🎉 Date of Birth: May 22, 1945
🎂 Age: 80 years
Introduction — Australia’s Maverick “Father of the House”
Bob Katter is one of Australia’s most enduring and outspoken politicians. As the longest-serving federal Member of Parliament (since 1993), he’s earned the informal title “Father of the House.” Known for his populist views and outspoken defense of rural and farming communities through Katter’s Australian Party, he continues to make headlines — most recently for a dramatic confrontation with a journalist at a press conference in August 2025.
Early Life & Background
- Born: Joseph Robert Katter Jr. on May 22, 1945, in Cloncurry, Queensland.
- Family History: His grandfather emigrated from Lebanon in the late 19th century; Katter frequently cites this when discussing Australian identity and immigration.
- Education: Studied veterinary science, but pivoted to farming and small business before entering politics.
Political Journey
- Entry into Politics: Began as a Labor-endorsed independent, winning the seat of Kennedy in northern Queensland in 1993.
- Founding a Party: Established Katter’s Australian Party to push for regional interests, especially for remote and agricultural voters.
- Reputation: Known for colorful quotes and a “no-nonsense” approach, like comparing same-sex marriage debates to crocodile attacks or demanding practical conditions for immigration.
Latest News: Fist-Shaking at Press Conference
On August 28, 2025, Bob Katter made headlines after a heated exchange at a Brisbane press conference ahead of an anti-immigration March for Australia rally. When a journalist mentioned his Lebanese heritage, Katter responded with aggression:
- Threatened violence — “I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that.”
- Shook a fist in the reporter’s face and called him “racist.”
- Expressed pride in his family being Australian for 140 years.
- His rhetoric included dismissive remarks about immigration, saying migrants must “tick the boxes,” or they shouldn’t come.
This widely reported incident underscored Katter’s reputation for bold and polarizing political style. (Reuters, The Guardian, The New Daily)
Bob Katter – FAQs
Personal Details
| Questions | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1: What is Bob Katter’s age in 2025? | Born May 22, 1945 — he is 80 years old. |
| Q2: Who is Bob Katter’s political party? | Founder of Katter’s Australian Party, focused on regional and agricultural issues. |
| Q3: Why is he called “Father of the House”? | He’s the longest-serving current federal MP, since 1993. |
| Q4: Does Bob Katter come from a migrant background? | Yes — his grandfather immigrated from Lebanon in 1898. |
| Q5: What did he study? | Trained in veterinary science before turning to farming and politics. |
Political Career & Views
- When did Bob Katter enter Parliament?
He was first elected MP for Kennedy in 1993. - What is his main focus in politics?
Defending rural, farming, and regional Australian interests. - How is his political style described?
Outspoken, populist, often controversial and colorful. - Has he been involved in political controversies?
Yes — his recent aggressive response to a journalist is just the latest. - What does he say about immigration?
He supports restrictive immigration, demanding newcomers share Australian values.
Trending & Latest Incident
- Why is Bob Katter trending in August 2025?
For threatening a journalist and shaking his fist during an anti-immigration press event. - What triggered his anger at the press conference?
A reporter’s mention of his Lebanese heritage during questioning. - What is the “March for Australia” rally?
A controversial anti-immigration event, with links to white nationalist messaging. - Did Katter apologize afterward?
No apology was reported; his son ended the press conference soon after. - How did others react to his conduct?
Media organizations condemned it, while some political figures called for decorum.
Fun & Trivia
- What is Bob Katter’s grandfather’s origin?
Lebanese immigrant, arrived in Australia in 1898. - Does he use humorous analogies?
Yes — he once joked he’d rather talk about crocodile attacks than same-sex marriage. - What title does media often give him?
The “Maverick MP” or “regional populist.” - Does he have children in politics?
Yes, his son Robbie Katter is a state MP in Queensland. - How long has he served in politics?
Over 32 years in the House of Representatