,” Mr Katter said.

“They are still working because they don’t want to let their communities down.

“Which ever party forms government this Saturday must act to implement policies that will attract and retain doctors to rural and regional areas.”

-ENDS-

KAP blast Bridle Track Tunnel onto the agenda

Wed, 18 May 2022 00:09:52 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, and Leichhardt Candidate, Rod Jensen, have done a mock blast signifying their support for the immediate planning and construction of the Bridle Track Tunnel between Cairns and Mareeba/Atherton.

The ALP has promised $200m upgrades for the existing Kuranda Road which means an hour commute from Mareeba to Cairns, the LNP are doing an $11m study into alternatives, but only the KAP are committed to building a new tunnel and highway from the Tablelands to Cairns.

The KAP including Hill MP, Shane Knuth, Bob Katter and Leichhardt Candidate, Rod Jensen, have been campaigning for the construction of the Bridle Track Tunnel, a new highway between Cairns and Mareeba/Atherton, for the last two years.

The Bridle Track Tunnel is an alternate to the current Kuranda Range Road, with a State Government report finding that route closes more than 44 times a year, for an average of nearly seven hours per closure.

The Bridle Track involves 16 kilometres of road from the Davies Creek turn off on the Kennedy Highway, to the tunnel entrance, and a 1-2km tunnel through Lamb Range. Coming out of the tunnel on the Cairns southern suburbs side there will be an overpass onto the Bruce Highway (see diagram attached). Mr Katter estimates the total project will cost between $1.5b and $1.7b.

Bob Katter called out the State and Federal Governments for being incapable of building a weir, a dam, or any ‘damn’ thing.

“Everyone knows that they have no trouble building tunnels in Brisbane,” Mr Katter said.

“They have more than 30km of road tunnels. The Brisbane City Council area has a population of 1.3 million. North Queensland has nearly one million people, but we have no tunnels at all.

“They can build tunnels in Brisbane but not in North Queensland. The major parties serve Brisbane but have neglected North Queensland. Again, we see it in this election with politicians promises weeks out from polling day, but what have they been doing for the last four and a half years?

“If we can get two or three KAP MPs on the crossbench, then North Queensland and Far North Queensland will be in a powerful position. Far North Queensland will be in power, and we will set a deadline on the Federal Government for construction of the Bridle Track Tunnel.”

KAP Leichhardt candidate, Rod Jensen said the Bridle Track Tunnel was critical for opening new housing availability in Far North Queensland, as well as access to a port for farmers and miners on the Tablelands, Cape and Gulf.

“It’s all about economic development for our industries and our people,” he said.

“Announcing a study on the eve of an election as the LNP has done is a politicians promise and merely upgrading the Kuranda Road access, as Labor is proposing, is ludicrous. To do so would place further undue strain on an access road that is already dangerous and often un-usable for drivers.

“What Labor are pushing for with upgrading the Kuranda Road will subject users to years of perpetual road works and stop-start traffic lasting into the foreseeable future.”

Hill MP, Shane Knuth, said he had exhausted all options with the State Government, including multiple meetings with the Transport Minister, and said it was up to the Federal Government to lead the building of the Bridle Track Tunnel.

“Everyone knows we have a problem with the road going out 44 times a year on average,” he said.

“Only the KAP is presenting an option to solve that problem. It’s time to get on with it and built it.”

-ENDS-

Land ownership, housing and telecommunications, priorities for Yarrabah

Mon, 16 May 2022 03:36:53 GMT

TELECOMMUNICATIONS, housing, and land ownership are top of mind for the residents of Yarrabah, a First Australian community near Cairns in Far North Queensland.

Yarrabah’s internet is so intermittent that the Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation cannot even access patient records online.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter recently sat down with Dr Jason King and CEO Suzanne Andrews to discuss the problem and agrees that the town must have fibre optic cable within the community itself, and there must be a fibre optic connection to Cairns.

“I was in Yarrabah the other day and they have terrible communications problems,” Mr Katter said.

“There are probably a hundred sites along the coast where you have a few hundred people with poor telecommunications. Yarrabah is only a stone’s throw from Cairns. The Federal Government has handed out a lot of money for this, so I cannot attack them, but the Federal Government must put more money into telecommunications. This issue must be fixed.

“Privatising Telstra was a disaster. The Government used to fund telecommunications upgrades with the profits from Telstra. But they sold it so there is no profits to cross-subsidise the infrastructure and service upgrades.

“The big metropolitan areas get coverage, but up here we get nothing.”

Mr Katter said Yarrabah was also being held back because locals effectively cannot own land as they can’t get access to a freehold title.

“The State and Federal Governments have refused to give First Australia community residents access to freehold title deeds. How can they refuse generations of people that have been here for thousands of years the right to own a piece of land just because they live in a First Australian community?” he said.

“People criticise the community areas, and all sorts of socials ills that prevail there, but where is the incentive to thrive?

“The land ownership arrangement locks these communities into handouts and a few government jobs. No ownership means no private enterprise or small business.

“But the obstacles do not stop there. If you drink alcohol in a First Australian community area, then you get a criminal charge. Therefore, you can’t get a BlueCard.

“No BlueCard means no government job. Suicide rates, death rates, crime rates, drug rates are soaring.

“I deserve little credit for the freehold title deeds in Queensland being called the Katter leases. I simply just asked the people what they wanted and then acted. The Katter leases were phased out by the incoming ALP Government in the 1990s. Should I be re-elected to parliament to represent this great community once again, a key priority will be dusting off the Katter Lease legislation and reintroducing it federally.

“When I tenaciously defend these people it’s because I know the forces at work. They are not allowed to own houses in First Australia or Aboriginal Community areas. How can you open a business when the bank won’t give you money unless you have a mortgage, and no-one owns a home.”

-ENDS-

$1.1m for new Cloncurry youth program

Mon, 16 May 2022 01:26:04 GMT

CLONCURRY’S MultiSkill Centre has been allocated $1,163,654 under the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Fund Round Six to implement a new program that will assist young people from 12-24 to be actively involved in the community.

The Redi2Change project will target youth in Mount Isa and Cloncurry who have become disengaged with mainstream education and employment or require developmental support and aims to divert youth from anti-social behaviours and crime.

Paul Bashford, Director of the MultiSkill Centre, said the charity is grateful to be working with funding provided by the Safer Communities Fund to create the new Redi2Change program.

“Don’t do nothing! is the premiss of the program,” he said.

“The aim will be to assist young people to be involved in educational activities with a focus on being employable and giving back to the community. The funding will be used to provide individual support to participants of the program and get them back to school, into vocational education, and non-accredited training.

“Additionally, it will help explore healthy recreational options. We will work closely with other existing organisations and programs to avoid duplication and increase the variety of offering for young people.

Our local community, existing community services organisations and program participants in both Mt Isa and Cloncurry will gain value from Redi2Change over a two-year period.

“MultiSkill Centre has a proven track record of providing engaging programs with an educational focus, a key component being their Cloncurry based centre."

MultiSkill Centre is a Cloncurry based charity that services Mount Isa and realises the importance of not replicating existing programs or doing the same thing that other organisations are already doing.

“Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, recently visited the MultiSkill Centre in Cloncurry and was impressed by the broad range of initiatives being undertaken including the RedDoor Café which enables hospitality training for young people, manufacturing, recycling, and even reprocessing used cooking oil into diesel.

“This is a good service for the whole of the community, not just our young people,” Mr Katter said.

“Making things locally including essential services like diesel is where we need to be going. I am extremely passionate about fuel security and making things in Australia.

“It is good to see Paul and his team not just talking about a good idea but are implementing it. They’ve got serious runs on the board.”

-ENDS-

Copper boom must be sustained with access to cheap electricity

Fri, 13 May 2022 08:03:06 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says a boom of new copper mines opening in the North West Minerals Province, influenced by high commodity prices, will never be fully realised unless mining companies have access to competitively priced power from the proposed Copperstring transmission line, which will connect Mount Isa and Cloncurry to the National Electricity Grid.

Mr Katter recently toured Australian-owned, Austral Resources’ new Anthill Copper Mine, northwest of Mount Isa, with Chief Operating Officer, Shane O’Connell.

The Anthill Mine broke ground in November 2021 and has high grade copper oxide deposits. That ore is transported by road trains to Austral Resources’ Mt Kelly processing facility where it is treated by heap leach and solvent extraction. The finished product of this process is LME Grade A copper cathode plates which are exported through Townsville’s Port.

Due to the high price of gas in the North West Minerals Province, Austral Resources powers its projects with diesel generators.

COO, Shane O’Connell said Austral Resources had expansion plans and was supportive of Copperstring and its ability to bring affordable electricity to the North West Minerals Province.

“We’ve got $160m worth of processing infrastructure at Mt Kelly, and as you can see we are currently in production, soon to ramp up to 1,000 tonnes per month and we certainly intend to find more copper to continue operations well into the future” Mr O’Connell said.

“Anthill Mine certainly provides us with that opportunity. Our operations are directly and indirectly employing about 200 people. Anthill has a four-year mine life, producing some excellent copper, and we are looking at extensions on it to the west and south, as well as extensions to mineralisation at Lady Annie.

“We’ve got $10m set aside for exploration over the next 12 months so hopefully we can extend the mine life of Anthill and Austral Resources in general.”

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter said modern governments were not adequately providing the enabling infrastructure for mining ventures to flourish including roads, rail, ports and most importantly electricity.

“This is the first period of my life when Government just isn’t delivering the imperative infrastructure,” Mr Katter said.

“When I was in the much-maligned Bjelke-Petersen Qld Government we extended the electricity grid from Cairns to Normanton to support the tourism, fishing and prawn industries. We looked over the figures and made a decision. Modern Government is just not acting.

“Kevin Rudd touched on the idea of extending the National Electricity Grid when he was PM. A decade later and we are still waiting. Whoever wins government on May 21 must act on Copperstring immediately.”

Every $1 invested in the CopperString 2.0 power transmission project is forecast to deliver $4.54 in benefits for Australia, economic analysis shows. [1]

Further modelling also shows CopperString reduces electricity prices in the North West Minerals Province to $105 per megawatt hour (MWh) in 2025 and $95/MWh in 2041. Current prices amount to $140/MWh. [2]

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.northernstevedoring.com.au/latest-news/copperstring-beats-other-key-projects-on-cost-benefit-scale.html

2 https://www.epw.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/19715/north-west-electricity-province-cris.pdf

Vital telecommunications wins for Kennedy electorate, but more work to be done

Thu, 12 May 2022 08:32:57 GMT

$20 MILLION in new telecommunications infrastructure is going into the Kennedy electorate under round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Fund including, Forrest Beach, Doomadgee, the Richmond-Croydon Road, the Gulf Development Road, Burketown to Normanton, Ravenswood, Julia Creek, Boulia, and Mareeba.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said his electorate continued to get the lion’s share of new phone and internet funding but it was deserved because of the vast western areas and high mountains on the coast which limited-service delivery.

Forrest Beach:

In November last year, Forrest Beach residents held a rally with Bob Katter and Nick Dametto demanding the coastal town’s telecommunications issues be fixed.

$785,350 has been announced for a new Telstra macro cell mobile site, providing new and improved handheld coverage to Forrest Beach and Allingham.

“It shows if you join together as a community and fight you can achieve great breakthrough,” Mr Katter said.

“When we ask people what they want to happen in their town, this is constantly in the top three issues. The Liberal Federal Government should have never sold Telstra. Privatisation has been a disaster for regional and rural areas.”

Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto, said that the telecommunications upgrade for Forrest Beach is a massive win for the community as it will provide improved mobile coverage for residents, businesses and visitors.

“Forrest Beach has been crying out for improved telecommunication services for quite some time and it has been an issue that the KAP has been lobbying for,” Mr Dametto said.

“We have seniors that have struggled to contact family and doctors in emergency situations and home-based business owners losing profit due to the lack of mobile service in Forrest Beach.

“The secured funding which will install a new macro cell mobile site will allow Forrest Beach residents and visitors to move out of the dark ages.

“Although this is welcome news, it is disappointing that we are still needing to fight for similar upgrades for other areas in the electorate such as Upper Stone which struggle with the same telecommunication issues. We will keep fighting for these areas.”

The Hinchinbrook MP thanked the Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, and all stakeholders for their advocacy and involvement in securing the necessary funding for a new macro cell mobile site at Forrest Beach.

The KAP will continue to fight for towns like Fishery Falls, Yarrabah, Millstream and Upper Stone, to name a few, in upcoming blackspot and regional connectivity federal funding rounds.

Ravenswood:

KAP Leader and Traeger MP, Robbie Katter, has been campaigning for improved telecommunications service in the gold mining town of Ravenswood that has experienced rapid expansion with the mine expanding.

Ravenswood has been allocated $904,700 for a new macro mobile site, providing improved handheld coverage to the township.

“This advancement in connectivity for these rural and remote areas is crucial for them moving forward and developing,” Robbie Katter said.

“There is a direct correlation between these advancements and liveability in these areas. When trying to attract people from the coast or major cities these are things they take into consideration.”

Regional Connectivity Funding round 2:

Doomadgee - $957,200 – Telstra macro mobile base station and transmission connectivity will be established, providing improved 4G/5G mobile voice and data connectivity coverage for residents and visitors to the area.

Richmond-Croydon Rd -$459,600 – deploy a high speed fixed wireless broadband network, backhaul, public WI-FI and free LoRaWAN network to 40,000km of Far Northern Western Qld.

Gulf Development Rd - $1,000,800 – deploy a high speed fixed wireless broadband network, backhaul, public WI-FI and free LoRaWAN network to 40,000km of Far Northern Western Qld.

Burketown and Normanton - $7,404,450 - Installation of a 226km of fibre optic cable between Burketown and Normanton plus a new regenerator site and upgrades to existing equipment.

Ravenswood - $904,700 – a new Telstra macro mobile site.

Forrest Beach - $785,350 - has been announced for a new Telstra macro cell mobile site, providing new and improved handheld coverage to Forrest Beach and Allingham.

Julia Creek - $4,183,082 – upgrade to NBN service technology in Julia Creek town to fibre to the premises.

Boulia - $2,959,562 – upgrade the NBN service technology Fibre to the premises.

Mareeba - $1,846,393 deploy fixed wireless network across the Mareeba Local Government Area.

-ENDS-

Momentum builds behind Bridle Track Tunnel

Thu, 12 May 2022 08:17:24 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has welcomed the LNP Government’s $11m to investigate alternatives to the Kuranda Range Road, and says momentum is building behind the Bridle Track Tunnel as the front-running option.

The ALP has announced upgrades for the existing Kuranda Road which means an hour commute from Mareeba to Cairns, the LNP are doing a $11m study into alternatives, but only the KAP are committed to building a new tunnel and highway from the Tablelands to Cairns.

The KAP including Hill MP Shane Knuth, Bob Katter and Leichhardt Candidate Rod Jensen have been campaigning for the construction of the Bridle Track Tunnel, a new highway between Cairns and Mareeba/Atherton, for the last two years.

The Bridle Track Tunnel is an alternate to the current Kuranda Range Road which closes more than 40 times a year for an average of seven hours per closure.

The Bridle Track involves 16 kilometres of road from the Davies Creek turn off on the Kennedy Highway, to the tunnel entrance, and a 1-2km tunnel through Lamb Range. Coming out of the tunnel on the Cairns southern suburbs side, there will be an overpass onto the Bruce Highway (see diagram attached). Mr Katter estimates the project will cost $1.5b.

Bob Katter called out the State and Federal Governments for being incapable of building a weir, a dam, or any ‘dam’ thing.

“Everyone knows that they have no trouble building tunnels in Brisbane,” Mr Katter said.

“They have more than 30km of road tunnels. The Brisbane City Council area has a population of 1.3 million. North Queensland has nearly one million people, but we have no tunnels at all.

“They can build tunnels in Brisbane but not in North Queensland. The major parties serve Brisbane but have neglected North Queensland. Again, we see it in this election with politicians promises two weeks out from polling day, but what have they been doing for the last four and a half years they’ve been in government?

“What Labor are pushing for with upgrading the Kuranda Road will subject users to years of perpetual road works and stop-start traffic lasting into the foreseeable future.”

-ENDS-

Another wasted wet makes Katter feel sick

Thu, 12 May 2022 08:07:58 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says every time he sees the Flinders River in flood, he gets a sick feeling in his stomach knowing that a new irrigation project has not been built in North Queensland in 30 years, and says it’s crucial that the Hughenden Irrigation Project (HIPCo) is built immediately.

Photos taken by Stewart Nielsen from his chopper near Hughenden, show the Flinders River running after this week’s weather system passed through.

The latest water licence process for the Flinders River is underway with the Hughenden Irrigation Project (HIPCo) vying for a major slice of the water.

The 160 gigalitre dam, which Bob Katter secured $180m in federal funding for off Prime Minister Scott Morrison, will provide water for 11-thousand hectares of irrigated, owner-operator, farming, moving up to 20-thousand hectares by the end of the decade.

Mr Katter said it was crucial the latest water licence allocation went to the locals and not foreign or absentee corporations as it did in the last process.

“The State ALP allocated all the water allocations from the Flinders River to the AA Company, a foreign corporation, and Stanbroke, an absentee landlord corporation. The people of north west Queensland got nothing,” he said.

“I get a sickening feeling in my stomach watching that water flow downstream. We have the proposal drawn up, ready-to-go for HIPCo and yet the State Government’s track record is to give the water to big corporations, not the locals. We shouldn’t have to drain the artesian aquifer to get our water.

“The whole aim of HIPCo is to grow the population of inland Australia. We can repeat this irrigation model at Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and through the Gulf towns like Normanton, Burketown, Georgetown, and Doomadgee.

“The Greenies want us to live in cities because they ‘don’t pollute’. The cities are the best creators of pollution. You can see a city’s light and heat pollution from 20 kilometres away. We must populate the inland.”

Mr Katter said he will use any position of power after the election to demand timeframes for the construction of HIPCo and other North Queensland water schemes.

“I will act with damaging hostility if whoever forms government doesn’t meet the construction timeframes,” he said.

“They will just bury you in studies and reports, so we will be setting definite deadlines.

“The Federal Government can ride over the top of the State. Look at the Franklin Dams case or the Snowy Mountains, the Federal Government will prevail in a High Court constitutional challenge over dams.”

-ENDS-

KAP issue live export warning to Labor

Wed, 11 May 2022 08:46:52 GMT

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, has fired a warning shot at Labor that he will become ‘extremely hostile’ if they win Government and attempt to close the live export industry.

Media reports state live sheep exports would be banned by a federal Labor government, but the party will not confirm a time frame for its plan. [1]

“I warn the ALP that the last time they closed the live animal trade I played a key role in getting rid of their leader Julia Gillard,” Bob Katter said.

“Kevin Rudd got back in as PM and the market reopened to Indonesia. I don’t have many sheep in my electorate, but I am serving notice on the ALP. Remember what happened last time.

“I would like to know what industries we are going to have left under the major parties. They are both planning to close down coal mining with their net zero by 2050 commitments. Now, Labor is talking about closing sheep exports, where will they go to next?

“They are so spiritually and intellectually bankrupt that they keep going on with this rubbish. Queensland has the four C’s, copper, cane, coal and cattle. You destroy them and you haven’t got much left.

“If we get our dam schemes up at Hells Gates, Charters Towers and Hughenden we will increase our cattle numbers and be able to open two or three meatworks, but at the moment the northern cattle industry is reliant on live export.”

KAP Candidate for Herbert, Clynton Hawks, said live export is the lifeblood of the North Queensland cattle industry with over 395 thousand cattle exported in the 2019-2020 financial year.

“It is quite clear the live export industry boosts the North Queensland economy,” he said.

“We cannot risk Labor banning the live export trade out of the port of Townsville, this would have devastating effects on not only the live export industry but also the future of the Port.

“Labor will be condemned if it goes down this road and destroys our live export trade. The Katter’s Australian Party is the only party standing up for primary industry.”

“Where do the ALP candidates for Herbert and Kennedy stand on this issue?”

-ENDS-

Australia must look for new Asian markets as product is dumped

Tue, 10 May 2022 03:17:26 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, is calling on whoever forms government after the May 21 election to push for market access for Australia’s fruit and vegetables into new Asian markets, to make up for the slump in trade due to China’s export ban.

Avocado and mango farmers in Mr Katter’s electorate have been forced to dump product due to a lack of overseas market access and oversupply issues. [1]

The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance says the industry requires new and improved market access to Japan for avocados, mangoes, grapes, citrus, blueberries, and apples.

Mr Katter said his long-term policy view is that Australia should diversify trade into other Asian markets rather than rely solely on China who are proving to be an erratic trading nation.

“Not enough effort has been made by the Government to open up the VIP markets (Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines) as well Japan, South Korea, and Thailand,” Mr Katter said.

“There are nearly 300 million people in Indonesia, nearly 150 million people in Japan, 100 million people in Vietnam, 100 million in Philippines, and 50 million in South Korea. Who cares about China when our producers could access that amount of people?

“I repeat, not enough effort has been made by the current Government to open new markets. I saw half a kilometre of mangoes going to waste on the Atherton Tablelands and we are also having an oversupply of avocados.

“Senior negotiators should be sent by Australia into these countries.

“The LNP Government have continuously shot their mouth off at China to the detriment of our farmers but haven’t done a thing to increase market access in Asia in countries such as Japan.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/tableland/tablelands-avocados-being-dumped-as-oversupply-hammers-prices/news-story/cf6a65165e21456b414f6486c71f3e4e

One for mum, one for dad, one for the country, and one for Bob

Sun, 08 May 2022 22:10:16 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, is calling for an income splitting scheme to be established for tax purposes to return more money to families with multiple children and a single income, as well as being prorated down for less deserving situations, and to encourage Australians to have bigger families once again.

Adding further to cost-of-living pressures on families was last week’s interest rate rise, which is predicted to be the first of many. The average borrower with a $500,000 home loan and 25 years remaining will see their repayments rise by $65 a month. [1]

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP says Australians are a vanishing race of people, and we must pull policy levers to encourage people to have families.

“Double income no kids (DINKS) couples are paying tax at the same rate as families with a stay-at-home wife or husband and three kids. How can anyone consider this to be fair,” Mr Katter said.

“Income tax splitting should be legalised for families with a single income and children, and prorated down for less deserving situations. The income earner should be able to split their income with the number of people dependant on that income (whether that be their spouse and the number of children they have under 18).

“This would drop them down to the lowest tax bracket. It would mean these families where the income earner makes $80,000 to $90,000 would get around $20,000 back at tax time.

“Those that can pay more will. Those that need more, will get more.”

Australia registered a total of 294,369 births in 2020 resulting in a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.58 babies per woman, which is below the replacement rate, according to the latest figures released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). [2]

“This policy will encourage people to have children,” Mr Katter said.

“It is an imperative because otherwise we will vanish as a race of people.

“I’m saying have one for Mum, one for Dad, one for Australia and one for Bob.”

Herbert Candidate for the KAP, Clynton Hawks, said this announcement from the Katter's Australian Party is another feather in the KAP to providing struggling

Aussies with the best support possible to put food on their tables.

“Families have found it difficult over the past 18 months with skyrocketing rent, food and fuel to keep afloat,” he said.

“With income splitting this can save struggling Australian families upwards of $20,000 a tax cycle by dropping them a tax bracket giving them more disposable income to get their family back on track to economic freedom.”

Income tax splitting for families is Bob Katter’s latest announcement on cost-of-living policy.

The North Queensland MP is also calling for a $100 a week increase to the age pension, to be paid for by a 5 percent charge on all imports (primage) which will also give competitive advantage to Australian made products.

He is also advocating for a proper and enforced, work-for-the-dole scheme to be implemented to tackle the workforce shortage in regional and rural Australia.

“People simply cannot afford to live, while able-bodied people sit on the couch and get a wage,” Mr Katter said.

“People who have worked their whole lives cannot afford to live on the age pension payment they are getting now. The Federal Government has failed to reduce cost of living pressures.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.9news.com.au/national/rba-interest-rates-how-exactly-how-much-a-rate-hike-will-cost-you-explainer/57064e5c-704b-420a-bbca-24a060b884cc

[2] https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/australian-fertility-rate-hits-record-low

Flower Power: Katter backs country of origin labelling for flowers

Sun, 08 May 2022 02:59:00 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, is supporting Flower Industry Australia in their push to have cut flowers and foliage added to Australia’s Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) regulations and says Mother’s Day is a timely reminder to Australians that they should be supporting local flower growers who have been struggling with increased freight costs, pests, and natural disasters.

]Mr Katter recently caught up with a local flower grower from Boogan in the Kennedy Electorate, Heidi Piccolo, from Basilisk Blooms, who says that Australian flower farmers are facing increased airline freight costs and need as much support as they can get from the public and government.

“Things are getting very hard because airline freight costs have jumped up by 40 percent, we’ve had cyclones, we’ve had floods, and we’ve had pests like the Fall Armyworm,” she said.

“We are trying to keep costs down, but we are left with no choice but to pass some of that cost onto consumers. The reduction in commercial passenger flights around Australia due to covid, meant there was less availability for freight, and the prices went up.

“Having country of origin labelling would benefit the local industry a lot. If people in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane know that our flowers are grown in Australia then they will buy them.”

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter said his electorate has lost nearly 20 flower growers since free market policies were introduced by the major parties, and imports had become more common.

“Country of origin labelling should not exclude flowers. Everyone would spend a couple of hundred dollars a year on flowers on birthdays and Mother’s Days. People cannot support Aussie growers if they don’t know where their flowers are from,” Mr Katter said.

“Each flower farm would provide four or five jobs, so it’s been a great loss. The Federal Government insisted that all flowers going out of Australia must be inspected, and they charge $300 an hour. Whereas only 20 percent of imported flowers are inspected when they come into Australia. They bring in pests and diseases. It is a huge biosecurity risk.

“These policies have given a free kick to importers and a kick in the head to Australian flower growers. You just cannot and help but think that the big corporations are running the government.” -ENDS-

Supermarkets take consumers and farmers for a ride

Sat, 07 May 2022 06:49:55 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says Australia’s farmers are dead right when they claim that supermarkets are ‘ripping off the farmer and they're ripping off the consumer,’ [1] and is proposing federal legislation which limits the markup on the price farmers receive and consumers pay to 100 percent.

New South Wales Farmers Horticulture Committee Chairman, Guy Gaeta, told the ABC that supermarkets were pocketing extra profits made through price rises.

"People are paying more for their fruit and veggies at the supermarket, but the farmers aren’t selling them for more, so who's really raising the prices here?"

Bob Katter said banana farmers in his electorate had told him that there was a more than 200 percent markup from the price consumers were paying and the price farmers were getting.

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP said it had come to the stage in Australia where it must be legislated that supermarkets cannot mark up a product by more than 100 percent.

“The LNP and ALP need to stop pandering to the needs of big multinationals and start helping farmers and consumers,” Mr Katter said.

“We are selling potatoes for 50 cents a kilogram and they are being sold on supermarket shelves for $4 a kilogram. All we want is a fair go, as the cost of production has skyrocketed including freight and fertiliser.

“With a limit of a 100 percent markup either the consumers will get the benefit, or the farmers will get the benefit. But at least someone benefits that is not a massive multi-national company.”

Mr Katter also said the market share of the nation’s two biggest supermarket chains must be limited and called for state and local governments to change zoning laws so the major supermarkets cannot open new stores in retail areas where they already own one.

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-05/farmers-accuse-supermarkets-of-price-gouging-on-fresh-produce/101033474

Renal Dialysis Unit officially opens at Ingham & Charters Towers Hospitals

Fri, 06 May 2022 07:11:57 GMT

The Katter's Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto is celebrating a win for the Hinchinbrook electorate after attending the official opening of the Renal Dialysis Unit at Ingham Hospital yesterday.

The renal dialysis infrastructure upgrades at the Ingham and Charters Towers hospitals delivered eight renal chairs funded through a $4 million injection from the Queensland Government’s Rural and Regional Renal Program.

The Hinchinbrook MP said after the relentless lobbying by many stakeholders and the construction phase, the official opening of the Renal Dialysis Unit at Ingham Hospital had finally arrived.

“Many locals which include the Ingham Health Service Community Advisory Network and the families and patients who have required dialysis treatment have worked hard to bring this issue to the forefront, and they deserve to be applauded for their efforts with the delivery of the Renal Dialysis Unit for the Ingham hospital,” Mr Dametto said.

“I would like to give a special mention to the families of Christine Bullen, Trevor Prior, Joan Giorcelli and Elsie Gusmeroli for their hard work and efforts over the past years.

“Their long-term lobbying has been an integral part of us gathering the required data to advocate directly to the Minister at the time, the Hon. Steven Miles, to secure the funding necessary to deliver the new Renal Dialysis Unit.

“Many dialysis patients will no longer need to make an arduous trip to Townsville three times a week to receive this life-changing treatment.

“This is an exciting milestone for the Ingham Hospital, and we thank the State Government and Queensland Health for delivering this important project but the fight is not over.

“The next important infrastructure necessary for a fully functioning Ingham Hospital is a CT Scanner and emergency ward upgrades.

Mr Dametto once again applauded those who helped in securing this important essential health service for the Hinchinbrook electorate and thanked Hutchinson Builders and subcontractors for turning this vision into the bricks and mortar facility that has officially been opened yesterday.

“Projects like these create jobs for our region and it’s great to see some of the total spend being funnelled right into our local economy by the use of local subcontractors to deliver parts of this project.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter , congratulated the communities of Ingham and Charters Towers and their state MPs, Nick Dametto and Robbie Katter MP , for securing renal dialysis units for their hospitals.

Mr Katter said it gave him strong belief that they could also secure CT scanners for the hospitals in Ingham and Charters Towers, and he would be seeking funding off the next Federal Government.

“We have aging populations, people who’ve worked hard their whole life, and they deserve adequate health care in their own towns,” Mr Katter said.

“Having to drive multiple times a week to Townsville for healthcare is not an ideal situation.

“The new renal dialysis units in our hospitals shows that having a minor party MP like Nick Dametto or Robbie Katter means you can secure great outcomes out of governments. We also thank the local fighters from the community health networks who fought this battle.”

– ENDS –

Government Inaction and Apathy helped Destroy Queensland's Dairy Industry

Thu, 05 May 2022 03:55:28 GMT

Member for Hill Shane Knuth has hit out at Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud after his recent comments in Australian Dairy Farmer News blaming drought and supermarkets on the drastic decline in dairy farm numbers.

Mr Knuth said that it was an LNP Federal Government who deregulated the Dairy Industry in 2000 and handed complete power and control of the industry and market to processors and the major supermarkets.

Mr Knuth said that while drought and major supermarkets certainly played a huge part in the decline of the industry, particularly through the dollar a litre milk wars era, both the Federal and State Government stood by and allowed this to happen, despite constant warnings and appeals from KAP MP's and the industry.

“It's a bit disingenuous for the Federal Ag Minister to deflect and lay blame at others, while the Federal Government has stood by for the last two decades, given processors and major supermarkets a free pass and shown little interest in fixing the industry,” Mr Knuth said.

“For years, I and my Federal counterpart Bob Katter have been warning both State and Federal Governments that we need to improve legislation to give dairy farmers a better price for their milk.”

“In 2016, I introduced to Queensland Parliament a bill to legislate for a ‘Fair Milk Logo’ to indicate that the milk producer was paid a fair price for their milk, which was voted against by both major parties."

Federal KAP Member Bob Katter also introduced a Farm Gate to Plate Bill in 2011 to legislate for a set minimum farm gate price paid to Dairy Farmers for their product.

"The decline in dairy farms in Queensland since deregulation by the feds is startling. Prior to deregulation in 2000, there were more than 270 dairy farms on the Atherton Tablelands alone. Now we have less than 50.

“Across the state there were 1,500 farms, which has now fallen to well below 300.”

Mr Knuth said it was about time that the Australian Government recognised the need to strengthen laws surrounding supermarket prices for milk but warned this could be an election commitment that isn’t followed through.

“More pressure and legislation needs to be introduced to ensure large corporations give dairy farmers a fair price.

This is a Federal and State government responsibility, which needs government action, not blame shaming."

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, strongly agreed with Shane Knuth’s criticism of the Federal Government’s dairy policies, and said it was the LNP Government that imposed national competition policy upon the states.

“Qld Labor Premier Peter Beattie, who comes from the Atherton dairy area, held off deregulation for two years,” Mr Katter said.

“In the end it was a cowardly action that he signed up to the national competition policy that has destroyed the industry and continues to see many farmers walk off the land.

“The dairy organisations, I might add, did not stand up and fight either. Farmers lost dairy quotas worth $500,000 in annual earnings, all for a one-off payment of $100,000.

“The current Federal Agriculture Minister is a devout believer in the free market. He does not believe in any government interference.

“So the two giant supermarkets that control 90 percent of food sales in Australia can set the price of milk to the consumer at any price they like, and they can set the price to the farmer at any level they want.

“Before deregulation the dairy farmers were getting 60 cents a litre, then after deregulation they were getting 39 cents a litre. But the price of milk to consumers actually went up. So, piggy in the middle is making an extra $1,000m a year in extra profit. The farmers are getting less, and the consumers are paying more. Big powerful corporations are running this country.

“We need arbitration and collective bargaining back in the dairy industry. This would mean farmers can negotiate a fair price for their milk. Otherwise, we are simply serfs to foreign landlords.”

-ENDS-

Katter takes gloves off in TV and social media campaign

Wed, 04 May 2022 02:59:52 GMT

A CHEEKY social media and TV advertising campaign by Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, highlighting flaws in the major parties that are regularly raised by North Queensland voters, will hit TV screens and social media feeds from today.

One of the 30 second ads, ‘The Great Comparison’, has Bob Katter ripping a ukulele out of the Prime Minister’s hands and getting him to sign a contract to build the Bradfield Scheme.

The same ad also compares Labor Leader Anthony Albanese doing a Women’s Weekly photoshoot, with Bob Katter carrying a 40kg bunch of bananas at a farm near Innisfail, North Queensland.

The advertisement goes on to focus on the differences between Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) and the major parties including, prioritising Australian farmers over imported products, a push for Australian made ethanol fuel, freedom of choice for covid vaccines, and a tenacious opposition to the selloff of government assets like the Port of Darwin and the electricity industry.

The final scene of the ad is Mr Katter shaping up in a boxing ring taking off his gloves. Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said while the ad has a lighter side, Australians were enraged by State and Federal Governments who had continuously sold off assets and land to the highest bidder, most of the time to a foreign company or individual.

“Of all the things that set me off into a rage and fury, ultimately it is the sale of Australia,” Mr Katter said.

“The biggest mining companies were Australian owned, now they are foreign owned. The biggest owners of farmland in Australia are foreigners.

“What is wrong with us as a people? We should rise-up in rage against the Liberal National Party and the Labor Party. It is not your asset to sell off. It was the people’s asset. There should have at least been a vote as to whether you sold off assets like the Commonwealth Bank, Qantas or Telstra.”

The second ad launching tomorrow is a video of residents of the Kennedy electorate holding signs saying, ‘not for’, at banana farms, cattle properties, mines, railways, and beaches.

The final scene is of Bob Katter planting an Australian flag into the ground and the words ‘not for sale’ flash onto the screen.

-ENDS

Cassowary Coast Tackle Bin Project collects 5km of fishing line

Tue, 03 May 2022 06:55:35 GMT

TWO tackle bins installed at the Perry Harvey Jetty and Clump Point Boat Ramp at Mission Beach have collected 1,100 cigarette butts, five kilometres of fishing line, over 400 bait bags, and 400 hooks, in the first six months since their installation.

Fishing tackle and other litter that finds its way into the environment can be fatal for wildlife through ingestion and entanglement.

The Hinchinbrook Cassowary Coast Local Marine Advisory Committee worked tenaciously to secure Federal Government funding to get this tackle bin project off the ground with support from a partnership with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Reef Clean, Mako Oil, and Hinchinbrook Cassowary Coast Local Marine Advisory Committee.

Carmen Walker, the secretary of the Hinchinbrook Cassowary Coast Local Marine Advisory Committee, said it was the invaluable efforts and time from the volunteers who service these bins that had made the project a big success.

“It has been so successful that the second round of bins will be installed at more onshore fishing hotspots in the near future,” Carmen Walker said.

“It was great to get all the stakeholders together for a photo to celebrate the tackle bin project’s success, and that all the signage has been installed.”

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said North Queenslanders loved their natural wonderland and it was great to see the Mission Beach and Cassowary Coast community working together to keep the ocean clean from fishing debris.

“If we want to get tourists and backpackers back to our slice of paradise then we need to look after it,” Mr Katter said.

“This is a very practical solution, a simple idea with a fantastic outcome. Clearly with the amount of rubbish collected, our local fishermen have jumped onboard and are supporting this initiative.

“With the Clump Point Boat Ramp now also installed, Mission Beach is living up to its status as one of the world’s must-do-tourism experiences.”

-ENDS-

Tablelands Crime crisis: State ignores pleas for relocation sentencing

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:56:37 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says the State Government has failed North Queenslanders by not acting on crime, after meeting with 25-year-old Mareeba business owner Zac Kroonenburg and co-owner Jared Yates, whose pet shop has been targeted by offenders five times including graffiti, shoplifting, vandalism, and theft - costing more than $5,000.

Mr Kroonenburg, the owner of Fantasy Tails Pet Shop, says stock has been damaged in the shop and that incidents mean his insurance premiums will likely rise.

“It’s frustrating because it feels like there is nothing we can do,” he said.

“Our premiums are going to go up and it’s likely we won’t get any restitution. It’s not a good time to be

doing business.

“We caught one of the incidents on CCTV. Police identified the guy who had also kicked in the door of the KFC in Mareeba that night.”

Bob Katter says his party, the KAP, has been screaming out for relocation sentencing but has been ignored by the State Government.

The policy gives Magistrates the option to send youth offenders to an outback relocation sentencing facility in Kajabbi where the teens will be given valuable education and training in skills such as brick laying, fencing, livestock management, house building, cooking and much more.

Under the current youth justice regime, teenagers are either locked away in detention centres at extreme costs to the taxpayer without any hope of rehabilitation, or they are let back on the street and continue offending.

Mr Katter said the State Government was so emasculated that they had no ability to act on youth crime.

“I will be having discussions with Mareeba community figures and the legendary Tim White, from Kapani Warriors, about how we can move on relocation sentencing without the State Government,” he said.

“The State Government is so paralysed that we have to figure out ways of doing this ourselves. If relocation sentencing goes ahead, these kids will come back with skills and purpose, rather than the current cycle that increases crime.

“Relocation sentencing is based on the old law of banishment from 250 years ago, where if you played up you were sent bush. You were only allowed to return to the tribe when you were prepared to be civilised.”

-ENDS-

Katter-Toon Call Out

jai@clearpixel.com.au (Jai Warner) — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 03:41:08 GMT

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KAP plan for cheap renewable fuel and electricity

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 05:24:04 GMT

KATTER’S AUSTRLIAN PARTY (KAP) MPs and candidates in Far North Queensland, including Bob Katter, Shane Knuth, and Rod Jensen, are pushing for the installation of increased capacity of co-generation electricity and steam (made from bagasse) in the region’s sugar mills, as well as the development of plants that produce ethanol fuel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said fuel and electricity sovereignty and security had never been more essential as China continues its aggressive move into the South Pacific and Russia wages war in Europe cutting supplies of key resources.

Mr Katter said moving on bioenergy and biofuels will allow Far North Queensland to lead Australia in providing critical, sustainable energy and fuel services, at an affordable price to the benefit of mills, growers, and the community at large.

“If the KAP have the balance of power after the election, we will use our extraordinary amount of influence to get a Sovereign Fuel Security Bill through federal parliament, which includes a nationwide renewable fuels mandate,” he said.

“This would mean a nearly 20 percent benefit from normal petrol prices to sugarcane farmers, and it would reduce the price of petrol as ethanol fuel would cost $1.05 to $1.10 a litre to produce.”

Mr Katter said sugar mills are now in a unique position to provide baseload electricity if other agricultural and council waste can be used for power production in the months when cane isn’t being crushed.

Currently Queensland’s sugar mills produce enough electricity to power the towns of Mackay and Bundaberg, and the Australian Sugar Milling Council says 1,000 MWs of co-generation could be developed in total. [1]

“Growers can’t compete with Brazil who have ethanol and Thailand and India who have heavy subsidies. Biofuels and bioenergy production would diversify income streams for growers and mills,” Mr Katter said.

“Former Airforce Air Vice-Marshal, John Blackburn, is one hundred precent right in saying that a secure supply of electricity and fuel are essential for national security. [2]

“China has control of 40 percent of the electricity industry. If electricity is cut off then you have no water supply and no sewerage, as they are powered by electric pumps.

“Liddell coal fired power station is closing [3] and if another two close you’ll be on intermittent power. You’ll have to pray to the Good Lord that the sun shines at night and the wind blows 24/7. So, if we can get sustainable baseload power from our sugar mills than that will be a huge advantage. I will add that any new biofuels or bioenergy plants should be Australian owned.”

State Member for Hill, Shane Knuth, said high prices laid squarely at the foot of State and Federal Governments who had done nothing to address fuel security or to develop a biofuels industry.

“It was the KAP that lead the charge and introduced a four percent ethanol mandate into the Queensland parliament, which became law,” he said.

“The State Government are doing nothing to properly enforce this mandate. Communities from Port Douglas to South East Queensland are reliant on a strong sugar cane industry and yet neither level of government is doing anything to diversify and strengthen it.”

KAP Candidate for the federal seat of Leichhardt, Rod Jensen, said governments should look at systems already in place when investing in sustainable energy.

“Co-generation and ethanol from sugar mills are ready to go with installations to existing mills and growing areas,” he said.

“We know that Europe, the USA and Brazil already heavily invest in bioenergy and ethanol, but in Australia we are way behind.

“We could add hundreds of jobs to the sugar industry and power thousands of homes if both levels of government back bioenergy and biofuels production. Our communities are sustained through our growers and the mills.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://asmc.com.au/sugar-industry-seeks-federal-election-support-for-regional-queensland-jobs-and-growth-11-april-2022/

[2] https://asmc.com.au/sugar-industry-seeks-federal-election-support-for-regional-queensland-jobs-and-growth-11-april-2022/

[3] https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/agl-takes-first-step-in-closing-the-liddell-power-station/news-story/28f171d73ed7acd877c5af142d9fede2

Residents speak up against proposed wind farms bordering world heritage rainforests

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 07:17:07 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, attended a community meeting on the weekend in Tully, with residents expressing their concerns about major wind farms proposed along the Great Dividing Range behind world heritage rainforests in north Queensland.

The developments include the under construction Kaban wind farm (28 turbines), the proposed Chalumbin wind farm (94 turbines), and the proposed Mount Fox wind farm (97 turbines).

Mr Katter said he supported wind farms in locations like Hughenden where there isn’t a high proliferation of birdlife, wildlife, and rainforest, but said he tenaciously opposed the projects along the Great Dividing Range.

“When you put it here you are putting it beside the greatest proliferation of birdlife in the world,” Mr Katter said.

“The developers want to put these wind farms and their 70-meter-wide access roads on the tops of mountains which causes erosion.

“They are placing the wind farms here because it is on the existing transmission lines and cheap for them, but it sure is expense for nature and our wildlife. The people in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane might not care about our wildlife but we certainly do.”

Mr Katter said he supported a moratorium on wind farms being constructed beside world heritage rainforests along the Great Dividing Range.

In a recent letter, Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley confirmed that the Chalumbin and Upper Burdekin wind farms are being assessed under the EPBC Act, and that the public will have a chance to have their say.

“What is our beautiful nature wonderland is being turned into an industrial wasteland,” he said.

“The opponents of these wind farms are making great progress. We’ve had three meetings with Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley who can block these wind farms under the EPBC Act. She’s promised to come up to Ravenshoe. I put the wind farm developers on notice, that they should notify their investors of these developments.

“The State Government has also told the developers of the Chalumbin wind farm that their environmental reports were not up to scratch and to redo them.

“If the State and Federal Governments are fair-dinkum about saving the planet then they should build Copperstring transmission line between Townsville and Mount Isa and build the wind farms out west where there’s no rainforest or high proliferation of wildlife.”

-ENDS-

Ergon workers the Superheroes of Julia Creek – Bob Katter

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 07:35:58 GMT

Dear Editor,

The absolute imperative for the Copperstring transmission line was demonstrated yet again this week.

Some 3,000 people came to the Dirt N Dust festival, one of the biggest events in north west Queensland.

Australia’s top rodeo riders and adventure athletes compete here, but on Friday night the power supply was cut off.

One little strand of wire with hardly enough power to carry the western grid, it snaps or has a hiccup, and the lights go out.

If you don’t care about the people that provide you with your biggest source of income - the mining industry - and if you don’t care about the fifth biggest industry, cattle, and the people that make the money to pay for your hospitals, then know this, if you keep treating these industries like dirt, then you will have no industries.

The North West Minerals Province produces $8,000 million in export earnings every year.

It represents a significant proportion of Australia’s entire export earnings and yet it is mostly powered off a little, tiny gas fired power station.

Thanks to the State and Federal Governments, we sold all our gas for 6c a unit and now we Australians have to buy it back for $16 a unit.

So, it is fuelled on the most expensive fuel in the world, Australian gas, small, with no economies of scale.

And that is what’s propping up $8,000 million in exports.

We have seen a staggering $200 million loss in value in one mine alone due to intermittent power problems. And the privatisation of the railways was costing tens of millions of dollars every year because under privatisation, the necessary repairs and upgrades simply don’t happen.

So, the tiny, little Ergon workforce that are left after the state government sacked 2,500 workers, are the superheroes who soldiered on all night, through the night, and did everything humanly possible to get the lights back on.

Thanks fellas.

Bob Katter MP.

We must defend our island nation

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 07:24:20 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says Australians should stand to defend their island against an aggressive Chinese Communist Party regime moving into the South Pacific, who only this week signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands.

During a passionate address, Mr Katter invoked Winston Churchill when attacking the Federal Government for leaving Australian ill prepared to defend itself.

“We can’t compete in a buying war with China. It’s basically the biggest economy on earth and we are a little tiny country. We can’t compete and we don’t compete,” Mr Katter said.

“British PM, Churchill said in World War 2, ‘we will stand to defend our island.’ They were outnumbered 50 to one. Guess who won in the end?

“Look at the Ukraine, holding off Russia one of the biggest armies in the world, it should be an inspiration to all of us.”

Mr Katter has slammed the Federal Government for failing to develop arms, sovereign fuel security and missiles to defend against the threat from the Chinese Communist Party.

“In four and a half years you haven't built a rifle, a machine gun, you’ve stupidly built patrol boats that has only got machine gun on ’em,” he said.

“Jeez, that’ll terrify the Chinese, having that machine gun on those patrol boats. $60 million for a patrol boat that has a machine gun on it. It should have had 40 missiles on it.

“Every boy and girl in high school should be trained how to use a rifle, and those rifles should be stored in school armouries.

“We have three days fuel supply. The govt. will argue it’s 30 days, but there will be kilometre long queues at service stations if China embargoes our oil.

“The crossbench in Canberra agrees we need to tackle the issue of fuel sovereignty and security.

“The four-point plan includes Australian made ethanol, turning suburban waste into diesel (as is being done in Gladstone by Southern Oils), banning the export of Australia oil so that we refine it here, and Australian made electric vehicles for the cities.”

-ENDS-

Federal Labor plan to lock in FNQ’s economic demise with Kuranda plan

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 07:30:44 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, said Labor’s announcement of $200m to upgrade the Kuranda Range Road would lock in Far North Queensland’s economic demise, and instead the high-speed, $1.5 billion Bridle Track Tunnel should be built, opening up the Chillagoe Minerals Province and expanding farming in the Tablelands and Gulf, to a port at Cairns or Yarrabah.

“Widening the Kuranda route will still leave Far North Queensland with a long, windy road that will still close 40-plus times a year, an unreliable bridge, and an hour-long commute between Mareeba and Cairns,” Mr Katter said.

“The major parties have poured billions of dollars into tunnels in Brisbane. Why is it that they spit upon us and refuse to build a tunnel in Far North Queensland?

“The Bridle Track Tunnel will mean a 20-minute drive between Mareeba and Cairns, and it will open up mining and irrigation farming on the Tablelands, Gulf and Cape because we will have access to a port. We will remain bound up like a lotus foot unless we get the Bridle Track Tunnel.

“If you say we can’t get the money for it, then you are wrong. Nearly $2,000m has been spent on the divided highway between Gordonvale and Cairns in the Kennedy electorate.

“If the people of Leichhardt want to keep getting second best, keep voting for the LNP and ALP. Governments should be facilitating, not ‘stifling’ economic development.”

KAP candidate for Leichhardt, Rod Jensen said merely upgrading the Karanda road access is ludicrous.

“To do so would place further undue strain on an access road that is already dangerous and often un-usable for drivers,” Mr Jensen said.

“Road works for any period places strain on agriculture and tourism to and from the Tablelands to Cairns.

“What is being touted here is subjecting road users to years of perpetual road works and stop-start traffic lasting into the foreseeable future. We must build the Bridle Track Tunnel.”

-ENDS-

Katter calls for $200 a fortnight boost to the age pension

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:41:10 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says the 2.6 million people on the age pension should receive an increase of $100 a week ($200 a fortnight), which would support older Australians dealing with the soaring cost of living.

To pay for the $14 billion a year policy, the Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP says the Federal Government should place a five percent surcharge (primage) on all imports into Australia which would generate $20 billion a year [1] and give Australian industry and workers a competitive advantage.

“If you want to buy something from China instead of Australia, then you should pay 10 percent more for it,” Mr Katter said.

“It might teach people to buy Australian made and not from overseas.

“People who have worked their whole lives for our nation can’t afford to live on the age pension payment they are getting now. Some people on the pension did not have superannuation for most of their working life.

“Single pensioners can currently earn $180 a fortnight before their pension is reduced. I think that figure should be increased so that pensioners can work if they want to, without being penalised. [2]

Bob Katter was kicked into action by 93-year-old Townsville pensioner, Kevin Pattel.

“I’m 93 years old and am fortunate to have my eight children who keep me on. They buy my clothes, my groceries so my life is more fortunate than others my age who can’t even buy food to eat,” he said.

“Life is impossible for pensioners and after the election, the prices are only going to keep going up. They are going to go sky high – 700 percent in some things.

“Bob has always been a carer to the people, and I had to reach out to Bob to stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves.”

KAP candidate for Herbert, Clynton Hawks, said much like wages the pension hasn’t moved with the cost of living and to him, that is a disgrace.

“These pensioners built this country and deserved to be looked after, not thrown to the wayside,” he said.

“You go to the supermarket, and you probably don’t even notice but the pensioners only have the essentials in their trolleys - milk, bread, butter and a bit of fruit because that is all they can afford.

“By the time our pensioners pay for the rent and fuel they are only left with two coins to rub together for the essentials.

“The Katter’s Australian Party will fight for our pensioners and will fight to see their pensions raised by $100 a week so they can fill their trolleys.”

KAP Candidate for Leichhardt, Rod Jensen, supported the policy saying that it tackled the critical issue of affordable living.

“Where we are at the current rate for pensioners is having a serious impact on the livelihoods of our elderly across the north,” Mr Jensen said.

“They are struggling with almost every day-to-day necessity, from overcrowding in houses, to issues around fuel and transport, and being able to easily access medical aid and food.

“If you are living in the elderly population in Leichhardt, there’s no doubt that it limits your ability to live your life to a good and proper standard and what you see at the end of the day are impacts on self-esteem as well medical impacts due to being unable to sustain necessary core nutrition.

“There is a large cohort of elderly that want to work, could contribute massively to our community but are unable due to the current restrictions.

“Pensioners should be able to get out and do a bit of work and contribute their skills to the community.

“We need to get them out and about, so they are not being confined to their houses all day.”

-ENDS-

[1] www.dfat.gov.au/publications/trade-and-investment/trade-and-investment-glance-2021
[2] https://www.dss.gov.au/seniors/programmes-services/work-bonus

Mining projects must go ahead, says Katter

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 07:44:55 GMT

INFRASTRUCTURE projects that will facilitate new coal and copper mines in North Queensland must go ahead and will be key policies Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, negotiates for in a balance of power situation after the federal election.

Commitments from the major parties on a taxpayer-owned, multi-user rail line into the Galilee Coal Basin, a new low-emissions coal fired power station in North Queensland, and the Copperstring Transmission line (taking the national energy grid from Townsville to Mount Isa) would have a heavy weighting on Katter’s decision making.

“The people of North Queensland are very concerned that the LNP and Labor have signed up to Net Zero by 2050 and sold out their mining jobs,” Mr Katter said.

“A vote for the KAP will ensure that these vital industries continue to flourish in North Queensland.”

Bob Katter says the future of the North West Minerals Province (the greater Cloncurry and Mount Isa region) is dependent on construction of the Copperstring transmission line starting in the next few months.

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP said the State Government had failed to pass the necessary regulatory framework so that construction can begin, and the Federal Government had not stumped up the funds yet.

Mr Katter said the major parties had proven they were good at doing paperwork but were not good at building or delivering infrastructure.

“The only industry that has ever prospered under the ALP and LNP is the paper industry. We are at another election and still the Federal Government has not facilitated the funding for the Copperstring transmission line, they’ve got the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) and the Critical Minerals fund, not actually building any infrastructure,” he said.

“At the last state election, the Premier stood in front of Mount Isa Mines and said, ‘we will build Copperstring’. Well, it’s two years later and she still hasn’t passed the necessary legislation and regulations so that construction of the transmission line can proceed,” Mr Katter said.

“The miners of the North West Minerals province are reliant on the world market prices for gas, which are through the roof with the Ukraine conflict. The United States with a reserve resource policy pays $6 to $10 a unit for gas. We are hopelessly non-competitive unless we can connect to the national electricity grid with the Copperstring transmission line.

“Mount Isa used to be a town of 30,000 people until the State Labor Government introduced FIFO mining in the 1990s. We will not combat this population decline unless we get Copperstring and open new mining operations.

“We got a stay-of-execution through the State Government at the last state election when they gave concessions to Glencore to keep the Copper Smelter running. We will not open more copper mines and keep the smelter running unless we can get competitively priced power.”

-ENDS-

Easter weekend reflection – Bob Katter

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 07:54:35 GMT

Dear Editor,

In country music writer, Stan Coster’s song, ‘God Will Prevail’ he wrote,

“They say we have nothing from Jesus to fear,

No one has seen Him for two thousand years,

And according to science ‘tis a nice fairy tale.

But on the great day of judgement, God will prevail.

When life's running smooth God is far from our minds,

We say we've been lucky or smart, but I find,

When the sad things and bad things should darken our day,

Then we ask him to help us, in a most selfish way.”

Coster is right. Surely, we should see the richness of living that Christianity brings, and not just turn to God in the bad times.

I believe that the Medici's may be the most important family in human history.

To quote the BBC, the Medici's were the Renaissance.

They had a thirst for science, the creation of beauty, a whole new world and way of thinking. The Medici's were also the Popes of Rome throughout most of the 1500's.

The wonderful stories of Martin Luther Kind, William Wilberforce & Gorbachev.

Like the Medici's these people gave us inspiration in their fight to create a better world.

Written beneath the flag at Eureka Stockade - 'Every man dies, but not every man lives.'

Christianity is about the passion of Jesus and arguably the cruellest death humans could ever conceive. The irony was that the Romans could conquer others, but they could never conquer their own personal demons and live a much richer life.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

Regards,

Bob Katter MP.

Time to end slum housing developments in Far North Qld

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:38:42 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says 300 square metre housing blocks are no place for families to grow up in, and has proclaimed that it is time to end ‘slum housing developments’ in Far North Queensland.

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP says the Bridle Track Tunnel must be built from Cairns to the Tablelands, and that acreage housing blocks can be developed in localities like Koah, Speewah and Davies Creek.

“This will allow a 19-minute commute to and from work, but more importantly for kids to grow up playing rugby league in the backyard, riding motorbikes, boiling a billy, camping, and shooting,” he said.

“The great attraction of Far North Queensland is the open spaces. So, I don’t know why we have moved to having slum housing blocks like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. They have no place up here.

“So, let’s punch a hole through the range, and open up the land for affordable housing. Let our people have their own kingdoms.

Mr Katter said that the Federal Government should intervene in the process of subdivisions in what he described as a failure of state and local governments.

“The restrictions and requirements of subdivisions have jacked up the price of a block of land to over $100,000 to $200,000,” Mr Katter said.

“The costs of curbing, channelling, headworks charges etc. have made the costs astronomical. The cost to construct a house has also risen, you need to put scaffolding around it during construction which costs $25,000, and you must have insulation now which costs $50,000.

“The Federal Government is handing out money for people to build houses which means demand is increasing but supply is decreasing. All this does is increase property prices. The Federal Government should step in and address the supply of housing by creating acreage block subdivisions without all the restrictions and requirements under the State and Local Government rules.

“Charters Towers used to be under the Mining Act, and we had no restrictions on subdivisions and a block of land cost you $7,000. When we went under the restrictive State and Local Government Act the price of a block went through the roof to $140,000 then settled back to $70,000. The restrictions are increasing the cost of land by ten-fold.”

Mr Katter said it was critical acreage housing developments did not encroach on agricultural land.

“The long-term viability of sugar mills and other crops is crucial to the economy of North Queensland, so we’ve got to be careful here,” he said.

-ENDS-

Time to end slum housing developments in North Queensland

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:33:09 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says 300 square metre housing blocks are no place for families to grow up in, and has proclaimed that it is time to end ‘slum housing developments’ in North Queensland.

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP is proposing a 120km an/hr, four-lane, super-fast, divided highway, be constructed between Townsville and Ingham, and that acreage housing blocks be developed in the Northern Beaches areas (Balgal Beach, Toomulla, Bluewater, Rollingstone, Forrest Beach, Saunders Beach etc) by the Federal Government.

“This will allow quick commuting to and from work, but more importantly for kids to grow up playing rugby league in the backyard, riding motorbikes, boiling a billy, camping, and shooting,” he said.

“The great attraction of North Queensland is the open spaces. So, I don’t know why we have moved to having slum housing blocks like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. They have no place up here.”

Mr Katter said that the Federal Government should intervene in the process of subdivisions in what he described as a failure of state and local governments.

“The restrictions and requirements of subdivisions have jacked up the price of a block of land to over $100,000 to $200,000,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter said it was critical acreage housing developments did not encroach on sugar cane land.

“The long-term viability of sugar mills is crucial to the economy of North Queensland, so we’ve got to be careful here,” he said.

“There is so much prime beach land not being used and we can also put housing on the periphery of the mountains. The other advantage of this proposal is that we will increase the number of ratepayers in Council areas like Hinchinbrook and the Cassowary Coast.”

-ENDS-

Forgotten opportunity of biofuels is a national shame: KAP

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 04:11:25 GMT

Katter’s Australian Party MPs have labelled the Prime Minister’s propping up of Australia’s two existing oil refineries as “maintenance of the status quo”, and a move that would do little to genuinely improve the nation’s fuel security. ^[1]

KAP Federal MP for Kennedy, Bob Katter, said there should be a ban on the export of Australian oil, and that oil should be refined in Australian owned and operated refineries – taking the nation’s fuel self-sufficiency to 30 percent.

In response to the nation’s dismal fuel security situation, the KAP is heavily pushing for development of the biofuels sector and has declared that the failure of successive governments to prioritise the industry had cost an untold amount of employment and economic opportunities for regional Queensland.

KAP Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said a number of proposed biofuels plants in North Queensland – including at Ingham ^[2] , Pentland ^[3] and in the Burdekin ^[4] – remained on ice due to indefensible government indifference towards developing Australia’s biofuels capacity.

He said, in Queensland, the failure of the Palaszczuk Labor Government to ensure multi-national oil companies and major fuel retailers were complying with the State’s four per cent ethanol mandate was at the heart of the problem.

“Both the State and Federal governments are guilty of failing to adequately develop the biofuels industry,” he said.

“Biofuels – notably ethanol – was the buzzword of the renewables industry 10 or so years ago and despite voting in the ethanol and biodiesel mandates back in 2015, the Queensland Government have paid almost no attention to them.

“We are seeing a petrol sales compliance rate of around 2.9 per cent, when legally it needs to be four – the KAP ultimately wants to see a 10 per cent ethanol mandate in place because we know this is when the true financial, employment and environmental potential of the resource will become evident.

“If you talk to millers and growers, including in my region, they’ll tell you they would love to invest in producing ethanol but that there is ‘no money it’.

“This doesn’t need to be the case.”

Mr Dametto is currently preparing a Private Member’s Bill, due for introduction into the Queensland Parliament next month, that will address issues with the current mandate.

Mr Katter said a nationwide biofuels mandate was one of the four solutions he had been pushing for through his proposed Sovereign Fuel Security Bill.

The other measures include waste-to-diesel technology, Australian made EVs for metropolitan based public servants, and a ban on the export of Australia’s indigenous oil supply which will boost the nation’s domestic refining capacity.

“If China embargoes our fuel that is mostly supplied out of Singapore and South Korea, then we will have no fuel and see massive queues at every petrol station in Australia,” Mr Katter said.

“The Government says we have 30 days fuel supply, but I don’t even think it will last three days if there’s a rush on. We must have supply of electricity and fuel if we are to survive as a country.

“Under our Sovereign Fuel Security Bill, Australia will be 80 percent self-sufficient in fuel, rather than the current status quo which is about 10 days.

“If the Federal Parliament doesn’t act on sovereign fuel security, China could take control of our country in two weeks – game over, so let’s act now!

“Farmers are paying 100 percent increases on two major cost input items: fuel and fertiliser. Electricity has also gone up 300 percent. You just can’t keep farming under these conditions. We must bring down fuel and fertiliser costs if farmers are to survive.”

The rising cost of living, exacerbated by fuel price hikes due to the global supply shortage and Australia’s lack of sovereign fuel production capacity, has been repeatedly named as the key concern among voters ahead of the May Federal Election. ^[5]

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-13/federal-election-live-blog-scott-morrison-anthony-albanese/100987060

2 https://www.nqbioenergy.com.au/

3 https://arena.gov.au/projects/pentland-bioenergy-project/

4 https://www.austcane.com.au/burdekin-plant

5 https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/cost-of-living-top-of-mind-for-voters-as-pandemic-concern-wanes-20220318-p5a5qp

- ENDS –

Letter to the Editor: Which of the major parties will back North Qld?

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 02:58:48 GMT

Dear Editor,

On the campaign trail, one of the most common questions asked is, ‘which of the major parties will the Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) back in a hung parliament?’

In his recent debate, our Leichhardt Candidate, Rod Jensen, rightly said that the pertinent question is, ‘which of the major parties will back North Queensland?’

People think there is a great big difference between Labor and the LNP and that the world will end if one or the other gets into power, but let’s look at their records.

Both parties have signed up to net zero emissions by 2050 and the subsequent destruction of North Queensland’s mining industries and jobs, which will see our power bills skyrocket.

People criticise Labor Governments for spending too much of their money, but this LNP Government has spent more money than any other Government in Australian history and we are in debt for one trillion dollars.

Both parties voted in the Queensland Parliament to enforce debilitating restrictions and regulations on North Queensland’s sugar cane farmers. Only the KAP stood up.

Both major parties are pushing to destroy the Bradfield scheme by building a small version of Hells Gates Dam that doesn’t send the water west.

On social issues, it was the LNP who legislated same-sex marriage. Labor have introduced full term abortions in Queensland, but the Liberals in South Australia and New South Wales introduced full term abortions. Labor passed euthanasia in Queensland, but the Liberals passed it in NSW.

As Gideon Rozner from the Institute of Public Affairs said, ‘voting for the major parties is a choice between whether you like the taste of Pepsi or the taste of Coke.’

When you vote for a KAP Candidate you are voting for someone who answers to North Queensland, not Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or corporate and foreign interests.

If there is a balance of power situation, the KAP will put a list of demands in front of the major parties.

When you vote KAP you are voting for a Party fighting for the Revised Bradfield Scheme so we can irrigate the rich black soils of North West Qld. You are voting for a taxpayer owned, multi-user rail line into the Galilee Basin to open that rich coal resource, and for the construction of the Copperstring transmission line to expand the North West Minerals Province.

You are voting for a new tunnel and road from Cairns to the Tablelands. You are voting to restore our once free society, freedom of choice, a right to protect your home, property rights, protection for farmers against the big supermarkets, and a right to own firearms.

Regards,

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter.

Bob Katter – “The gloves are off”

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 06:07:05 GMT

NORTH QUEENSLANDER, Bob Katter, says he will continue to fight the tide of destruction caused by the policy decisions of the major parties as he seeks re-election in the seat of Kennedy at the forthcoming federal election, and warned that the gloves were coming off.

Mr Katter said he was tenaciously opposed to the net-zero emissions policy of the Liberal National Party (LNP) and Labor, which he says will destroy North Queensland’s three major industries, coal, cane, and cattle.

“Till the day I’m pushing up daisies I’m coming after the ALP and LNP with ruthless brutality,” Mr Katter said.

“Under the ALP and LNP free-market policies they collectively sold the railways, privatised the electricity industry, and deregulated the wool, maize, tobacco, fishing, peanuts, pork, eggs, sugar, and dairy industries. A trail of destruction that has wiped out half of Australia’s farmers, owner-operator businessmen and farmworkers. The only people who gained were the big supermarkets.

“They’re now putting coal mining, coal power stations, cane and cattle industries on the altar of their green ideology. Not on my watch.”

Mr Katter said he was sick of hearing talk about building infrastructure in North Queensland and will demand bulldozers hit the ground.

“To my knowledge there hasn’t been a single job creating development in the last four years of this Government,” Mr Katter said.

“Nor has there been anything from the Queensland Labor Government. They’re both going-to-do things, but that’s all they are, ‘Gunna-dos’.”

“The Federal LNP have frittered away $1,000m in studies and reports without building a dam, or producing an engineering plan. All while the Hughenden Irrigation Scheme, Hells Gates Dam (built to 395m above sea level to facilitate the Bradfield Scheme) [1] , Charters Tower’s Big Rocks Weir, the Tableland’s North Johnstone Transfer, and Ingham’s Stone River Weirs are ready to go. The old Country Party, under Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, was building a dam a year, yet the ALP and LNP have built none.”

Mr Katter said he would stand on his record of achieving things, despite the pedestrian nature of the major parties.

“I am not telling you what I am going to do. I’ll tell you what I’ve done,” he said.

“Serious money is being spent on the Flinders Highway from Hughenden to Cloncurry, and we’ve sealed the Hann Highway freight route that takes the

Tableland’s fruit and veg to the Melbourne/Sydney markets.

“We got the reversal of Glencore’s decision to close the copper smelter in Mount Isa which saved thousands of jobs in North West Queensland and Townsville (I put on public record my thanks to a retired ALP person, Robbie Katter and a Federal ALP member who assisted us). Unless we get the Copperstring Transmission line going in the next six months, then this work will come undone, and the copper mining industry is doomed.

“We’ve also secured the $10,000m Reinsurance Pool for Northern Australia with the good work of George Christensen and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce. We delivered Tully’s sports Grandstand, and the Mission Beach rock wall – providing the only safe harbour between Cairns and Townsville.

“The ALP and LNP handed over to me a goat track from the Cairns CBD to Gordonvale when that area came into the Kennedy electorate, and now we’ve got $2,000m in upgrades thanks to local fighters like Edmonton’s Fran Lindsay and Peter Piccone, and Gordonvale’s Brett Moller.

“The major parties should be fixing up the Kuranda Range Road debacle, by building a new route from Cairns to Mareeba/Atherton, called the Bridle Track Tunnel. It is closed 40-plus times a year for an average of seven hours and there’s multiple deaths a year. Instead of fighting for a new tunnel and highway in their electorate, the ALP and LNP have been telling us we don’t need it.”

Mr Katter said the Federal LNP Government can’t even fund and grow market gardens in the First Australian community area, which the Prime Minister promised to him in late 2018.

“They are still completing feasibility studies for market gardens four years on,” Mr Katter said.

“Well, the Mayor of Mornington Island, Kyle Yanner, and myself couldn’t wait any longer and we planted some fruit and vegetable trees ourselves. [2]

“People are dying from diabetes, malnutrition, and kidney disease and the politicians in Brisbane and Canberra could not care less.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7671588/govt-backing-wrong-horse-on-hells-gate-dam-bob-katter/

2 https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/7676375/first-step-towards-return-of-mornington-island-market-garden/

Solution must be found for people living in Leichhardt River

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:01:36 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, and Traeger MP, Robbie Katter, say something must be done about the itinerants living in the Leichhardt Riverbed in the middle of Mount Isa, the town’s main water supply, many of whom are from the Northern Territory and have property there.

The federal representative, Bob Katter, is proposing a diversionary centre and housing be built at least 15 kilometres out of town for the people to move into, and that a weekly bus service be established so they can access facilities in town such as shops, banks, the post office etc.

Bob Katter said current services were overwhelmed and the people living in the river, who are originally from the Northern Territory, Burketown, Doomadgee and Mornington Island, had nowhere to go.

“KASH (Kalkadoon Aboriginal Sobriety House) can be full at times with no beds to spare leaving many people seeking help without anywhere to go,” Mr Katter said.

“All I asked is for the Council to select a desirable piece of land for a KASH type initiative and then leave it to myself and Robbie Katter to find the money from government. There is a block making facility in Mount Isa that can also be utilised for the project.

“The Council has informed me that they do not intend to move forward with a diversionary centre for the community living in the Mount Isa riverbed. If you move them out of the riverbed you need to move them somewhere and if they are being moved into to the suburbs of Mount Isa then it is my duty to inform those suburbs that that’s what you are doing.

“We must look at what has worked well before. We had the KASH which was founded by Charlie Ah Wing in 1978.

“I was quite astounded that the CEO proclaimed that the Council is not interested in proceeding with this project when it has already been made clear that they are in favour of having something in place for this issue.

“The continuation of this situation, of having people living in the town’s water source, is absolutely outrageous. The dangers in regard to people camped in the riverbed are very sad indeed.”

Traeger MP, Robbie Katter, said many of the people living in the river have homes, families and loved ones back in the NT, and that aspect of the problem must also be dealt with.

“The majority of these people have chronic alcohol dependency or health issues and enabling them to live there is getting further away from solving the problem,” he said.

“There are gross inefficiencies in the housing inventories between NT and Queensland and it is highly likely that the fluidity of movement between places like Alice Springs and Tennant Creek to Mount Isa is putting immense unnecessary pressure on housing and therefore families.

“I believe there is a direct correlation between the social disruption from the fluidity of movement between the NT and Mount Isa, and our youth crime situation. This is most acute in terms of schools and support agencies trying to sort out unidentified and problematic youth.

“Surprisingly there have been reports that some people living in the riverbed are not without financial means. There have been anecdotal reports of some of those people living in the riverbed having $10k’s dollars in the bank account, assumed to be from royalties.”

Robbie Katter said the government at both State and Federal levels have shown no interest in trying to address the cross-border issues.

“One of the largest problems with even acknowledging that this problem exists is that the census is hopelessly inadequate in capturing data amongst itinerants,” he said.

“It needs to be acknowledged that census officers have no capacity to force people to give details and the majority of people living in the riverbed are reluctant to give government intrusive information about their life.”

Robbie Katter said the first step in addressing this problem is acknowledging that the town’s water supply is not a desirable place for people to live.

“The second step is to immediately make effort to repatriate people who have simply ended up in Mount Isa with no real intent to stay and who would consider themselves residents of the NT,” he said.

“The third working concurrently is to tighten up the housing inventory and occupancy habits on both sides of the border to ensure people aren’t living in a house in one area and holding another in their name. There are other combinations of this. People overcrowding in one house and then doing the same back at Tenant Creek. This is the safest way to start forcing people to move without encroaching on their human rights. We can’t have taxpayers providing housing for people who leave it vacant and live in a riverbed or overcrowd another house.”

-ENDS-

Doctors given Uni incentive must go bush immediately

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 04:11:46 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says medical students in the bonded medical place scheme, where taxpayers foot $100,000 for their degrees if they pledge to work in the bush after they graduate, should be required to complete their rural service in the immediate three years after they graduate.

Currently doctors in the scheme have 18 years to complete their rural service and reporting by the Courier Mail ^[1] shows only four percent of the 13-thousand participants in the scheme have completed their rural service and five percent have withdrawn from the scheme.

Dr Hamish Meldrum from Ochre Health said some students told him, ‘They only promised to do the rural service to get into their degree and had no intention of going bush.’

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP, Bob Katter, has written to Health Minister Greg Hunt and urged him to act immediately by reducing the time given to complete rural service.

“The Government and Health Department did excellent work in establishing this scheme but having 18 years to complete the requirement to go rural is just unrealistic and is resulting in undesirable outcomes,” Mr Katter said.

“No Doctor after living in Brisbane on a much higher wage for a few years, is going to cart their family back to the boondocks. It’s never going to happen, and the stats show that.

“They should go out in the first three years, or they’ll receive no incentive at all.

“Young doctors need confidence and rural training gives them that confidence. They must make the decisions themselves. There’s no superintendent for them to run off to for advice in the bush. There is a downside to having very young graduates in the bush, but what they lack in experience they make up for in energy and determination.

“This is the system that has worked in Qld for 60 years, but the free-marketer governments (ALP & LNP) have bludgeoned the public hospital system to death and now people in the regions and rural areas are paying for it.

“There are chronic shortages of GPs through North Queensland, which is curious because we’ve trained 2,000 doctors through James Cook University (JCU), but we’ve still got no doctors in country areas and no GPs. If the Health Minister cuts down the time given to complete rural service under a bonded medical place scheme from 18 years to the first three years, then I think we’ll see a noticeable change.”

KAP Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said the Federal Government had a responsibility to ensure its policies were effective and fit-for-purpose, and that the current scheme requiring doctors completed rural service (over a period of a ludicrous 18 yeas) was failing abysmally.

He said State Governments across Australia satisfactorily ensure regional workforce for other critical professions, such as teachers and police offices, and that medical professionals should be no different.

“Towns, no matter how rural and remote, cannot survive without access to doctors – the KAP will simply not accept those who live outside of metropolitan areas being treated like ‘poor cousins’ like this time and time ago,” the Traeger MP said.

“A couple of weeks ago the Prime Minster and Queensland Premier were in Brisbane together patting themselves on the back for joint-funding of a $250 million ‘City Liveability Fund’ for the south-east corner.

“Compare this to rural and regional towns where we can’t even recruit, let alone retain, a local GP - talk about a lack of liveability!”

-ENDS-

^[1] https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qld-hospitals-under-pressure-as-medical-students-abuse-scheme/news-story/5e16d5b536847fa08c302651515df19b

Govt has transport operators running on fumes

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 04:19:28 GMT

BOB Katter, Kennedy MP, has penned a letter to the Treasurer on behalf of the transport industry in his electorate who say Government has made a terrible error in judgement by reducing the fuel excise, and cutting the fuel tax credit simultaneously.

By removing the fuel tax credit for on-road users, and with the continuing increase in the price of petrol from the oil companies, Mr Katter said the transport operators were facing massive cash-flow and operational issues.

“There is a serious issue unfolding across Australia, which is a direct consequence of the 22.1c fuel excise reduction implemented by the Government,” Mr Katter said.

“While at face value, the cutting of fuel costs by 21c at the bowser may seem to be a good thing for the Australian people, it is having a catastrophic impact on our transport and freight operators, as well as gouging our farmers and primary producers.

“22.1c reduction in the fuel excise is not having the positive impact that the government anticipated, and our transport operators are calling for the fuel tax credit of 17.8c for on-road, and 44c for off-road, be restored.”

Mr Katter said that due the removal of the credit, many transport businesses will experience a huge reduction in cashflow, and they will be left with no choice but to increase their fuel levies for their suppliers, who then, will either pass that increase onto the retailer (who will then hike prices to the consumer), or they

will absorb the cost themselves.

“Our farmers will take the brunt of these fuel levies and they already on their knees, at the mercy of the giant supermarket chains in terms of the price they get paid for their produce. They have no ability to increase the price per carton in line with the increase in fuel levies coming from the transport operators because they are beholden to the price set by the retailers and so they will be the ones to absorb the cost.

“Not only has there been a 50 percent increase in fuel costs over the last 12 months, but there has also been a 160 percent increase in the price of fertiliser (urea), packaging costs have increased roughly 40-50 percent and chemicals are up 123 percent.

“We understand that everyone is doing it tough but punishing our vital transport operators after what they have already suffered, and continue to suffer from the critical AdBlue shortage, now 300 percent higher in price, is not acceptable. We need our trucks to feed and move our nation,” Mr Katter said.

Leading North Queensland trucking company, Blenners Transport, said that the continuation of high fuel levies applied to all transported goods created an environment of exceptionally high inflation.

Owner, Les Blenner said, “This time last year, our fuel levy was around 6 percent but we’ve had to increase that to 21 percent.

“While the government gave us a 22.1 cent reduction in the fuel excise they also took away our on road fuel tax credit or 17.8 cents and as a consequence, the net benefit for a heavy vehicle operator was reduced to 4.3 cents.

“Unfortunately, BP, our fuel supplier, has advised the barrel price from last Monday to next Monday has increased 8.463 cents, so in real figures, our fuel price increased 4.16 cents.

“MOPS is the Mean Oil Price Singapore, and when the price per barrel increases this will disproportionately affect regional Australia, particularly growers that have fixed price contracts with major retailers.

"The higher cost of living will no doubt provide a launch platform for the Fair Work Commission to approve massive wages increases.

“What this has also done is allow transport companies the ability to claim only a small portion of fuel costs, while also allowing rail and mining companies (because their credits haven't been impacted) to continue to claim the majority of the fuel costs, thus creating an unfair playing field,” Les said.

-ENDS-

Townsville’s Migration Agreement, a plan to undermine local workers’ pay and conditions

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 03:53:31 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, and Herbert KAP Candidate, Clynton Hawks, are questioning whether a newly announced Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Townsville region [1] is a plan to undermine local workers’ pay and conditions.

Under the LNP Government’s plan, skilled migrants will be brought in to work in 195 different occupations in nine Local Government Areas including Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Charters Towers, Burdekin, Mount Isa, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Richmond and Flinders. [ 2]

Bob Katter said he had serious concerns that it was a plan to undermine the pay and conditions of North Queenslanders and wanted to know where the skilled migrants would be coming from.

“We want people coming to Australia who will harmoniously fit in. We do not want people from countries with no democracy, and/or no rule of law, and/or no Judeo-Christian values i.e. 'love your neighbour, make the world a better place’ (we may not go to church on Sundays, but we most certainly are brought up in the Christian traditions), no industrial awards, and no egalitarian traditions.” Mr Katter said.

“The labour hire companies will be licking their lips. Our wages in the mines have been cut down from nearly $200,000 a year, to close to $100,000 a year. This will further undermine miners pay and conditions. I can’t help but think this is a deal for the Government to help their rich cronies.”

Mr Katter said the LNP has done very little to tackle the problem of the 15 percent of the population sitting on their backsides at home watching TV (unemployed and underemployed) while others were working. [3]

“There are a lot of legitimate owner-operator businesses out there looking for workers, but Australia has a lot of people sitting on their backside who could be working,” he said.

“We have able people on welfare or studying multiple university courses with no plan to get a job, or on disability payments. There are a lot of legitimate people on disability payments but there are those who aren’t.

“We also need to turnaround the kids sitting in youth detention centres who deserve a fair go. When I grew up in Cloncurry, First Australians dominated the jobs in railways, council jobs and cattle stations. It is unfair that these people have been reduced to living in detention and not having opportunity. The KAP has been advocating for relocation sentencing to train wayward youth in skills and trades for years, but the major parties have done nothing.”

KAP Candidate for Herbert, Clynton Hawks, is concerned about the impact the DAMA will have on the region’s house prices and supply of housing.

Hawks is calling for the immediate ban on foreign nationals buying houses in Australia, and for the Federal Parliament to legislate that only Australian citizens can buy residential properties.

“Nations like Singapore spend $10 billion a year on Aussie property and flood our housing market and that is just the start [4] ,” he said.

“In most countries, I cannot go over there and purchase large swarths of property - I can only lease. We are leaving struggling Australians behind by allowing foreign nationals to flood our housing market.

“I am attributing the 26 percent increase in regional house prices to foreigners coming in and swarming the market. [5] We currently have a rental crisis so we can’t get into one of them and we can’t look at buying a place of our own due to getting priced out of our own market.

“The Foreign Investment Review Board is a joke and should hang its head in shame for the utter and complete sell out of our once proud country. We have been stripped root and stem to the foreigner with the biggest cheque book.

“Last week we saw the ALP come out with their regional first home buyers’ scheme, but they wouldn’t need that if we stopped foreign ownership and get back to Australia First.

“Our country has been sold out from underneath us for far too long and if elected I will put a stop to it. We need to take back control of our own country. It is time to put Aussies first and get struggling Aussies into their own home sooner.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-migration/dama

[2] https://www.philthompson.com.au/media-release-townsvilles-economic-prosperity-bolstered-by-signing-of-designated-area-migration-

[3] http://www.roymorgan.com/morganpoll/unemployment/underemployment-estimates?fbclid=IwAR026FTOQNQb21UZqIpwiVYmoRpT62Hrptz2OKOrjg1oGsVzx-M0ObHorsE

[4] https://www.thechainsaw.com/singapore-foreign-investment-australia-property-china

[5] https://www.thechainsaw.com/regional-house-price-growth-australia#:~:text=News-,Regional%20house%20prices%20soared%20more%20than%2026%25%20in%20just%2012,concerns%20about%20long%2Dterm%20impacts&text=The%20median%20property%20value%20across,city%20growth%20rate%20in%202021 .

Cyclone Reinsurance Pool gets green light from Federal Parliament

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 04:20:19 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has celebrated the Reinsurance Pool for Northern Australia passing its last parliamentary hurdle, the Senate, by popping a bottle of Golden Drop Mango champagne with neighbouring Dawson MP, George Christensen.

The cyclone reinsurance pool which will bring down the cost of living in North Queensland, is the result of a decade long fight for action on the region’s skyrocketing insurance premiums.

“The thanks here are owed to the Townsville and Hinchinbrook Chambers of Commerce,” Mr Katter said.

“A survey by the Townsville Chamber of Commerce found that 25 percent of the homes in North Queensland were uninsured.

“We pay $4000 for insurance per house, whereas in the rest of the country they pay $1500 per house. The oppressive rate of strata title insurance meant we couldn’t get bank finance to build new apartment blocks in North Queensland.

“Allianz said if there was a reinsurance pool for North Queensland, they would provide insurance at the same rate as the rest of Australia. We have now got that insurance pool which comes into effect on July 1, and residents should see significant savings on their premiums.”

Mr Katter said action on insurance should have come earlier than 2022.

“In 2014 we built a big head of steam and got massive national publicity out of holding two public meetings with the Chairman and CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia to discuss solutions to sky-rocketing house insurance premiums,” Mr Katter said.

“A Liberal MP, who will remain unnamed, knew he was in trouble and called an inquiry. It took the steam out of our push and derailed the train.

“I do however praise George Christensen. He came out in a press conference in Townsville calling for reinsurance which kicked off the fight again. Last night we popped some champagne, but neither of us drank it because we are both teetotallers.”

-ENDS-

Kennedy electorate road upgrades roll on, but more to be done

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 04:33:34 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has welcomed a substantial amount of funding for roads and highways around the Kennedy electorate contained in the 2022 Federal Budget, but says the fight for the Bridle Track Tunnel from Cairns to Mareeba (Atherton Tablelands) goes on.

Nearly $70m in funding will be spent to upgrade the Flinders Highway in different sections between Julia Creek and Hughenden.

“This road has been falling to pieces and this is an excellent announcement for our truck drivers, outback tourism, cattlemen and locals,” Mr Katter said.

“If you scream loudly, it is amazing what you can achieve. I thought as an independent or minor party you couldn’t get anything, but it is amazing what you can get.

“We’ve also got $6m for the Ootan Road in the Tablelands and Mareeba Shires.

“$8m for the intersection at Dingo Park Road at Woodstock which services rural residential blocks, a feed lot, and cattle properties.

“And $9.6m for the Croydon to Georgetown Road where my good friends and former Croydon Mayor Jack and Joy Pickering sadly died in a head-on crash.”

Mr Katter said the crown jewel was the $385m to finish the four-lane, divided highway upgrade between Edmonton and Gordonvale.

“Adding in this final amount of funding, there will have been $2,000m spent on the divided highway between Gordonvale and Cairns,” Mr Katter said.

“It makes it easier for us to argue for the Bridle Track Tunnel, which will cost under $2,000m. This will open irrigation behind Cairns on the Tablelands and the

Mitchell River, and we will open and expand the giant mineral province at Chillagoe. These can’t be opened-up if we can’t get freight out through a port.

“Currently we are locked in with a fatally dangerous road at Kuranda, that cannot take freight or heavy trucks, and is closed to traffic weekly, for hours at a time. It would be nice if the State Labor MPs and Member for Leichhardt could go into bat for an alternative.”

-ENDS-

Farmers forgotten in cost-of-living debate

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 04:29:37 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has taken to the floor of Federal Parliament to voice the concerns of North Queensland’s farmers whose plight has been forgotten in the cost-of-living debate gripping the nation.

“Australian farmers have seen costs skyrocket – fertiliser, freight and packaging have nearly doubled in the past 12 months. Urgent action is required,” Mr Katter said.

“For example, medium sized banana farmers who provide work for 25-30 people face monthly bills of around half a million dollars. This equates to around $1.50 per kilo of bananas before the farmers have any return. Farmers receive about 20 cents less (around $1.30kg) but supermarkets charge consumers double (around $3kg).

“Farmers would actually save money if they did nothing but sit around and burn $5 dollar bills.”

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP called on the Federal Government to urgently act.

“Supermarkets must provide farmers with a minimum price guarantee that is higher than the cost of production,” he said.

“Supermarkets equally need to be accountable for the price increases that they charge Australians.

“We demand a strong Government that doesn’t provide a sugar hit to the Australian public.

“We demand a Government that provides real change to stop large multinational companies from continually taking advantage of our farmers and the Australian public.”

-ENDS-

Telecoms, irrigation projects, and doctor training, top budget wins for Kennedy Electorate

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:30:42 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has welcomed significant announcements for North Queensland in the Federal Government’s budget, including a whopping $1.3 billion telecommunications package to expand mobile and internet coverage in the regions, $99.3 million to increase the number of medical students studying in rural and remote locations, and commitments for the construction of Charters Tower’s Big Rocks Weir ($38m) and Hughenden Irrigation Project ($170m).

Telecommunications:

Mr Katter wrote to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the lead up to the budget calling for increased phone and internet funding for the regions and is pleased that the Treasurer has followed through.

$811.8 million over five years will expand mobile coverage and connectivity in regional Australia, building on the current Mobile Black Spot Program and the Regional Connectivity Program, and $480 million will go to the NBN Co to upgrade its fixed wireless and satellite networks to improve services in regional and remote areas.

“Telecommunications is consistently one of the biggest issues raised in the Kennedy Electorate whether I’m talking to people on the coast or out in the bush,” Mr Katter said.

“People need the internet and phone reception to work from home, whether its small business, farmers or miners, they work on hands free while driving, children study at home, and people do university online. And most importantly, having phone reception can save lives in an emergency. It has been a disaster since the major parties privatised Telstra.”

Health:

$99.3 million has been announced for rural and regional Doctor training as well as $33.3 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) over four years.

“A delegation of doctors from Mareeba, Gordonvale and Innisfail joined me to meet with Health Minister, Greg Hunt, last year and it’s proved to be quite fruitful,” Mr Katter said.

“We’ve been bleeding multiple doctors from all our towns. We have now secured HELP university study debt alleviations to attract doctors to the regions, and $99.3 million for up to 80 commonwealth supported medical students per year to be trained in the regions. It’s an ongoing battle but we will keep raising.”

Water:

An extra $8 million has been allocated to Charters Tower’s Big Rocks Weir for construction which brings the total funding commitment from the Federal Government to the project to $38 million.

Mr Katter says the water project, which he secured with the balance of power in late 2018, will increase irrigation farming, boost town water supply and believes it will lead to the construction of a meatworks.

“North Queensland had multiple meatworks, but they’ve all closed down except the one in Townsville,” he said.

“We need secondary industries in our towns like a meatworks. The weir will grow feed and increase cattle fattening in the late part of the year when cattle operators normally have to destock.”

The North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority (NQWIA) which oversees the Big Rocks Weir, Hughenden Irrigation Project (HIPCo) and Hells Gates Dam projects, will be continued for another five years with $11.6 million in funding.

The Budget also recommitted $170 million for the construction of HIPCO and $5.4 billion for Hells Gates Dam. Mr Katter says he has communicated to the Prime Minister in recent days, that the dam wall crest height must be 395m above sea level to facilitate sending the water west and the Revised Bradfield Scheme.

Cost of living (fuel):

Mr Katter has said the Government’s cost of living measures including the temporary cut to the fuel excise, and its extra 50,000 places Home Guarantee Scheme, are somewhat short-sighted.

“Cutting the fuel excise does nothing to increase Australia’s fuel reserves which they say will last less than a month, I doubt they’d last three days in a rush. And now we’ve drawn on our ‘strategic’ fuel reserves located on the other side of the globe in the USA,” Mr Katter said.

“We need fuel security and sovereignty. The crossbench MPs are supporting a proposal including a ban on the export of Australia’s oil (so it’s refined here), Australian grown ethanol, waste-to-diesel plants, and Australian made electric cars and buses strictly for public servants and metropolitan areas.

“Farmers in my electorate are screaming out for cost reductions on two of their biggest input items: fuel and fertiliser. The excise is a temporary sugar hit. We can make ethanol for under 80c a litre in Australia, if you allow 17c for transport and retailing, you are still coming in at a dollar.”

Cost of living (housing):

Mr Katter said the extra 50,000 places under the Home Guarantee Scheme would only drive up the demand for housing without increasing the supply, resulting in an increase to property prices.

“The Federal Government need to work with State and Local Governments to cut the restrictions around subdivisions,” he said.

“If they build superfast highways and people live on acreage blocks it will mean a comfortable living. Currently, you wouldn’t get a two-acre block in North Queensland under $250,000. The real cost of a block of land is $25,000.

“The State and Local Government restrictions have made subdivisions prohibitively expensive. If they’re two-acre allotments you can dodge out from curbing, channeling, headworks charges, sewage connections, and you can go off grid for your power.”

Copperstring:

On the Mount Isa to Townsville Copperstring Transmission Line, Mr Katter said there are intense negotiations going on between all parties concerned, and he remains optimistic that the outcomes will be positive despite no new funding announced in the budget.

“If we lose the copper smelter, fertiliser plant and Cloncurry’s Ernest Henry Mine it would be a hit of $3,000 million a year to Australia’s economy,” he said.

“A stay of execution for three years was negotiated with the Zurich based Glencore in 2020. God is good. Copper prices have tripled since then.

“But into the future we need competitively priced power from the national grid to survive in the North West Minerals Province. You can’t compete on gas at $16 a/unit, when our competitor countries are on gas at $6 a/unit. The Mount Isa power station will have a bright future supplying peak load power to the northern grid.”

Tourism/Backpackers/Worker Shortage:

$63 million has been announced over three years to accelerate international tourist and backpacker arrivals through targeted marketing. The Government will also boost the number of Working Holiday Makers through a one-off 30 percent increase across all country caps in 2022-23.

“This is excellent. We called for a targeted campaign and the Government has delivered. We need backpackers to work in our pubs, farms and tourism operations,” he said.

“However, the UK free trade deal means that UK backpackers don’t have to work on farms or regional areas to extend their visas and this should be overturned.”

Other Key Funding announcements relevant to the Kennedy Electorate:

- $20 million for pest and weeds. $15.4 million to support Agricultural Shows societies. $12.4 million in 2022-23 to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to extend fee relief to local tourism businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. $10 million over two years for the Journalist (Cadetship and Training) Fund to support broadcasters and publishers to hire cadets and journalists to support public interest news in the regions.

-ENDS-

Qld Labor refuse to act on Kuranda Range as deaths continue

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 23:48:42 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says the Queensland Labor Government is the most arrogant he has encountered in his nearly 50 years of political life, as it refuses to act on the dangerous Kuranda Range Road despite another tragic death yesterday. [1]

“How many more Martyrs must we have before the Queensland Government wakes up?” Mr Katter said.

“This is a dreadful tragedy. The only good thing that could come out of it is if the State and Federal governments act and build a new route. But to this point they just refuse to do anything about the road at all.

“It took us three years and five deaths to get the Feluga intersection fixed on the Bruce Highway. On the Kuranda Range we are seeing the most colossal example of incompetence.

“The ALP State Member for Cook incredibly labelled the Kuranda route as ‘safe.’ Well, last week it closed twice for many hours, and now another life has been lost.”

Mr Katter said the solution he had continuously raised was the Bridle Track Tunnel, which will be a safer and faster drive from Cairns to the Tablelands – taking only 19 minutes.

The Bridle Track involves 16 kilometres of road from the Davies Creek turnoff to the tunnel entrance, and a 1-2km tunnel through the range. Coming out of the tunnel on the Cairns southern suburbs side, there will be an overpass onto the Bruce Highway (see diagram attached). Mr Katter estimates the project will cost $1.5 billion.

“All you have to do is dig a tunnel through the range,” Mr Katter said.

“Former Mareeba Mayor Mick Borzi, former Cairns Mayor Ron Davis, and former Barron River MP Martin Tenni advocated this solution, and they had more brains in their toes than the Queensland Government has in their collective heads.

“Brisbane has 30km of tunnels and North Queensland, with nearly one million people, gets no tunnels.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/fatal-crash-involving-a-truck-closes-both-lanes-of-traffic-near-kuranda/news-story/61b7d981e2ae382084b4924853a4a1a8

Fruit trees and vegetable seeds planted on Mornington to combat poor diets

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 08:14:09 GMT

MORNINGTON ISLAND locals have planted fruit trees and vegetable seeds in backyard gardens to combat poor diets that lead to chronic health conditions such as malnutrition, diabetes, and kidney disease, which reduces the life expectancy of residents.

In late 2018 Kennedy MP, Bob Katter received a promise from the Prime Minister for the establishment and funding of market gardens in North Queensland’s First Australian communities including, Yarrabah, Doomadgee and Mornington Island.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) has granted the Mornington Island Council $60,720 to compile a feasibility study for a commercial market garden to be completed by 15 July 2022.

Not content with waiting for the multiple studies to finish, Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, recently joined Mayor Kyle Yanner, Councillor Bobby Thompson, and Dieticians Australia President, Tara Diversi, to plant a mandarin tree in an established backyard garden on Mornington Island.

Mayor Kyle Yanner said he was no longer talking about the lack of fresh food on Mornington Island but was acting by planting trees.

“The statistics are horrific. Of the 634 people who attend the health clinic here at Mornington Island last year, 40 percent had chronic illness or multiple chronic illnesses,” Mayor Yanner said.

“Australia is the seventh richest and healthiest country in the world, but if you look at remote, Indigenous Australians we sit at 147 ^th in the world. The Federal Government talk about this ‘gap’ all the time, it’s not closed. When is the gap going to close?

“We have everything we need for the market gardens to succeed. We have beautiful ground, water and good feed for cattle as well. That is the medium-term solution. We also need full subsidies on the groceries that come into our communities that are multiple times more expensive than what other Australians pay.”

78-year-old Councillor, Bobby Thompson, said health outcomes were a lot better when the market gardens were previously operational on Mornington Island - when he was younger under the missionaries, and then continued by the Joh Bjelke-Petersen State Government.

“In those times we didn’t have sickness flying around,” he said.

“We had a big garden in the town and cattle on the island. Two beasts were slaughtered every week. We had fresh meat and fresh vegetables. The Royal Flying Doctor rarely used to fly in, but now it’s here all the time.

“It’s all changed now. The cost of freight that comes on the barge from Karumba to Mornington is so high, it’s abominable. A lot of people can’t afford the fresh and healthy food.”

Accredited Practising Dietitian and President of Dietitians Australia, Tara Diversi, who was on the trip to Mornington Island, said growing food locally can help close the gap in chronic disease which is four times higher in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“It’s expensive to transport food – especially to regional and remote areas,” Ms Diversi said.

“Food that can be grown locally in community gardens is one example of how the nation can support healthy and sustainable diets into the future.

“A national nutrition policy that’s co-developed with First Nations Peoples of Australia could also build the capacity of healthcare workers within communities to provide nutrition services in the long term.”

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said Australia would be an international pariah and the South Africa of the 21 ^st Century, if the chronic health crisis in remote First Australian communities wasn’t addressed.

“It’s only a matter of time before the statistics come out to the United Nations,” Mr Katter said.

“The Federal Government has a revenue stream of nearly $500 billion a year and yet it can’t build market gardens in these areas? It’s been four years since they gave me the promise and they’re still doing studies. If it wasn’t for the leadership of Kyle Yanner we would be going nowhere.

“The ALP Qld Government came into power in the 1990s and they stopped the funding and closed the market gardens. Well, we’ve turned a page and we are getting them back again.”

-ENDS-

China circling the Asia-Pacific region like pack of wild dingoes

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 08:05:58 GMT

BOB Katter, Member for Kennedy, says the Federal Government has failed our Pacific Islander neighbours after it was revealed the Government ignored concerns being raised over Chinese unrelenting interference in the region.

The Australian Newspaper ^[1] today reported that an Opposition Leader for the Solomon Islands raised with the Australian High Commissioner a red flag over a security agreement being negotiated with China, citing concerns of a permanently based Chinese military presence in their region.

The call for intervention fell on deaf ears.

Mr Katter said that the region surrounding Australia had over 600 million people and should have been prioritised by the Australian Government as VIP’s, and that Australia’s vacant inland is prime for feeding and powering the entire South Pacific region.

“There are hundreds of millions of people living in the VIP countries; Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as the surrounding Pacific Islands.

“Our Government won’t listen to their national security pleas. We should be looking after our VIPs and Pacific Island neighbours. Not ignoring them.

“Probably worst of all, the Federal Government has neglected populating inland Australia. Not one single effort has been made in the last 50 years to put a single person into that 93 percent of the Australian land mass where the population is ebbing away like a low tide. Only 1.2 million people live there. In that 93 percent is all of the nation’s exports; coal, iron ore, aluminium, gas, copper lead zinc, gold, grain and cattle.”

Mr Katter said this was just the most recent example of the Federal LNP Government’s towering ignorance over Australia’s national security.

“Successive governments, over the last 20 years, have done absolutely nothing about real defence for this country, or the region we sit in,” Mr Katter said.

“They are allowing China to circle our Pacific region like a pack of wild dingoes, and now we have the Solomon/China security agreement. It is so obvious to see what is going on.

“This is a trajectory of invasion, and I don’t hesitate to use that word. Look at the Solomons, look at Daru, Yam Island, or the tip of Cape York (which has been up for negotiation with the Chinese).

“Look at the Port of Darwin, the Ord stage 2, and the Merredin Airbase outside of Perth; the terminus between the east/west rail line and the terminus between the east/west highway.

“Look at the disastrous AdBlue saga late last year, where if KAP Candidate for Herbert, Clynton Hawks, hadn’t blown the whistle, every single truck would have been off the road all because some imbecile in Canberra said you had to put liquid urea in every litre of diesel. But the place you can get that urea from is China.

“Infinitely worse still, they have let China buy around 40 percent of Australia’s electricity industry. Just given it to them.

“I cannot as a Member of Parliament tell you where our submarines are, but Global Switch who is owned by China and holds Australia’s defence force data, can tell you where the submarines are. The Chinese are just laughing themselves silly at our pitiful attempts at cyber security and firewalls.

“If you can’t see them coming, then history has an imperative lesson and you will pay for your stupidity. You will pay a terrible price.

“Almost all of our petrol, diesel and av gas comes from Singapore and South Korea. If China embargoes our fuel those countries are not going to defy China. Our supply will be snuffed out by China in three seconds.

“If China invades there won’t even be a battle because the Lily Pad lefties have taken every firearm off us. These lightweight imbeciles know more than Thomas Jefferson did when he wrote the Bill of Rights and the second amendment.

“China just cannot believe their luck,” Mr Katter said.

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/solomons-mps-warned-australian-officials-of-china-security-pact-talks/news-story/5a5d997a93cd26d47d2db679841bb6d c

Katter slams WA Govt for releasing gun owner addresses

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 08:01:39 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says the Western Australian Government ^[1] is “most irresponsible” in releasing a map which points out every registered gun owner in the state, a move that they defend as being a “crackdown to keep guns from criminals”.

Mr Katter said the complete opposite will now be true and that he is throwing his support 1000 percent behind the Shooters Union and other sporting shooters groups that were condemning the Government for the complete act of stupidity.

“All that the WA Government has done is direct every thief in Australia to every source of firepower in the West. “You couldn’t possibly think of a more criminal irresponsible action,” he said.

“Who is going to stand and defend this country when China or someone else comes to take this empty land off us? All Australians should know that the Federal Government has cracked down on imports of necessitous armaments, and the state government of Western Australia is undertaking an even more ludicrous action.

“The extreme Lilypad left are alive and well in the Liberal party just as much as they are in the Labor party.

“Who is running this country? Certainly not the good guys, the hard left, but the bad guys, the Lily pads.

“And whilst I’m a nobody, I know what Churchill felt like pleading what the nation needed to do for its survival and no one listened to him, so 45 million people died in World War 2. I’m no Churchill, but millions of Australians are thinking what he thought in the late 30s.

“Every person of great wisdom in human history has supported right to bear arms, it’s in the US Constitution, Thomas Jefferson in America, Archbishop Stephen Langton in the Magna Carta. People like the Premier of WA, the Lily-Pad lefties will never be happy until the only people that have rifles are the people in uniforms, and we know what sort of society that is.

“I plead with my fellow Australians, set aside the mainstream political parties. They have bought our nation to the edge of serious calamity. That is the truth unless you believe that China is a benign, friendly neighbour. I don’t.

“It’s a sad, sad day when they won’t release the address of registered sex offenders that threaten children, but they’ll release a list of responsible, registered gun owners. Utter incomprehensible stupidity,” Mr Katter said.

Shooters Union President, Graham Park, said that the industry was calling for an apology and was pushing for the Minister for the Police to be sacked.

“On Tuesday, March 22, the newspaper The West Australian published a front page with the headline “Connect The Guns”, showing a map of a region of Perth covering Bicton, East Fremantle, Palmyra and Melville with bullet holes scattered all around it,” Mr Park said.

“The bullet holes represent an address where one or more firearms are registered; the subheader reads, “Every bullet hole is a weapon in YOUR suburb”.

“The map has been confirmed as accurate, that it indeed shows real addresses by several people who have contacted the Union. Beaton Firearms in WA have also had an influx of people affected by this looking to store their guns in their facilities amid heightened theft/home invasion concerns.

“The WA Police Minister needs to resign or be sacked over the incident. He has undermined public confidence in the integrity of WAPOL, given the entire state now knows WAPOL will give out the specific details of where every gun in WA is stored if a newspaper wants it.

“If the Police Minister is genuinely so stupid as to think people can't identify Perth suburbs via something like Google Maps, he clearly isn't fit for office. At a minimum he should be subject to a vote of no confidence.

“WAPOL need to be the subject to a full investigation and disciplinary proceeding undertakings for providing such specific information to him. I ask the question, why does the Minister need to know exactly where every gun in WA is? And in doing so knowing it was going to be provided to the media.

“There is no way they could reasonably think the "de-identified" maps could not be matched with an actual location. That’s just a cop out,” Mr Park said.

-ENDS-

[1] www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/a-gun-owner-on-every-street-wa-to-overhaul-firearms-laws-20220322-p5a6rh.html

Barnaby and the Nats kotow to the Greenies on Hells Gates – Bob Katter

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:53:53 GMT

Dear Editor,

In the Courier Mail and Townsville Bulletin, Nationals Leader Barnaby Joyce said, ‘You’re never going to get the Greens, Mr Katter and a veritable clique of diverging views all happy and on the same page. [1] ’

It’s a most extraordinary statement he makes. The Nationals leader says it is hard to please Bob Katter and the Greens. Well, he hasn’t pleased me with his Bradfield destroying version of Hells Gates Dam, so he’s obviously pleasing the Greens. I have always enjoyed an extremely good relationship with naturalists and conservationists, but the Greenies fall into another category altogether.

One minute Barnaby himself said the water is to go west, [2] now he’s saying it won’t go out west because he’s got to kotow to Greenies. Barnaby makes possibly the only truthful statement by the Federal Government on Hells Gates thus far.

The Nats did not get the money for Hells Gates. I got the $48m for it when I had the balance of power in late 2018 off the PM. It indicates the Nats utter ineffectiveness, that a small party was able to get the money to draw up the scheme, but they weren’t.

Their only contribution has been to destroy the Bradfield scheme. Hells Gates has only existed ever as Bradfield stage one. If you do it to destroy Bradfield by making the dam wall too low and don’t send the water west, then there is no logic in doing it.

Barnaby also says, “If it’s a choice between what the Townsville business community say, or what Bob Katter says, I’m going to roll with the business community.”

I’m pleased Barnaby Joyce wasn’t around when Franklin Roosevelt lifted America out of the Great Depression through his ‘New Deal’. Conservative politicians were responsible for the long-lasting Depression in Australia because they listened to the business community, instead of having the intellectual capacity to figure it out for themselves.

When you shoot your mouth off you want to know what you’re talking about. Townsville Enterprise doesn’t represent the business community of Townsville.

The Townsville Chamber of Commerce fought the battle which secured the reinsurance pool for North Queensland. Townsville Enterprise contributed nothing to the battle.

Townsville Enterprise contributed nothing to get the $48m for the Hells Gates Dam project, I did. They put a director in to handle the Hells Gates project, who refused to listen to locals, and according to the front page of the Townsville Bulletin, he was being investigated for fraud and embezzlement. [3]

The Revised Bradfield scheme was drawn up by Roy Stainkey (one of the largest sheep owners in Australia at the time), a university professor, and me. Further work was then done by the most experienced dam builders in the nation’s history.

Barnaby’s going to listen to TEL? But not the proponents of the Revised Bradfield Scheme?

I doubt there would be an owner-operator business in Townsville that says Townsville Enterprise represents the Townsville business community. The cost of becoming a member keeps the locals out of participating. It’s just the corporates who get a say.

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qld-politics/barnaby-joyce-says-no-time-to-waste-on-bickering-over-56bn-hells-gate-dam/news-story/d98b5542b21a04bc9c476e5e77bb5593?fbclid=IwAR2YmDQG2wiLxZLbJqB6zzrY3sokw2QS5PAFJ-pFfAUufwSp1q7ad_voUDs

[2] https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/joyce/media-release/north-queensland-water-infrastructure-authority-shifts-north-help-take-water-west#:~:text=The%20Liberal%20and%20Nationals%20Government,deliver%20unprecedented%20growth%20and%20prosperity .

[3] https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/business/highranking-tel-exec-sacked-amid-credit-card-misuse-claims/news-story/73f28d644fb4c6c7884c3c05fb0b1a78

Katter lashes PM over Hells Gates broken promise

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:49:45 GMT

BOB KATTER, Federal Member for Kennedy, has lashed the Prime Minster of Australia for backing the wrong horse on the Hells Gates Dam project and has warned that unless the dam is built to a height of 395m, as opposed to a significantly smaller project announced today, then he would flex his powers, clear his voice and ready himself for the biggest fight of political career.

A fight that has been 45 years in the making.

“The Prime Minister’s announcement today destroys the great Bradfield vision forever and proves that I have been flagrantly lied to,” Mr Katter said.

“I am holding a letter from the Deputy Prime Minister, the person responsible for this project, saying that the dam will be built to 395m high. This is the height that will water Townsville and the height needed to go out onto the Western Plains. That was the undertaking agreed to in writing.

“But I have been lied to. The undertaking announced today doesn’t go anywhere near that height. It might irrigate maybe a hundred or so farms along the waterbed. But to put that in perspective, Ingham and Ayr have 1500 farms, so what’s an extra 100 farms going to do for a city of 200,000 people.?” he said.

“The money announced today could not be justified in a million years.

“This country has had a dream of taking the giant floodwaters that wreck the coast each year, taking a tiny little part of those floodwaters, and turning them onto the Western Plains to supplement the massive floodwaters of the Flinders River and produce about 20 billion a year of production.

“What the PM is talking about will be flat out producing $200 million.

“A dam to 395m would provide all of North Queensland’s electricity – clean, green, with no C02 emissions, the entire base load will be carried from the Upper Burdekin Irrigation Scheme (UBurIS) which has always been what everyone has agreed to.

“The person responsible for this “announced” project did not consult to anyone even remotely associated with the Revised Bradfield Scheme.

“What the PM has proposed is built as a low dam. A very low dam. There is not enough height to syphon the water. The dam is so low that it can’t ever get through the Great Dividing Range via a break in the Range.”

Mr Katter said he had attempted to contact he Prime Minister several times today to raise these concerns and had not received a returned call. He said that he would have to consider his options in relation to how much support he will throw behind the Government moving forward.

“I’ve given the Prime Minister my support. I’ve given him loyalty. And I’ve been flagrantly lied to.

“He expected me to be jumping up and down with excitement on this, but he was badly mistaken.

“I will be considering all my options. We aren’t for the Liberal party of Australia, we aren’t for the Labor party of Australia, we are for the people of Australia.

“I’m leaving it out there. The PM can ring me up any time. The DPM can ring me up anytime. The Labor Party can ring me up anytime. But I’m considering all my options,” he said.

“Bradfield has been spat on. This project has been spat on and I’m risking my political life to push for his great vision. When I go to sleep at night, I don’t ask myself how many votes I won today – I’d love to go out there skiting about $5.4 billion in my electorate. But instead, I ask whether I did the right thing today. And this might be politically disastrous to me, but I just have to do what I think is the right thing and push back on this.

“If you can supply cheap electricity and reliable water for the people of north Queensland for forever, and if you can supply protein for the poultry, dairy and cattle industry, then why would you continue to support a pigmy a project that produces nothing, for anyone?!

“I will have to consider my position with respect to the budget and if there is a Balance of Power situation in the federal parliament.

“This is quite serious. The dream of Australians for a hundred years has been destroyed this morning. A dream that would have made this area become one of the biggest agriculture producing areas in the world. Destroyed.

“All this has been at the hands of a bunch of pygmies coming out of Townsville Enterprise. The bloke that got the $50 million, from me, refused to speak to me. A dropkick out of a Sydney bank who had been thrown out of the labor party for his dark views and landed on the front page of the Townsville Bulletin for embezzlement. And this is the bloke the Prime Minister of Australia listened to. Not the great Bradfield, not Sir Leo Hielscher, not the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia.

“It is a very sad day for all Australians. But I promise you this; you haven’t seen the last of me on this. We will have our say.

“I have a reputation for brutality and let me tell you, I’ve earnt it.”

-ENDS-

PM’s Hells Gates plan won’t facilitate the Bradfield Scheme dream

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 22:25:48 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, is opposed to the proposal of a low-level dam at the Hells Gates site (less than 395m above sea level), with irrigation on unreliable basalt rock country beside the upper Burdekin River, for which the Prime Minister has announced $5.4B in funding.

Mr Katter said the proposal drawn up by Townsville Enterprise (TEL) and SMEC, works against Dr Bradfield’s dream, which has been a long-held ambition of the Australian people, to send the water west via channels to irrigate the rich black soils of inland Queensland starting at the Uplands Desert near Pentland (where there is a break in the Great Dividing Range).

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP said he would only support the construction of a dam at Hells Gates if it was built to 395m above sea level, which was proposed in the Revised Bradfield Scheme (backed by Sir Leo Hielscher and Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, and drawn up by a professor, Roy Stainkey - Australia’s largest sheep owner at the time, and Bob Katter) [2] .

“A dam of that size would allow the water to be sent west via channels to the plains of promise at Pentland, where there is a break in the Great Dividing Range, and further west,” Mr Katter said.

“A dam at that height means the water can also be sent to Townsville via a gravity-fed-pipeline, which would create hydroelectricity and provide urban and industrial water for Townsville.

“Under the TEL/SMEC proposal, sending water to Townsville will be very costly and talking about pumped-hydro in North Queensland is a disastrous idea as we do not have the peak load demand.

“The TEL/SMEC irrigation scheme would only irrigate 50 to 60-thousand hectares, whereas building the dam at 395m above sea level would allow 130-thousand hectares of irrigation for industrial purposes like ethanol and algae production, timber, cattle-fattening, petrol and energy production.”

Mr Katter said he didn’t want to condemn the PM who has been led down the garden path by out-of-control bureaucrats pushing a scheme, in its proposed state, that would do little for North Queensland.

“The Prime Minister thinks he’s pushing a proposal that develops North Queensland when actually it destroys the future and potential of the region. The current proposal would create one-hundred farms. What would that do for Townsville when there are already more than one-thousand farms in Hinchinbrook and the Burdekin?” he said.

“Last year, the Deputy Prime Minister rightly said the water should go west, and he was completely ignored and defied by TEL, SMEC, and the bureaucrats. [3] Bradfield stage one has been turned into a small dam scheme.

Mr Katter said landowners and cattlemen along the Upper Burdekin River would put up one hell of a fight opposing the TEL/SMEC scheme.

“They won't be taking the water and land off the station owners,” he said.

“They tried that with the Singapore army deal, and they lost. They'll be in for a fight they've never seen.

“The Federal Government should do the right thing and build the dam to 395m above sea level and send the water west, as was always proposed by Dr Bradfield.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/federal-government-to-fully-fund-hells-gates-dam-pending-business-case/news-story/9076de1b03ca74e419ef6daafc4174ad

[2] https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2007/5207T995.pdf

[3] https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/joyce/media-release/north-queensland-water-infrastructure-authority-shifts-north-help-take-water-west

Biofuels should play role in Australia's fuel security solution

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 03:16:44 GMT

KATTER’S AUSTRALIAN PARTY (KAP) MPs, Bob Katter and Shane Knuth, say the State and Federal Governments have had a golden opportunity over the years to establish a biofuels and bioenergy industry in Queensland through the sugar and grains industries, but haven’t allowed it to properly flourish.

The pair recently stopped by at the Tableland Sugar Mill at Arriga near Mareeba, which already produces 24 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 26,280 homes – by converting 100 per cent renewable sugarcane fibre, known as bagasse, into green energy. [1]

Mr Knuth and Mr Katter are again calling on both levels of Government to invest and legislate for the biofuels industry especially ethanol, as North Queensland currently only has one ethanol plant at Sarina. [2]

Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto has announced his intention to strengthen Queensland’s ethanol mandate laws with an Amendment Bill.

Member for Hill Shane Knuth said the blame for high fuel prices lies squarely on past and present State and Federal Governments.

“For years the KAP have been pushing for Australia to be self-sufficient with sourcing ethanol and biofuels and we cannot afford to keep delaying this at the expense of motorists,” Mr Knuth said.

“A number of years ago, KAP pushed and delivered on the fuel mandate in Queensland which stated that at least 4 per cent of all fuel sold in Queensland needed to be ethanol (E10), but it is no surprise that the Government is not holding oil and fuel companies to account to deliver this.

“Not one fine has been issued since this legislation was introduced.”

Mr Knuth pointed out that he knows of farmers who make and produce their own diesel to run their own machinery.

“This is a great example as to why the Government needs to invest in Australian-made renewable fuel sourced from sugar, grain and algae,” he said.

“The economic benefits of this would be astronomical for communities with more affordable fuel prices, more income for farmers, and local jobs.”

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said a nationwide biofuels mandate was one of the four solutions he has been pushing through his proposed Sovereign Fuel Security Bill. The other measures include waste-to-diesel technology, Australian made EVs for metropolitan based public servants, and a ban on the export of Australia’s indigenous oil supply which will boost the nation’s domestic refining capacity.

“If China embargoes our fuel that is mostly supplied out of Singapore and South Korea, then we will have no fuel and see massive queues at every petrol station in Australia,” he said.

“The Government says we have 30 days fuel supply, but I don’t even think it will last 3 days if there’s a rush on. We must have supply of electricity and fuel if we are to survive as a country.

“Under our Sovereign Fuel Security Bill Australia will be 80 percent self sufficient in fuel, rather than the current status quo which is about 10 days.

“If the Federal Parliament doesn’t act on sovereign fuel security, China could take control of our country in two weeks. Game over. So, let’s act now!

“Farmers are paying 100 percent increases on two major cost input items, fuel and fertiliser. Electricity has also gone up 300 percent. You just can’t keep farming under these conditions. We must bring down fuel and fertiliser costs if farmers are to survive.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.msfsugar.com.au/tableland-green-energy-power-plant/

2 https://www.wilmarsugar-anz.com/what-we-do/ethanol-for-fuel

Katter backs Cairns Water Supply Stage 1 Project

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 23:19:48 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, is supporting the Cairns Council’s Water Supply Stage 1 Project which will source water from the Mulgrave River for drinking supply to the region’s rapidly growing population.

The Cairns Regional Council projects there will be a shortfall of water for the city by 2026 if nothing is done and is asking for a $107.5 million commitment each from the State and Federal Governments ($215 million in total) towards the capital cost of the project.

Mr Katter has written to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce asking him to consider funding it.

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP said he had sought assurances that the water plan wouldn’t impact the Mulgrave Sugar Mill or local cane farmers in the Gordonvale area.

“There are difficulties that Cairns Regional Council is working through, and we would want to be comfortable that taking water out of the Mulgrave River will not impact farmers in the area,” he said.

“This can be done in such a way that there won’t be an effect on growing sugar cane in the area. I am very sensitive to any cutbacks to sugar cane growing because that mill is essential to the economy of Cairns, not just Gordonvale.

“The project doesn’t touch water in the Barron River which is highly beneficial for the people and industries on the Tablelands and in Mareeba.”

Mr Katter said he was puzzled as to why the State Labor MPs and LNP Member for Leichhardt had made no noise or advocacy over Cairns’ looming water security problem.

“What is wrong with our local representatives?” Mr Katter said.

“We have a highway to Kuranda that doesn’t function well at all, and the State Labor MPs have been getting stuck into anyone proposing alternatives, like the Bridle Track Tunnel.

“When it comes to water, the Townsville Council got a $195m commitment for a pipeline proposal. We would hope the Federal Member for Leichhardt would come forward with the money for the Cairns Council’s Water Project Stage 1. People in Townsville got a pipeline, and so far, Cairns has got nothing.”

-ENDS-

Time for mandatory masks to fly away, says Katter

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 02:01:25 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter says it’s time to wind back the remaining, draconian Covid-19 measures including the mandatory wearing of masks at airports and on planes.

Mr Katter said State Governments had rolled back the requirement to wear masks in nearly all settings and it was time the Prime Minister rolled back mask wearing at airports and on planes through the national cabinet. [1]

“The LNP Federal Government is upset because people are saying that they’ve gone along with the states on the overkill with mandatory vaccines and restrictions. Well, the Federal Government are still demanding the masks be worn at airports when we don’t have to wear them nearly anywhere else,” Mr Katter said.

“If you don’t want people attacking you over your weakness on compulsory vaccines for workers, then do something about removing the masks at airports, which is being imposed by you.

“The mask requirements on planes are now ridiculous considering they don’t have to be worn nearly anywhere else. If people want to continue wearing masks, then that is their personal right, and they’ll have freedom to do so.”

Mr Katter said forced mask wearing was hurting the tourism industry in places like Cairns, Townsville and the Whitsundays, as some people won’t fly if they must wear a mask for 4 to 5 hours.

“There’s a lot of Australians who refuse to be pushed around,” Mr Katter said.

“They will go as far as not getting on a plane because they won’t put up with this rubbish.”

Mr Katter said he strongly backed the KAP’s State Members who were opposing the extension of the Qld Chief Health Officer’s emergency powers, and also opposing the no jab, no job mandates.

“A Hervey Bay woman was forcefully arrested for going into a café without proving that she was vaccinated. The fascists are on the march in Queensland,” he said.

“Our little, town of North Mission Beach had its pub and fish and chip shop closed down by the police.

“Hill MP, Shane Knuth, gave a great speech [2] on this issue pointing out how ridiculous it is now to be imposing these restrictions now that 95 percent of the population are immunised.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/covid19-response/journey-protocol

[2] https://www.facebook.com/watch?ref=search&v=672814357090220&external_log_id=cc1ed882-558c-47c9-9bb2-77b8d056b9db&q=shane%20knuth%20kap

Population growth the way to reverse services decline in north-west Qld

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 01:57:35 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says the only way to reverse the decline of services in western Qld (including banks, insurance, doctors, and telecommunications) is to increase population through irrigation projects and ensuring miners live in the towns where they work.

Mr Katter said he has been in discussions with major mining operators in the North West Minerals Province (Cloncurry and Mount Isa) for the provision of housing.

“If 400 one-hectare blocks were released in Cloncurry, not only would it provide a stable workforce, but it would also give us a much more livable community,” Mr Katter said.

“The provision of 1,000 similar blocks in Mount Isa would not be unreasonable. Housing can be provided for through a $150 per/week salary sacrifice, and $150 from the mining companies.

“Since the introduction of FIFO mining, Mount Isa has gone from 30,000 people down to 18,000 people.

“I sit under the pictures of two of the greatest men in Australian political history, Red Ted Theodore and Black Jack McEwen.

“McEwen said, if we do not occupy this great treasure which is Australia then I fear it shall be taken from us.”

Mr Katter said the second way to populate inland Australia was through irrigation schemes where the land would be balloted out to owner-occupier farmers.

“We don’t want ‘Cotton Kings’ and ‘Grain Barons’ flying in and out of our towns in their Learjets, we want locals on these irrigation farms,” he said.

“I received a promise of $180m from the Prime Minister in late 2018 for the Hughenden dam and irrigation project (HIPCo), to increase the population of the town with cattle fattening farms which will lead to a quartering works and leather tannery.

“The Hughenden model can be repeated through the Mid-West towns (Julia Creek, Richmond, Cloncurry) and in the Gulf towns.”

-ENDS-

Minister considering CT Scanners for Ingham & Charters Towers

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 23:54:27 GMT

FEDERAL HEALTH MINISTER, Greg Hunt, is considering funding new CT (Computed tomography) scanners for the Ingham and Charters Towers hospitals, after the lack of imaging services in these North Queensland towns was raised with him by Kennedy MP, Bob Katter in a meeting last month.

Minister Hunt’s Department has received and is assessing the funding proposals for the CT Scanners which would cost $3.95m (Charters Towers) and $5.5m (Ingham).

A federally funded, $5m CT scanner was committed to the community of Bowen which has a smaller or equivalent population to both Ingham and Charters Towers.

Mr Katter said it was imperative that Ingham and Charters Towers received an upgrade as currently patients must be transported to Townsville or private clinics, which clogs up vital ambulance services.

“This tool is essential to the diagnosis and ongoing treatment of many life[1]threatening conditions,” he said.

“There can be a lot of trauma and tragedy inflicted on patients having to wait for hours to be transported to major cities for a CT scan. At critical times this wait can make a significant difference to patient outcomes.

“The Ingham Health Service Community Advisory Network and Charters Towers Councillor, Graham Lowman, raised the need for these upgrades with me. “I am happy to report that the Minister listened seriously to our needs, and we hope to hear of a positive announcement soon.”

-ENDS-

Kuranda Range alternate must be given highest priority

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 01:57:01 GMT

KAP State and Federal MPs, Shane Knuth and Bob Katter, are demanding that both levels of government place the highest priority on building an alternate route to the Kuranda Range Road, after yet another accident occurred on the dangerous stretch of highway this morning. [1]

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said it was a farce that the highway was being closed multiple times a week while the State Labor Government and the Federal LNP Government sat on their hands.

Mr Katter said comments made by Labor MP for Cook, Cynthia Lui, that the Kuranda Range route was ‘one of the safest roads’ were absolutely ridiculous.

“Shane Knuth and I have been aggressively campaigning for more than two years now, for an alternate route called the Bridle Track Tunnel to be built,” he said.

“We’ve been in to see the Transport Ministers at a state and federal level multiple times and yet we’ve seen no meaningful action.

“The Bridle Track Tunnel would be a high-speed freight route from the Tablelands to Cairns taking 19 minutes.

“The Bridle Track involves 16 kilometres of road from the Davies Creek turnoff to the tunnel entrance, costing $32m ($2m a km is generous), and a 1-2km tunnel through the range costing $600m. Coming out of the tunnel on the Cairns side, there will be an overpass onto the Bruce Highway costing $400m. So, there’s no way the total project will cost any more than $1.5b.”

According to the State Government’s own report, the route closes 44 times a year for an average of seven hours per closure. [2]

Hill MP, Shane Knuth said, the time for talking was over and action is required by governments.

“The Bridle Track Tunnel must be the highest priority of any road upgrade for North Queensland,” Mr Knuth said.

“60-thousand plus people live on the Tablelands, Gulf and Cape, and we have huge potential in agriculture and mining. But this will all be held back unless we get a new highway to Cairns.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/kuranda-range-crash-car-rolls-on-kennedy-highway-amid-calls-for-road-upgrade/news-story/d9090bd3bbd8ab27bb33acd7626c7f11

[2] https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/cairns-to-northern-tablelands-access-strategy

Katter calls for new Mount Isa army base

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:16:19 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has renewed [1] his call for one-thousand troops to be stationed at a new army base in Mount Isa, north west Queensland, following the Federal Government’s announcement last week it wants to increase the size of Australia’s armed forces. [2]

Mr Katter, who has sent a letter to Defence Minister Dutton, said Australians will not believe the Federal Government intends to expand the Army unless it takes definitive action such as building a new base in northern Australia.

“There needs to be a full battalion of at least one thousand men stationed in Mount Isa,” he said.

“We also need tanks and armoured personnel carriers equipped with rocket and missile capacity.

“It’s a city with the appropriate infrastructure and the housing can be built at virtually no cost at all, with cavity block construction. The cost will be negligible.”

Mr Katter said Australia’s north is an empty land and needs dramatic population expansion.

“If you put one-thousand soldiers in Mount Isa, the population of the town will grow to 40,000 people,” he said.

“If the Federal Government uses the defence head of power under the Constitution to put irrigation in Cloncurry, Hughenden, Julia Creek and Richmond, you will have hundreds of thousands of people living in the north west.

“We are an empty land, apart from a narrow strip of coastline from Cairns down to Melbourne and around to Adelaide. In the area that is barely populated, is all our gold, all our iron-ore, all our coal and most of our water. How will you defend and keep it if no-one is living there?”

Mr Katter said the Federal Government must also move on training every 14-year-old boy, and girl if they want to, on how to use a rifle through the cadets.

“Ukraine is holding back the Russian army with guerrilla warfare,” he said,

“If we train our young people and give them a rifle, then Australia will also have a guerrilla army ready to defend our country.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/6876875/bob-katter-wants-an-army-defence-base-in-mount-isa/

[2] https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/more-troops-for-nuclear-submarines-cyber-in-38-billion-defence-force-expansion-20220309-p5a385.html

Good Australian Awards 9/3/22

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 03:51:29 GMT

Presentation of Good Australian Awards to Peter Collings, Grant Lillyman and Allan Parker by Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill.

Displaced Ukrainians can find a home in North Queensland

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:10:17 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter says displaced people from the Ukraine would find a new home in the north, noting strong parallels between the two countries, particularly regarding Christian foundations, industrial rights and democratic views.

Mr Katter said regional Australia desperately needs the population so would welcome the Ukrainians with open arms.

“Our party has continuously screamed that if you are going to bring people to Australia, then preference should be given to those countries that can integrate harmoniously into Australia," he said.

"This means democracy, rule of law, Christianity - and I’m not saying they need to go to church every Sunday, just that they “love their neighbour” and “make the world a better place” – industrial awards and egalitarian traditions.”

Mr Katter said he'd be happy for the federal government to bring Ukrainian people out to North Queensland as there’s lots of work for them to do in fruit picking, hospitality and tourism.

“More than anything else, this country needs to be occupied," he said.

"30km west of Townsville there is no one living between there and the Indian Ocean. We are a totally empty country.

“So yes, we need the Ukrainians. I’ve got people in Mount Isa yelling out that they are all beautiful – they are a very handsome race.

“If you want to bring people that have the complete opposite values to Australians, then you are creating for your country problems that you will never overcome. You can, however, bring those people in in small numbers. My homeland was settled by people from Afghanistan. They came out with a view to become Australians – a totally different view to those that come to Australia today. And that is the difference.”

The Katter's Australian Party (KAP) MP said he agreed with union leader Sally McManus that Australian jobs and minimum wages must also be protected.

"The people sitting at home on the couch watching tv need a kick up the rear end," he said.

"We've had fruit rotting on the vine, taxis sitting empty, and cafes closed down because some people just won't work. Well, the Government must get its big stick out now and compel them to work."

-ENDS-

Three North Queenslanders receive Good Australian Awards

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:09:06 GMT

AVIATION pioneer Peter Collings, sugar cane industry advocate and negotiator Allan Parker, and North West Queensland sheep and cattle man and rugby league administrator Grant Lillyman, have all been presented with Good Australian Awards by Townsville City Council Mayor, Jenny Hill.

Bob Katter said Peter Collings received his award for creating a major Australian airline to service North Queensland which always has been owned by North Queenslanders.

“This has been an amazing achievement,” Mr Katter said.

“Peter has kept the family station going for most of his life and he has provided a safe and wonderful service to the people of North Queensland through his original airline Mac Air. He now owns SkyTrans alongside Johnathan Thurston.”

Peter Collings said the Award was a shock and a big honour.

“My heart is in the bush and my heart is in the Cape and that’s where our airline services,” he said.

“I grew up on a cattle station south of Mckinlay, and in my early 20s I bought a plane. I went out and did my commercial licence and loved the industry. When Cannington Mine popped up down the road we expanded with them and became a serious business.”

Bob Katter said Ayr’s Allan Parker had a huge team of people, but he was the person most involved in negotiations for the restoration of a protective marketing system in the sugar industry, and that is why he has received his Good Australian Award.

“Sugar is an industry that is totally owned by foreign companies that some people would call a monopoly situation over the growers,” Mr Katter said.

“Farmers were very fearful that we could end up with the miller paying us a devalued farmgate price. The Sugar Code of Conduct drawn up by Allan and his team, has restored a level playing field for growers, but it wasn’t set up to disadvantage processors. Allan was a key negotiator in Canberra and Brisbane for the state legislation.

“An industry that was deregulated has fought back. We had 230,000 farmers in Australia and now we have 80,000. We’ve been slaughtered. Only the sugar industry out of The Burdekin and Ingham and the farmers from Mareeba have fought back against deregulation.”

Allan Parker said he was overwhelmed that he had been singled out for an award.

“A lot of other people have played huge roles in the sugar industry and getting the Code of Conduct. They’ve realised for a better outcome we need guidelines,” he said.

Bob Katter said Richmond’s Grant Lillyman received his award for bridging the class divide in North West Queensland and for his services to rugby league.

“In the days of the Mid-West sheep industry there was an unfortunate social class division subject to many books, stories and songs,” he said.

“It created an unpleasant divide between the sheep cockies’ and the shearers and townies. Grant Lillyman contributed to the breaking down of this barrier.

“He and his wife were prominent in all sports, shooting, rodeo and rugby league. They were able to use the immense power they had, through their deep Christian beliefs, to treat all people the same.

“Grant ran the Mid-West rugby league for 20 plus years. His grandson Jake played for QLD, Australia and in the NRL. Grant owned cattle stations and just surviving on the mid-west plains is a giant achievement. God Bless you Grant and your late wife, Rita.”

Grant Lillyman said he was very honoured and humbled to receive the Good Australian Award.

“Whether I’ve contributed that much is not for me to judge, but I made great friends in the Mid-West and reared a family there,” he said.

“We went through a lot of tribulations from shearers’ strikes, to trying to keep the banks off our back. We come from a land where the dingoes are prevalent so it’s not always an easy life.”

-ENDS-

PM’s new weapons useless without fuel security

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:23:41 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement on missiles and submarines but says these new weapons will be useless unless Australia has sovereign fuel security.

Mr Katter said he had been calling for the things the PM has announced today, for more than 12 months.

“I wish to put on record our sincere appreciation at the very strong leadership shown by the Prime Minister and his decision on missiles,” Mr Katter said.

“And while it might be valid to say ‘too little, too late’, I would argue that it is never too late. Skiting about missiles is one thing, but there is still no intention to address fuel security or the training of young boys and girls in how to use rifles.

“Offensive weaponry, or long-range tomahawks are great, but they are not a missile fortress wall. We must defend our island. Our advice from the highest levels of the armed forces says that 150 to 200,000 missiles are needed.

“We need platforms to launch these missiles in the form of patrol boats, that should be made in Cairns. I have written to Minister Dutton about restarting navy boat building in Cairns. They should be built in northern Australia where they will be used.”

Mr Katter said there is no use talking about weaponry, tanks, subs or planes if you don’t have the infrastructure or the fuel supply to back them up.

“To talk about defence when realistically you have thirty days fuel supply is not just naive, it’s positively disastrous,” he said.

“The crossbenchers in Canberra have put forward a sovereign fuel bill which I would argue is screamingly obvious.”

The legislation involves:

1. A ban on the export of Australian oil, so it will be processed in Australian refineries.

2. All suburban waste disposal will be converted to diesel and other drop in fuels.

3. All metropolitan-based government vehicles be Australian made, in majority-Australian-owned factories. Our electric buses are already being built in Australia.

4. A renewable fuel mandate, creating an enormous supply of biofuels from sugar cane-fibre, algae, gain and biochar from invasive weeds like prickly acacia.

“A defence-missile fortress wall, fuel security and rifles. Those are your three great weapons,” Mr Katter said.

“Every boy, and arguably every girl in Australia, should be taught how to use a rifle. Once they have a rifle in their hand, you’ve made them into guerilla patriots – most powerful.

“Every military book ever written will tell you that you need 20 conventional troops for every guerilla troop. Napoleon Bonaparte found that out, as Adolf Hitler found out in Leningrad, as did the Russian president in Afghanistan, as America found out in Vietnam, and as Russia will find out in the Ukraine.”

Mr Katter said the major parties had sold Australia out and now was the time to turn back the tide.

“We don’t have control when foreign entities have control over our power stations, over our farms, over our ports, over our defence data and through our

universities,” he said.

“A Chinese ‘invasion’ could be as simple as a shipping vessel pulling into the Port of Darwin with a battalion of red guard marines, or ten giant freight airplanes could land in Merredin Airbase and it is all over red rover.

“The PMs speech brought me no comfort as to Australia’s defence strategy in such a situation. As deeply appreciative as I am of his speech, I was just left with the disquieting feeling that we are looking at a Brisbane line once again. During WWII, it was never a north-south line, it was a decision to protect Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide and the rest would need to be given to the enemy.

“So, to the people who live in those places, I would like to remind you that our exports consist of iron ore, coal, gold, cattle, silver/lead/zinc, aluminum, copper, crops. Every single one of those export earners is in that area – outside of the Brisbane line: the golden ‘nulla nulla”. We must defend it.”

-ENDS-

‘Don’t hang up on the regions’, Katter’s plea for more telecommunications funding in the Federal Budget

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 01:49:31 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has written to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg requesting that the Federal Budget contain a significantly increased allocation for rural and regional telecommunications services and infrastructure.

The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP said it was probably the biggest issue facing regional and remote Australia and must be funded seriously by the Federal Government.

“The lack of phone or internet service is the number one issue on people’s lips whether I’m in the rural and remote areas like Einasleigh, Cloncurry, Julia Creek or Doomadgee, or on the coast at Mission Beach, Fishery Falls, Forrest Beach, Upper Stone, Cowley Beach, or Japoonvale/Silkwood, or the Atherton Tablelands at, Dimbulah/Mutchilba, Speewah, Danbulla, Innot Hot Springs, or Atherton,” Mr Katter said.

“We’ve been screaming out continuously at the Federal Government and at the major telcos to improve the service and to fund upgrades of mobile towers.”

With business increasingly being operated online and from home offices, Mr Katter said improved telecommunications services would boost productivity.

“Poor service severely impacts on business owners’ ability to conduct business and the safety of residents at home or working on farms. It drives residents out of the area and makes life difficult and risky for those who stay,” Mr Katter wrote in his letter to the Treasurer.

“Also, Accidents frequently occur on rural properties and roads, and without the ability to call emergency services, the risk of injury and death is much higher.

“These problems just indicate further why the sale and privatisation of Telstra by the major parties was a national disaster that will continue to impact generations to come.”

Fishery Falls Holiday Park owner, David Butteriss, said the length of time it takes telcos and the Federal Government to fund telecommunications upgrades is extremely frustrating.

“People don’t want to stay in a location that doesn’t have enough mobile or internet service,” he said.

“I am constantly spending money on boosters so the people in our caravan park can have better service, but it drops out all the time.

“We are only 32km from the centre of Cairns, with the main NBN line running through town and yet the major telcos haven’t as yet upgraded the mobile phone infrastructure.”

Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto said the constant pleas from constituents that telecommunications services are not good enough indicates there’s a shortfall of funding.

“We are being treated like second class citizens in regional and north Queensland,” he said.

“We keep getting new infrastructure and areas fixed up and then straight away problems arise in other localities. This indicates to me that the telcos and Federal Government are not evening scratching the surface and need to invest more.”

-ENDS-

Old truck tyres kickstart manufacturing plant in Charters Towers

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 01:06:39 GMT

A CHARTERS TOWERS business that processes old truck tyres into bases for bollards used on roadworks sites, is looking to expand with Federal Government funding.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, recently took a tour of ASR Investment’s processing plant with owner Alan Rowe, who is looking to use funds from the Northern Australia Development program to grow the business.

Mr Rowe will be recycling old truck tyres from Northwest Qld Council areas from Cloncurry to Charters Towers by turning them into traffic bollard bases with his mobile tyre shredding plant and with his plant based in Charters Towers.

Mr Rowe said regional Councils have large stockpiles of tyres ready for disposal.

“Our proposal will address the problems associated with tyre disposal through recycling by turning them into bollard bases,” he said.

“Currently bollard bases are mostly made overseas. We can make these products right here in North Qld.

“I started about five years ago and in the early days it was a fair bit of messing around. But the last three years we’ve really focussed on making the bollard bases.

“We are applying for a couple of grants which will allow us to buy the equipment we need to expand. We will go out to the western areas with our mobile shredder and shred the tyres down so we can bring them back to the main plant in Charters Towers where they will be turned into traffic bollards.”

At peak production Alan plans to produce one-thousand bollard bases a week.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter said he supports any proposal that creates manufacturing jobs in Australia.

“We Australians are sick and tired of seeing all our jobs and industries going overseas to China,” he said.

“Our town of Charters Towers is leading the fight back for Australian jobs, and Alan’s proposal to recycle tyres which are very expensive to dispose of otherwise, is a credit to him. Currently people pay nearly $20 to dispose of their tyres. If this proposal works out Alan will pay you to take your tyre.

“Alan already has runs on the board with his plant in town and it is great that he’s looking to expand.”

-ENDS-

Fortress Australia: Missiles, patrol boats and a guerrilla youth force

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 07:01:58 GMT

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, wants to see a monster program rolled out immediately to build missile-equipped patrol boats and drone delivery platforms well as a high school cadet program in which every cadet would be 'introduced to using a gun’.

To sure up Australia’s borders, and to protect itself from a potential threat, Mr Katter said the Government must act on building a missile fortress wall comprising patrol boat and drone delivery platforms.

He says the construction can take place immediately from places like Cairns, and Perth.

He also wants to commence a cadet program in Australian schools to ensure the population of high-schoolers are familiar with, and understand how to bear arms should the need arise, instead of as a reaction, as they are currently doing in the Ukraine ^[i] .

“Each student at every school in Australia should be allocated a semi-automatic combat rifle and taught how to use it responsibly, in a very controlled way. This could be rolled out within a matter of six months. Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Israel – every single one of those countries have done this, and it is what Australia had also done for most of the last century,” Mr Katter said.

“You’ll find that if they do this; they will become steadfast patriots as sure as night follows day. And if anyone wants to try something with Australia, they will face a guerrilla army of five million strong. Every single military book you read will tell you that for every guerrilla, you need 20 conventional troops.

“We are a country of Europeans, exposed in an ocean, surrounded by Asia. We are a country that is mostly empty, but so rich in value. So, we must do these things to protect our country, and we must do them at breakneck speed. We must,” he said.

With Russia and China's authoritarian and imperialist leaders, Mr Katter said that the threat to Australia was real and that many of the world’s most well-known wars have been over access to oil; an issue he has been driving hard for the better part of the last two years.

“If you want to start a war, you embargo oil. That’s what everybody does. The Arab countries have done it many times where they have cut off the oil and the price of fuel skyrockets. The first world war was precipitated by Winston Churchill, quite rightly, taking control of the world’s oil for the Anglos. The second world war, America embargoed petrol going into Japan and in Europe, it was simply about Hitler trying to get to the oilfields in Stalingrad and the Bolivian desert.

“If you think I’m talking through my hat, I was saying this last year, and China did cut off a fuel for Australia, because some imbecile said, “all diesel must contain a Urea formula called AdBlue”. And the only place we could get the Urea from was China, so they cut it off.

“Did they do it because the world pricing had gone up, or because of some domestic issue? Or did they do it to serve a warning shot in Australia to “shut up and behave yourself or we’ll give you the full hog?” Mr Katter said.

“Most of our fuel comes out of Singapore and South Korea. Almost all of it comes out of refineries in or adjacent to the South China Sea. Noone is going to defy China. So now you’ve got three days supply of petrol or oil, realistically. Others claim there is three weeks supply. Well, if they cut us off, there will be lines 2km long at all the petrol stations around the country and that fuel will be gone. And remember they’ve already done it with AdBlue.

“The only person who blew the whistle and got action on AdBlue was me. And the only reason I did it was because our candidate in Townsville blew the whistle first. I checked it out with transport operators and pressured the Government to act. If I hadn’t, all the trucks would have been off the road by the third week in February.”

ENDS

Fight for Christianity goes on – Bob Katter

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 03:15:59 GMT

For the past two decades we have witnessed the persecution of Christians in Australia.

The head of the Anglican Church (Peter Hollingworth), the head of the Catholic Church (George Pell) and the most prominent spokesman for the evangelicals (Israel Folau), were all viciously attacked and removed.

Your head must’ve been buried in the sand to not see what is going on here. People who have some peculiar moral views on conduct are determined to destroy us, and really, they are running with the majority.

The Federal Government’s Religious Discrimination Bill was a feeble effort to protect religion. It is a reflection upon the Liberals, that Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg, who both have strong belief in the Almighty, were unable to dragoon some of their own mob who are actually a part of the massed armies attacking Christianity.

Who abolished slavery? Christians did. Who secured civil rights in America? The Christians did. Who protected Europe? The Christians did. Who freed Europe from the terror inflicted on them by the Ottomans and Tamerlane? The Christians did.

Archbishop Langton forced a monarch to recognise that people have rights through the signing of the Magna Carta.

Religion is a positive for humanity.

This modern attack on Christianity is just starting. We’ve seen the first skirmishes. The Religious Discrimination Bill has become a stalemate, and we didn’t get any protection for Christians, Christian businesses, or Christian schools.

Regards, Bob Katter, Kennedy MP.

—ENDS—

Govt backs the likes of Tesla over Aussie workers

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 04:08:40 GMT

NORTH QUEENSLAND MP, Bob Katter, has lashed the Federal Government's Electric vehicle fleet fund policy saying that it will support foreign owned companies like Tesla over emerging Australian made electric vehicle manufacturers.

On the weekend, Energy Minister Angus Taylor announced stage two of the Government’s $250m Future Fuels Fund [1] which will allow businesses and Governments to transition their fleets into low emissions vehicles.

Despite the Minister’s claims it will help domestic manufacturing, Mr Katter said there's no component of the funding that will mean the vehicles and associated technology must be Australian made.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said the LNP government had destroyed the Australian car manufacturing industry by fast-tracking the death of Holden, and he said they were up to their old tricks.

"This government are free-marketeers, who don’t care about Australian workers or industry," he said.

"Last week, the crossbench from Adam Bandt to myself, floated a fuel security policy. The policy states that all metropolitan government cars be electric vehicles, made in Australia, by Australian companies.

"What we've heard from the Minister with his reactive announcement is that he'd rather send the money to foreign owned companies like Tesla, than to Aussie workers.

"We need to refine our own fuel, grow our own ethanol, recycle our own diesel and build our own cars. The LNP are hell bent on doing everything overseas, which gives us no security or sovereignty at all."

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/taylor/media-releases/round-2-future-fuels-fund-support-commercial-fleets

Federal Govt. has a big mouth when it attacks China, but it has no stick

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 07:24:09 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has lamented the fact that the Federal LNP Government continues to attack the imperialist, authoritarian Chinese dictatorship with a ‘big mouth’, but has no stick to defend itself with.

Mr Katter says while the LNP think they may be better than the ALP on issues relating to the Chinese Government, the people of Australia know that they have both done nothing to protect the nation and have only run their mouths.

In the latest escalation of tensions, a Chinese warship has been accused of putting Australian Defence Force lives in danger after a laser was shone at a maritime aircraft just north of Australia on Thursday. [1]

Mr Katter said the provocation was a result of the LNP Government shooting their mouths off, and that Australia had now lost sovereign control of its own waters between the mainland and Papua New Guinea.

“The LNP think they are going to win this election on China. Well, Australians will ask them, what did you do about the Port of Darwin? What did you do about China’s Global Switch who control Australia’s Defence Force data? What did you do about the Confucius Institutes and the Drew Pavlou affair? What did you do about fuel security?” Mr Katter said.

“In each of those cases the Government said it was going to do something and all it did was hold inquiries, and then like a gutless cowardly dog they ran away. So don’t have the hypocrisy of thinking you will win this election based on attacking China. You have no credibility at all.

“US President Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy was ‘speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.’ The Australian Government must heed this message.”

Mr Katter is calling on the Federal Government to arm itself with a big stick by immediately starting domestic production of missiles, securing sovereign fuel supply and by training young boys and girls how to use a rifle through the cadets.

“I am calling on Australians to write to their local MP or their local candidate at the upcoming election and ask them how they will vote on these issues,” Mr Katter said.

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-19/defence-accuses-chinese-warship-of-dangerous-act-laser-shone/100845702

Katter up in arms as gun bill sneaks past pollies

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:50:28 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, the Australian Shooters Union, and sporting shooters groups alike, are up in arms over a sneaky move pulled by both sides of the government in Parliament yesterday, after they called on, and passed without ^[1] debate, a bill which Mr Katter warns will undermine the integrity of democracy in Australia.

The bill will place further impositions on responsible gun owners, adding mandatory imprisonment sentences for trafficking in firearms or parts.

If the Criminal Code Amendment (Firearms Trafficking) Bill passes through the Senate, it will mean that a simple act of purchasing a replacement part, such as a swivel or screw online, could mean jail time as sending items interstate may constitute "trafficking".

Mr Katter said the bill was introduced and passed within 15 minutes, and Members of Parliament were given no chance to debate as the Leader of the House shut down debate and allowed the Bill to pass unopposed. Many MPs, including Mr Katter, were not even present as they were attending to other Parliamentary business at the time.

“We were given no notice that the bill was coming on. It was super sneaky,” Mr Katter said.

“If I had been allowed to speak, I would have argued that the Bill sets a dangerous precedent of mandatory sentences and that the bill had been introduced with zero consultation.

“This is the time where the government should be building up our armoury but instead they are doing the complete opposite. Here I am screaming out, almost constantly, “Can’t you see the bad guys are coming?! ” he said.

“We have Russia and China already fronting up in the world and not a bo peep from America. We all know Europe is a spent force and when we should be doing everything humanly possible to provide arms, we are doing just the opposite.”

Mr Katter said he had little faith the Senate would be successful in killing the Bill.

“I would see as much chance of reason coming out of the Australian Senate as our kindergartens have got of manufacturing supersonic airliners.”

Shooters Union Australia president Graham Park wholeheartedly backed Mr Katter's comments on the situation.

"We literally had not heard a peep about this legislation before it was passed. We're one of the country's largest shooting organisations and the fact the government thinks it's OK to introduce and pass legislation that directly affects every gun owner in the country without any industry consultation is completely unacceptable," he said.

"Once again, Australia's licensed shooters are being used as a punching bag for easy political points, and no-one outside the law-abiding firearms user community cares because it's about guns.

"Who knows what subject they'll pull this stunt on next? Whatever it is, it'll be too late, because the precedent has been set and people didn't speak up."

-ENDS-

Katter requests feds jump onboard the Bridle Track Tunnel

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:39:45 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has requested the Federal Government get onboard with the Bridle Track Tunnel and fund the engineering plans for the new super-fast freight highway and tunnel from the Atherton Tablelands/Mareeba to the Cairns CBD.

Mr Katter has written and met with the Federal Transport Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce requesting funds for the preliminary engineering works and planning for the new tunnel and highway.

The existing Kuranda range road route is closed an average of 44 times a year, for an average of seven hours per closure, according to the Federal Government’s own report. [1]

The Labor State Government has shown no interest in being involved in the nation building project and Mr Katter says now is the time for the Federal Government to get involved.

The Bridle Track involves 16 kilometres of road from the Davies Creek turn off to the tunnel entrance, and a 1-2km tunnel through the range. Coming out of the tunnel on the Cairns southern suburbs side, there will be an overpass onto the Bruce Highway (see diagram attached). Mr Katter estimates the project will cost $1.5b.

“We have no heavy vehicle access from the Atherton Tablelands, Gulf and Cape down to the Cairns CBD and Port,” Mr Katter said.

“This is holding back expansion in agriculture and mining on the Tablelands, Gulf and Cape.

“We have seven of Australia’s ten biggest rivers in Far North Queensland and we cannot tap into their potential unless we have access to a port. Similarly in mining, the Chillagoe minerals province will be one of the biggest in Australia, but it is being held back due to the cost of transporting product out.”

Mr Katter said the new highway and tunnel would also make commuting to and from Cairns and the Tablelands very feasible and would see an explosion of population.

“Currently it takes well over an hour to get to Cairns,” he said.

“Once the Bridle Track Tunnel is built it will take motorists roughly 20 minutes. The State Government has spent billions on the Cross River Rail tunnels in Brisbane to save commuters a measly five minutes. It’s time we got our fair share.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/cairns-to-northern-tablelands-access-strategy#:~:text=The%20Cairns%20to%20Northern%20Tablelands,infrastructure%20at%20the%20right%20time .

Fortress wall of missiles – Katter’s Defence plea

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:45:18 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter is calling on the Federal Government to invest in thousands of missiles and delivery systems, as well as a fleet of patrol boats to protect Northern Australia, as the tensions between Russia, the Ukraine and the rest of Europe escalate, as well as China, Taiwan and the wider of the Asia Pacific.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, paid tribute to some of the fighters who had long advocated for action on North Queensland’s skyrocketing insurance prices including, Ross McLennan and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, Margaret Shaw 0AM, Mayor of Hinchinbrook Ramon Jayo, Rachael Coco and the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce Industry & Tourism, Ron Bellert and the North Queensland Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd and most importantly George Christensen – Dawson MP.

“The Townsville Chamber of Commerce compiled excellent research which revealed 25 percent of homes in North Queensland are not insured due to the extreme price of insurance which is on average double that of the rest of Australia,” Mr Katter said.

“We’ve been fighting this battle for many years, and we had built up momentum before the Federal Government called for an ACCC inquiry and took the steam out of the issue. When you don’t want to act you have an inquiry.

“But it was George Christensen who went public on the need for a reinsurance pool for North Queensland and suddenly we were switched on again and we had a chance of getting this.

“We thank the Government for taking the sensible approach to reducing North Queensland’s insurance prices and for making changes to the Bill based on the feedback of locals. Now the insurance companies know that there is a reinsurance pool they can proceed to give us the insurance at a reasonable rate equivalent to the rest of Australia. We thank the Government very seriously for taking this initiative.

“There are some changes that may need to be made to the legislation and the regulations down the track and the Government has promised to review these in a year. So we will hold them to that.”

-ENDS-

Reinsurance Pool passes the House of Representatives

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:36:24 GMT

The much talked about and long-awaited Treasury Laws Amendment (Cyclone and Flood Damage Reinsurance Pool) Bill 2022 has passed the House of Representatives in Federal Parliament and will now move to the Senate for a final vote at the next sitting.

“But it was George Christensen who went public on the need for a reinsurance pool for North Queensland and suddenly we were switched on again and we had a chance of getting this.

“There are some changes that may need to be made to the legislation and the regulations down the track and the Government has promised to review these in a year. So we will hold them to that.”

-ENDS-

Govt’s inaction on fuel security leaves Australia vulnerable

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 02:03:02 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has arrived at Parliament House in an Australian-made electric bus joined by fellow crossbench politicians, Melbourne MP - Adam Bandt, South Australian Senator - Rex Patrick and Clark MP - Andrew Wilkie.

This was to draw attention to Australia’s lack of fuel security which is becoming increasingly more concerning as tensions escalate with Russia and the Ukraine, and China and Taiwan. [1]

The electric bus the MPs rode on was built in Sydney by Australian company Nexport, the nation’s largest producer of electric buses. [2]

Mr Katter is proposing the Federal Government act to increase Australia’s fuel security by:

1. Banning the export of Australia’s oil which will bolster Australia’s domestic refining capability.

2. All suburban waste will be recycled into fuel, which is being done by Southern Oils in Gladstone. [3]

3. All metropolitan based public servants’ cars be electric vehicles made in Australia.

4. Rollout of Australian-made renewable fuels sustainably made from sugar, grain and algae.

Bob Katter said now was the time for the Federal Government to act to provide fuel security.

“A lot of people are looking on with concern as Russia and China climb back into bed together, and I get the feeling we are seeing imperialism not communism,” Mr Katter said.

“If China embargoed our fuel which comes from Singapore and South Korea, as they did with the urea and AdBlue for our trucks, then we are in very serious trouble.

“So, we need to refine and manufacture our own fuel here, and if we have electric cars or buses in the metropolitan cities then that will mean more fuel for our trucks and farmers.

“If Greens Leader Adam Bandt and I can agree that we need to do something for fuel and energy security then it would be nice if the major parties can act.

“Adam is right, we want Australians to build something again. We have no manufacturing base. We can’t even make a car tyre let alone a car or a motorbike. So, let’s restore Australian made manufacturing.

“I’m not losing sleep over carbon emissions, but we will run out of fossil fuels in 150 years, so we’d better think of some alternatives.”

Sid Rallapalli from electric bus manufacturer Nexport said ‘with policy and strategic support from all levels of government, Australia’s electric mobility manufacturing sector can create new and high paying jobs across the entire transport value chain.’

“The future of transport is electric, it’s time for Australia to step up and play our part in securing this future,” Mr Rallapalli said.

“Nexport has committed to moving into a new facility in Bankstown, Sydney. Leasing of this new 11,000 square meter space will quadruple manufacturing capacity. The new site will give Nexport the ability to produce 200 electric buses a year.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-22/government-to-buy-fuel-secure-national-stockpile/12173276

[2] https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/australia-s-largest-electric-bus-maker-eyes-expansion-20220207-p59uhv

[3] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-09/landfill-waste-commercial-grade-diesel-petrol-fuel-project-cqu/100647952

Bring the backpackers back, says Katter

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 02:25:16 GMT

AS Australia’s international border reopens, Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, says any new tourism campaigns aimed at overseas tourists must have a specific focus on attracting backpackers, and the process of getting into Australia must be streamlined.

North Queensland’s economy has traditionally had a major reliance on backpackers as they fill key hospitality, farming and tourism jobs.

Unlike other overseas workers, backpackers also spend most of their wage back into the local community on activities like skydiving, pubs and nightclubs, cafes, scuba diving and white-water rafting.

Mr Katter is seeking a meeting with Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan at parliament this week to persuade him of the importance of targeting the backpacker market, and to ensure that the process of getting working holiday visa holders into the country is fast and rubber stamped. .

“I have had discussions with five of the leading tourism operators in the Cairns region and there is no doubt in my mind that $1b dollars has been wiped out from the hit to tourism,” he said.

“We are hardly getting a single dollar from tourism now and no backpackers is hurting everyone tremendously.

“We’ve seen 30 years’ of hard work to create the Far North Queensland tourism industry destroyed overnight. At its height the Cairns region attracted Hollywood film stars like Bo Derek & Lee Marvin, Prime Ministers and Premiers, but that’s all been wiped out. The Queensland Government, a bunch of pygmies, and the cowardice of Canberra have a lot to answer for.

“Our economy depends on tourism, sugar cane and other fruit and vegetable farming. So, the injection of money for advertising is imperative. There’s a lot of noise being made but we need a marketing campaign that targets backpackers.

“North Queensland’s natural wonderland sells itself, but let’s remind these people we exist.

“You can fly over a crocodile on a flying-fox as I did in Cairns, dive on the reef off Mission Beach, fall in love with the beauty of Paronella Park, kayak at Babinda, white water raft at Tully, chase waterfalls on the Tablelands, or party at Micky Nasser’s pub in Atherton.”

Paronella Park owner Mark Evans says he’s heard there is a strong demand for Australia’s working holiday visa, with around 30,000 applications approved or

pending, but the process of getting in must be streamlined. [1]

“We are desperately short of workers, so are the farmers, and so are the café and pub owners,” he said.

“There’s clearly some demand there, now let’s get the backpackers back in. These people will be coming from all over the world so the Government must make it as easy as possible.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-02-12/farm-labour-shortage-unaffected-by-holiday-visa-surge/100822150

Community ignored over Chalumbin Windfarm concerns

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:10:48 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says Far North Queenslanders should be giving it to the State Government for allowing corporations, some foreign-owned, to build windfarms beside the world heritage rainforests and jungles of the region.

The company behind the Chalumbin windfarm proposal refused to speak to a group of Ravenshoe residents yesterday, instead seeking one-on-one conversations.

Bob Katter said it was a ‘very smart move’ and labelled the people doing the promotions as ‘very smarmy people’.

“We are a bunch of mugs for not giving it to the Queensland government,” he said.

“They’ve cut down more trees than any State Government in Australia and they’re doing it to deliver intermittent, super expensive power.”

Mr Katter said the proposed Chalumbin Windfarm would threaten maybe the greatest proliferation of birdlife on earth as it will be constructed beside world heritage rainforests and jungle in Far North Queensland.

“Other marsupials will also be wiped out as 100-metre-wide service roads will be constructed,” he said.

“Every North Queenslander must answer these questions: do you want your natural wonderland turned into an industrial wasteland? Building windfarms beside jungle from west of Ingham to west of Cairns will be disastrous. [1]

“Do you want an intermittent power supply? If the wind’s not blowing your TV and air con will go off. All of these wind farms proposed from west of Ingham to west of Cairns (1200 MW at 30 percent reliability) will produce the same amount of energy each year as Queensland’s smallest coal power station at Tarong North (443 MW of base load power). So, why are we clearing this important habitat and land for no gain?

“Do you want the most expensive electricity on earth? Existing coal-fired power cost $25 a MWh, and the Finkel Report says it costs $90 a MWh hour for solar and for wind. [2]

“These projects will provide a quick sugar hit for the local economy but there will be few ongoing jobs. It’s a poor deal. If we allow these windfarms to be constructed, then we will be betraying our grandchildren and their children.

“I am not against all windfarms. At Hughenden you can build one at 1000 metres above sea level, where there are no trees or abundant bird life. The wind there is also far more reliable. It’s a great idea there.”

Bob Katter has invited Federal Environment Minister, Sussan Ley, to meet with Ravenshoe residents about the windfarms, and her office has indicated that she is planning to come.

Minister Ley can block the Chalumbin Windfarm through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-27/wind-turbines-for-atherton-tablelands-farm-arrive-in-cairns/100786196

2 https://www.energy.gov.au/sites/default/files/independent-review-future-nem-blueprint-for-the-future-2017.pdf

PM calls on the Qld Government to get behind the Hughenden Irrigation Project (HIPCo)

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:06:47 GMT

IN RESPONSE to a question from the Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pleaded with the Queensland Government to get behind the Hughenden Irrigation Project (HIPCo) so that dozers can get on the ground and construction can begin.

The irrigation scheme involves a 200,000 ML dam and would unlock 11,000 hectares of irrigation for diversified crops on the southern side of the of the Flinders River, near Hughenden in North West Queensland.

“We need the Queensland Government to support this project,” the Prime Minister said during Question Time.

“It is an incredibly important project for North West Queensland and we urge the Queensland Government to work with us to deliver this project. To get the dozers on the ground and utes and boots out there to get this project moving.

“The Member for Kennedy and I, as well as the Minister for Infrastructure and his predecessor, have been working to get this project moving. But the Queensland Government are yet to come onboard to ensure that we can get this project approved so we can get the jobs, and the wealth and so we can access the resources that are so important for Australia’s economic future.

“The Member for Kennedy understands that if we don’t access the resources of our nation and manage them properly for our wealth, then we can’t defend our country.”

Mr Katter said that the water allocations for the Flinders River and North Queensland Rivers should prioritise local communities and owner-operator farmers, not big corporations (some foreign owned) as the Queensland Government has done continually.

“If Queensland Government’s auction system is allowed, big corporations will get everything, all of the water, and locals will get nothing,” he said.

“93 percent of Australia’s land mass contains 74 percent of our water but only one million people.

“The Mid-West and Gulf regions of Queensland have three of Australia’s biggest rivers and have 11 potential irrigation (ballot scheme) systems. We can bring 300,000 people out of the city slum areas and into a prosperous golden future.”

The Hughenden Irrigation Project has $180m in funding committed to it by the Morrison Federal Government, and now requires water allocations from the Queensland Government to proceed.

-ENDS-

CT scanners a necessity for Northern communities

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:19:16 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, will be knocking down the door of the Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, pleading the case for CT scanners to be installed at the Ingham and Charters Towers hospitals after hearing harrowing stories of local patients waiting hours for treatment due to the lack of technology.

A CT scan or computed tomography scan is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to obtain detailed internal images of the body noninvasively for diagnostic purposes.

Members of the Ingham Health Service Community Advisory Network were pleased to meet with local MP Bob Katter when he visited Ingham recently.

Peter Smith, the Chairman of the Ingham Health Service Community Advisory Network, said the group discussed with Mr. Katter the need for the hospital to have on site computed tomography equipment.

“The aged demographic of the shire makes this diagnostic tool an essential,” he said.

“Bob said that he would meet with the federal minister for health this week on the matter.”

Mr Katter said the group told him that patients had to be transported across Ingham to the town’s privately owned CT scanner or to Townsville, which tied up important paramedic resources that would otherwise be responding to other emergencies.

“There can be a lot of trauma and tragedy inflicted on patients having to transport them across town and back for a CT scan, or worse patients have to be transported to Townsville, as is the case in Charters Towers,” Mr Katter.

“I applaud the initiative of Rural Medical Imaging to get a privately owned CT scanner in Ingham, but there’s plenty of room for two here. Plus, the privately owned machine only operates during normal business hours, not 24/7. We need something in the hospitals available all the time.

“Bowen received Federal Government money for a CT scanner before the last election, and Bowen is smaller than Charters Towers and Ingham. So, I will be very concerned if we don’t get a positive response when we meet with the Minister this week.

“I personally was having a massive heart attack and three Doctors x-rayed me and told me there was nothing wrong with me. Well, a CT scanner would have picked that up.”

Mr Katter also met with Charters Towers Councillor Graham Lohmann about the need for a CT scanner in that community.

Graham Lohmann said Charters Towers is in a terrible situation as it does not even have a private practice that has a CT scanner.

“We are desperate for a CT scanner and the problem is only exacerbated by distance and cost,” he said.

“Our hospital is over 100 years old so the CT scanner will have to have its own building as well which will cost approximately $3.5m.”

—ENDS—

Tully Tigers President, Anthony Emmi, receives Good Australian Award

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:15:34 GMT

TULLY TIGERS Rugby League Club President, Anthony Emmi, has been presented a Good Australian Award for his services to rugby league in the region.

Mr Emmi was presented the award by Cassowary Coast Council Deputy Mayor, Barry Barnes, and Hill MP, Shane Knuth, on Saturday night (5/2/2022) during the Tully Tigers Jersey Auction.

Bob Katter said Mr Emmi’s work with junior and senior rugby league players in the Tully area had resulted in two local boys playing in the National Rugby League (NRL).

“Thomas Flegler has already played for Queensland in State of Origin, and I have no doubt that Jake Clifford will get an Origin jersey as well,” Mr Katter said.

“Anthony has spent countless hours training our young players and administering the game we all love.

“He was also a driving force behind Tully’s new grandstand and rugby league facilities. He contacted Shane Knuth and myself and made sure we got the funding off the State and Federal Governments.”

Hill MP, Shane Knuth, said Anthony Emmi whole-heartedly deserves the award.

“I have never met anyone that is so passionate about his community or about seeing young people from different walks of life and backgrounds excel,” Mr Knuth said.

“Further evidence of his great work was when Anthony Emmi was awarded with an Australia Day Award for Service to Sport in 2020.”

—ENDS—

Katter issues ultimatum to Qld Transport Minister on Cairns to Mareeba highway

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 01:15:15 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has issued an ultimatum to the Queensland Transport Minister; ‘request Federal Government support for a new road from Cairns to Mareeba, or resign as Minister’.

In today’s Cairns Post (04/02/2022), Minister Bailey said, “If Bob Katter was truly serious about solutions, he should do his job in Canberra and actually secure some more serious federal funding for the Far North.”

“We’ve had to do many projects alone, like the $164 million Smithfield Bypass, which the Palaszczuk Labor Government fully funded without a dollar from Canberra who prefer to pick fights with the states.” [ 1]

Mr Katter has said that the Minister’s statement is outrageous on a number of fronts.

“Firstly, the Smithfield Bypass is in the Leichhardt Electorate and the Minister completely botched the design putting the overpass in the wrong place, rather than at the point where the Atherton/Mareeba traffic joins the Northern Beaches traffic,” Mr Katter said.

“Secondly, $2 billion has been spent on divided highway and overpasses between Gordonvale and the Cairns CBD, which is in the Kennedy Electorate, and was 80 percent funded by the Federal Government. Among other Far Northern projects funded heavily by the Federal Government is the Feluga intersection upgrade ($8 million) and the sealing of the key Hann Highway freight route which takes our fruit and vegetable product to Melbourne and Sydney.

“Thirdly, on multiple occasions I have written to the Queensland Transport Minister about this issue, and Shane Knuth has met with him in Parliament regarding making approaches to the Federal Government so that they can fund the engineering plans for a new road between Cairns and Mareeba/Atherton. The Federal Assistant Transport Minister, Scott Buchholz has indicated to me on numerous occasions that they are willing to look at funding but must have a request from the Queensland Minister as it is a Queensland Government highway route. This is not unreasonable and the Queensland Minister had not made any such request.”

Highway 1, which the Federal Government is responsible for, ends at the Cairns Airport.

Mr Katter said if the Minister did not make a request of the Federal Government for funding for the planning of a new highway between Cairns and Mareeba/Atherton, then he would be failing in his duty as Minister and should resign.

“Everyone from Joe Moro (FNQ Growers), to Nick Trompf (Advance Cairns), Michael Kerr (FNQROC), Shane Knuth (Hill MP), the Member for Leichhardt, and the local media including the (Cairns Post, radio and tv stations) have publicly recognised the need for a new road,” Mr Katter said.

“It is unacceptable that we have a highway that closes 44 times a year for an average of seven hours per closure. Clearly from the events of this week, everyone can realise that the Kuranda Road is not suitable for heavy vehicles and should be turned into a dedicated tourist road. Well maybe everyone other than the Minister.

“His Government has played a key role in the total destruction of Far North Queensland’s tourism industry. We need alternate industries in the Far North. The Bridle Track Tunnel will give us access to a port which will allow the Chillagoe Minerals Province to open up, and for farming to take place on the Gilbert, Mitchell and Flinders Rivers (Far North Queensland has seven of the 10 biggest rivers in Australia).

“Cairns is a classic example being bound up so that it cannot grow. Two of the sugar mills feeding the Cairns region are doomed unless the new Bridle Track Tunnel is built.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/a-smart-solution-to-get-us-up-and-down-the-kuranda-range-bailey/news-story/79b83635b70734adbc55e180053dcffd

Katter and Ravenshoe residents concened about windfarm developments

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 06:31:07 GMT

Katter & Knuth inspect Fall Armyworm damage on the Isabella's farm at Atherton

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 03:53:44 GMT

Katter & Knuth visit Gallo's Dairy on the Atherton Tablelands

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 03:48:14 GMT

Fall Armyworm threatens future of Tablelands ag industries

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 03:26:04 GMT

FOR more than two years the Fall Armyworm has been decimating maize crops on the Atherton Tablelands, and now farmers are considering moving into other crops.

A shortage of maize production will have a major impact on the dairy, beef, chicken and pork industries as maize and corn silage is a feed-source for these animals.

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, and Hill MP, Shane Knuth, inspected the damage caused by the Fall Armyworm on Jimmy Isabella and Jason Lea’s maize farm near Atherton, with 100 percent of the crop affected.

Jason Lea said that unless they secured government funding or another way to control these grubs, they will have no choice but to give up on maize and grow something else.

“This is the second year in a row that the Fall Armyworm has come in heavy from a young age. Corn is generally a good crop, nice and easy to grow and you only have to spray it once,” Lea said.

“Four to five times we have had to spray them with insecticide, just to try and let the bush take its own course and grow cobs and make us our living. It is a lot of hard work, and it’s not easy to see your crop being destroyed by the grub.

“These chemicals that are being brought in for these grubs are not cheap either. You're spending $2,000-$3,000 a drum and that brings profit margins right down, so now we are going backwards.

“Last year it caught everyone by surprise, and we saw a few farmers get rid of their crops all together and cut their losses, but you’ve got to stick with it and get in there early and get on top of them otherwise you can completely lose your crop,” he said.

Nearby maize farmer Geoff Riesen has also had a major Fall Armyworm infestation and is considering grassing down his farm and running cattle.

“Unless they come-up with something it won't be just me, it’ll mean a heap of other farmers getting out,” Riesen said.

“I’m worried for the future. If we don’t get rid of this Fall Armyworm it will be detrimental to all of Australia, not just Far North Queensland.

“I’m not the sort of a farmer that asks for a handout, but they need to try and combat this moth because we are going to lose guys in maize and then we’ll lose the dairy farmers, chicken farmers and feedlots because they won’t have the silage.

“It will be dearer to buy these products for the consumer. If we don’t produce, there will be a shortage of the product in the shops.”

Mr Riesen says Australia is falling behind and needs to follow what other countries are doing.

“It was an eye opener when I was in America. They have genetically modified (GM) corn and GM cotton. The caterpillar can’t eat it. The people in America don’t spray anymore, they plant their corn and walk away – jobs done. I think we should consider this.

“The way they are going now I don’t think we are going to be here much longer. I honestly don’t want to jump on a tractor and keep spraying. I feel our Ag Minister should be a bit more involved. It’ll be too late by the time he gets involved. That horse has already bolted.”

Hill MP, Shane Knuth, has labelled the Fall Armyworm spread a national disaster and continues to call on the State and Federal Governments to provide subsidies for the cost of the spraying.

“Both State and Federal government are doing very little, and biological control might take ten years – we won’t have these farmers then,” Mr Knuth said.

“Some farmers have sprayed these worms four to five times a week and they don’t have the funding, time or resources to keep it up. All they are asking for is a little bit of help.

“Now we are seeing the fall armyworm spread to flowers, paw paw, and other crops and it doesn’t stop there.

“There is a possibility we can beat this, but it is impossible if farmers don’t have the resources to combat them that the Government step in to make a difference in the form of a subsidy to help them to kill the fall armyworm.

“I will continue to raise this issue with Agriculture Minister Mark Furner and telling him that this is a very important issue. It is not enough to say they are researching biological control. The whole region is doing it tough, and now the farmers are giving up.”

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said multiple solutions were needed to control Fall Armyworm.

He is calling on the Federal Government to assist with subsidies for spraying and says the Minister should consider allowing GM corn into Australia, as well as establish a nationwide crop insurance scheme where farmers pay a 1 percent levy.

“Atherton is the most beautiful place in the world. It has the most beautiful soil in the world, nutrient rich, crumbly; a rich dark red soil – but these blokes are left no alternative than to go to suburban subdivision if they don’t get the help to battle the Fall Armyworm," he said.

“Do you really want this beautiful soil to become a suburban subdivision? Destroying all that beautiful rainforest up there. No jobs for any of our kids?

“The Government doesn’t govern. If we had a government that governed, then we would allow genetically modified corn, and this would not be happening. Our competitors have done this, so they don’t have the spraying problem.

“Every single farmer and agriculturalist in this country needs crop insurance. Everyone else will get a turn whether it is citrus canker or black sigatoka- everyone will get their turn. But we need money to fight it.

“A one percent levy on farmers would fund a big pool of money that could be reinvested when crops are taken out. In the meantime, the Federal Government must look at subsidising our farmers who are having to spray their crops five times to beat the Fall Armyworm.”

—ENDS—

Another day, another rollover on the Kuranda Range

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 03:10:52 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has warned the State Government to back a second highway to Mareeba and free the tens of thousands of people stranded in the greater Atherton Tablelands after yet another truck rollover on the Kuranda Range Road today caused another extended road closure.

Mr Katter said that figures supplied to his office revealed the Kuranda road closes on average 44 times a year for an average of seven hours for each closure.

“This is arguably the only decent highway connecting the greater Mareeba-Atherton area of 50,000 plus people, to the rest of Australia,” Mr Katter said.

“Here it is again, another rollover on the Kuranda Range. The road is not made for trucks. It is a beautiful tourist road, slow and winding, through a beautiful jungle.

“It is a road that has very poor visibility, you have landslides, very dangerous slippery mud across the highway, precipitous slopes that are 400-500 ft deep and a bridge that we don’t know one week to the next if it is safe to use or not.”

“At this tragic time our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected. How much more do we have to take until real action on an alternate route is taken?”

Mr Katter slammed the plan to rebuild the Barron River Bridge that has been the subject of investigation into its viability and safety for the better part of two years.

“Well (a), they aren’t rebuilding it, (b), they have absolutely no intention of building it and (c), it still leaves us using a beautiful tourist road as a major truck highway for heavy freight.

“The people of Cairns and the Cairns Hinterland will never be able to grow if they continue to use this road and the Government fails to build a highspeed highway.

“Without the Bridle Track Tunnel, the greater Tablelands will never be able to grow unless we punch that hole through the range. It’s good enough for Sydney; for Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, and its good enough for Brisbane with Cunningham’s Gap, but it is not good enough for Far North Queensland.

“Well we will see about that. We will capture a commanding power and we will see about getting it done then and we will grow to be bigger than Brisbane.

“For some time I have joined the chorus of locals pushing for a second highway and we will fight like tigers to get our local road engineers working on the best option.

“We want a second path from Mareeba to the southern outskirts to Cairns and we want work to start on that now. Stop lying to us and doing nothing. Get it done.”

– ENDS –

Feds throw money at the reef without fixing obvious problems

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 04:43:35 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, said the Federal Government needed to address immediate and real problems facing the Great Barrier Reef such as feral pigs causing erosion in river systems or raw sewage seeping out at Cardwell (a town south of Cairns), rather than simply making billion-dollar announcements to win votes months out from a federal election.

Mr Katter said he had been pleading the town of Cardwell’s case to the Federal Minister for the last two years.

“There is no sewage system for the town and nearly the entire population lives 150 metres from the ocean,” he said.

“I can’t imagine a worse situation. What we need is a further $23m to the money that’s already been allocated to properly fix it up.

“They’ve already spent $1b on the reef without addressing the sewage at Cardwell.

“Ayr has a magnificent answer to suburban runoff going onto the reef with their Macro-Algal Bioremediation facility and they need serious funding too. ^[1] ”

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto, said Morrison’s $1 billion funding to save the Great Barrier Reef is once again attempting to put the blame on farmers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised an extra $1 billion to save the Great Barrier Reef from climate change and growing environmental threats.

Mr Dametto said this is another example of the Government blaming Queensland’s farmers for destroying the Great Barrier Reef.

“The Great Barrier Reef is thriving, while our growers bear the brunt of over-the-top regulations,” he said.

“The KAP is trying to restore a balanced and common-sense approach to the management of on-farm water runoff while the Liberals and Labor parties on a state level are continuing to work together to vilify farmers and knockback KAP’s Reef Regulations Reversal Bill.

“Both Liberal and Labor are continuing to use the narrative that farmers are killing the reef as a political ploy to look strong for climate change and the environment in an election year.

“We still have no idea what the last $440 million contribution did to help improve the health of the reef.

“If the Government really wants to invest in saving the reef and the environment, why don’t they look at seriously managing feral pigs that are causing erosion to National Parks and damaging agricultural practices. There is also algae group Pacific Bio’s solution to help nutrient run-off from the sewerage treatment plants along the east coast”.

Mr Katter agreed with Mr Dametto saying, “Any cost impositions on farmers will close another couple of sugar mills and wipe out a few thousand jobs and incomes in North Queensland.”

Independent scientist, Dr Peter Ridd, said that the pesticides are not getting out to the reef and the reef is in excellent condition.

“The public needs to know that the reef has at least ‘near historic high’ coral cover. It is an opportunity that is being missed. The alarmists never miss an opportunity to tell the world when some coral has died,” he said. ^[2]

Mr Katter said he would be ensuring this new round of reef funding was properly spent.

“How much of a scam and a con on the public purse were the previous crown of thorns starfish eradication programs?” he said.

“$120m was allocated and it would appear from the information sent to me that it went into the hands of three people. There was never any information published on just how many crown of thorns starfish were removed.”

—ENDS—

[1] https://www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/news/article/949/wastewater-treatment-a-number-one-priority-in-2021-22-budget

[2] https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=403565948234620&set=a.192641669327050

Labor plans to strangle Far North Qld’s economy for another 30 years

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 04:33:08 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, said the State Government’s Cairns to Northern Tablelands Access Strategy Report shows it wants to strangle the economy of Far North Queensland until at least 2050 with no plans to build a new heavy-vehicle highway from the Tablelands to Cairns. [1]

“There are 56,000 people living on the Tablelands and 5 percent of Australia’s fruit and vegetable production is land-locked and cannot access the Cairns Port or a proposed deep-water port at Yarrabah,” Mr Katter said.

“We are in a situation where the State Government doesn’t know if the Kuranda Bridge is or isn’t safe. And even when the bridge is open, that route closes 44 times a year for an average of seven hours per closure (according to their own report).

“Despite this, they tell us that a new road from Cairns to the Tablelands isn’t viable, but they are spending $6b on the Cross River Rail to save Brisbane commuters five minutes, and are also spending billions on the Olympic Games in Brisbane, a sporting contest that will last two weeks!”

Mr Katter is challenging the Queensland Transport Minister to a public debate in Cairns to argue the merits of a new road.

“If he dogs it, then the public will know that he’s a lying yellow gutted mongrel,” he said.

“He makes outlandish claims about the Bridle Track involving 12 kilometres of tunnels and knocking down 100,000 trees, [2] yet his own report (on page 61) says no detailed assessment of the Bridle Track has been undertaken.

“We cannot move forward in Far Nort Queensland without access to a port. The Chillagoe Minerals Province could be as big as the Northwest Minerals Province which produces $8b a year for the Queensland economy.

“Queensland has three of Australia’s four biggest rivers (The Mitchell, Gilbert and Flinders) but we cannot unlock their potential with irrigation schemes unless we have access to a port.

“People said the Sydney Harbour Bridge would never happen, they said the same about the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the beef roads scheme (which doubled cattle production), the railway line into Blackwater (the coalfields), and they told Laurence Hartnett that Holden would never work too.

“There are those that will continue to live in a cave and there will be those that leave the cave and realise that there is a big world of opportunity out there.”

—ENDS—

[1] Cairns to Northern Tablelands Access Strategy | Department of Transport and Main Roads (tmr.qld.gov.au)

[2] Study finds there’s ‘no need’ for a Kuranda Range route alternative | Tropic Now - Cairns New s

Qld Transport Minister needs to get a map out

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 04:57:45 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says the Queensland Transport Minister needs to get a map out when talking about the Bridle Track Tunnel, as the route is already a gazetted road and half of it goes through state forest or timber reserves.

Mr Katter made the comments in response to Minister Bailey who told the Cairns Post that “whacking a dirty big highway through the middle of it (national park) would be ‘Joh-style’ environmental vandalism at its worst.” [1]

“It would be nice if the Minister had some public servants that told him the truth and gave him a dose of reality, because if he had any brains at all he would know what he has said is outrageous,” Mr Katter said.

“The track is already there. It is a gazetted track now, and half of it goes through state forest or timber reserves.

“He doesn’t have much credibility anyway when it’s taken him two years to work out whether the Barron River bridge is safe or unsafe and he still has no idea.”

Mr Katter said it was laughable for the Minister to claim the environmental upper hand when his State Government was approving and planning ‘bird-killing’ windfarms along the Great Dividing Range beside world heritage listed national parks.

“At the same time his State Government is saying you can’t build the Bridle Track Tunnel, they’re building 250 kilometres of unsealed roads and wind turbines on top of the Great Dividing Range to provide the most expensive electritcity on earth, which will be intermittent,” Mr Katter said.

“In relation to the Bridle Track Tunnel we’re only talking about 16 kilometres of road mostly through scrub and forest country.

“That just indicates this Brisbane Government’s mentality. They are happy for us to be landlocked in the Far North and for us to have the world’s most expensive power.

“The billion-dollar tourism industry at Kuranda has been ground to a halt. The people of the greater Cairns area are on desolation road. Cairns was built on international tourism, by people with foresight. Now there aren’t any international tourists. The other huge attribute for Cairns was the American, Japanese and European backpackers and they have disappeared as well.

“The State Government have completely decimated our industries. We’ve lost 10,000 jobs in tourism and probably 10,000 indirect jobs, [1] but we can all go to bed and sleep well at night knowing we’ll probably have 30 or 40 ongoing jobs from the windfarms. We won’t be able to turn the lights on when the winds not blowing.

“We need new industries and that’s what the Bridle Track Tunnel will provide by opening up heavy vehicle access to ports, which will trigger agricultural and mining growth in the Cape, Gulf and Tablelands.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/barron-river-bridge-to-be-cut-to-one-lane-as-debate-rages/news-story/9b7c751edf891afb743d3e0168235f71

2 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-24/9000-tourism-jobs-lost-in-cairns-since-pandemic-began/100777894

NAIF budget boost welcomed; now build some nation building projects

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:06:22 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has welcomed the Federal Government’s $2b increase to the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF)[1] but said the money must be given to projects that will create new industries and jobs like the Copperstring Transmission line, rather than shiny new buildings in Townsville and Cairns.

“The NAIF has not performed,” Mr Katter said. “I have not seen a single result from NAIF except two ‘political buildings’ in Townsville. I call them political buildings because they were backed to buy votes before an election. Outside of that I have not seen anything of significance.

“They did fund a renewables project. Those silly glass panels and windmills. Queensland has chopped down more trees than any other state in the last five years and they are doing it to produce money for land scams.”

Mr Katter said it was time to stop investing the money poorly and to instead fund nation building infrastructure like the Copperstring transmission line.

“The whole of the North West Minerals Province (Mount Isa and surrounds) is worth $8b a year to Queensland. It cannot keep going unless it has competitively priced power. It was ok when gas prices were $2 a unit but then they went to $16 a unit and blew us out of the water.

“If the Copperstring transmission line is built then we will go onto the national electricity grid and we will have competitively priced power. This will cut the price of power to mines and refineries by 30 to 40 percent.[2] Mr Katter called on the State Government to finalise the remaining regulatory approvals needed for Copperstring to go ahead. “They need to provide the legal authorisation for Copperstring to go ahead,” he said.

“I am talking about taking national grid power out to the North West Minerals Province. This was initiated by Kevin Rudd when he was Prime Minister. At the present moment we are waiting on the State Government.

“The project sends out national grid power, but it brings back highly competitive alternate energy. Building windfarms along the Great Dividing Range from west of Ingham to west of Cairns is an act of foolishness. But building a windfarm at Hughenden makes good sense. There is next to no birdlife, no rainforest, and it is very high up and has some of the highest wind velocities in Australia.”

-ENDS-

[1]

https://ntindependent.com.au/feds-kick-extra-2-billion-into-naif-ahead-of-federal-election/

[2] https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/copperstring-to-create-renewable-energy-and-hydrogenpowerhouse/news-story/2802e40d96aadc26721691503ef1b5bc

Katter welcomes Aboriginal flag copyright purchase, but says authentic art must also be protected

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:13:11 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, has welcomed the Federal Government’s $20m purchase of the copyright of the First Australian (Aboriginal) flag, which means it is now freely available for public use. [1]

Mr Katter wrote to the Prime Minister in 2019 demanding that the Government buy the copyright for the flag or compulsorily acquire it. [2]

“This is another victory for the people,” Mr Katter said.

“We initiated this proposal three years ago and it has taken the Government three years to get there but we are deeply appreciative that they have.

“Our sporting bodies, our communities, our schools and our businesses should all be able to use the Aboriginal flag without fear of being issued a cease-and-desist notice or threatened with legal action. Today’s announcement restores things to where they should be.”

With the Aboriginal flag copyright issue resolved, Mr Katter is calling on the Federal Government to act to protect authentic First Australian artists and their work by setting up a proper certification and authentication process.

“We did a survey in Cairns and some 90 percent of the ‘aboriginal artefacts’ were in fact made in China, the Philippines or Indonesia,” he said.

“So not only were they not authentic but they were imported.

“Politicians look at this situation and do nothing about it. Once again, we plead with the Government to do the simplest of things and implement legislation that would set up an authority to certify authentic First Australian artwork. The legislation would also outlaw the sale of non-authentic First Australian artwork.”

-ENDS-

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-24/aboriginal-flag-copyright-transferred-to-commonwealth/100778324
[2] https://www.sbs.com.au/news/bob-katter-calls-on-pm-to-buy-indigenous-flag-rights-amid-copyright-saga/708b6546-a155-4973-bc2a-15de5feee43f

Bridle Track Tunnel needed now, as Barron River Bridge bottleneck returns

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:09:57 GMT

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says engineering planning and construction of the Bridle Track Tunnel should be fast-tracked immediately following an announcement from the State Government that the Barron River Bridge at Kuranda will be down to one lane again for the next three months for further testing.

“Who is running the show in the Labor State Government? One minute the bridge isn’t safe, then they say it is safe, and now they’re not sure again and are doing more testing,” Mr Katter said.

“One thing for certain is that we need to build the Bridle Track Tunnel now.

“We’re well into the second year of the Barron River Bridge being a liability, causing major headaches for motorists, tourism operators and businesses, and the State Government has done nothing except sit on their hands. They have had enough time to have drawn up the engineering plans for the Bridle Track Tunnel and would be construction ready.

“The Bridle Track involves 16 kilometres of road from the Davies Creek turn off to the tunnel entrance, costing $32m ($2m a km is generous), and a 1-2km tunnel through the range costing $600m. Coming out of the tunnel on the Cairns southern suburbs side, there will be an overpass onto the Bruce Highway costing $400m. So, there’s no way the total project will cost any more than $1.5b.”

Mr Katter said Southeast Qld had great expertise in tunnel building and should send up their resources to Far North Qld.

“The equipment, contractors and expertise for the Cross River Rail Tunnel in Brisbane are all going to be available very shortly and it would be tremendous if they could start work up here immediately on the Bridle Track Tunnel,” he said.

“The problem is we are dealing with ignoramuses here. The state member for Barron River has said they’re rebuilding the Barron River Bridge which will cost $600m and we will be stuck with the same slow and windy one hour commute from The Tablelands to Cairns. If you build another bridge, you don’t open anything new. It should become a dedicated tourism road.

“They’re rebuilding the bridge because the Bridle Track Tunnel wasn’t their idea, so they think it’s wrong. It’s Brisbane arrogance. For just over $1b you can build the Bridle Track Tunnel. It will mean a 20-minute commute from the Tablelands to Cairns.

“It will also open the Chillagoe mineral province (what may be one of the biggest provinces on earth) and the agricultural potential of the Tablelands, Cape and Gulf. Far North Qld has no way of getting our product to port. We’d have to send it to Townsville which isn’t feasible.

“We have three of the biggest rivers in Australia up here and their agricultural potential will remain untapped unless we can get our product to port efficiently. The answer is the Bridle Track.”

-ENDS-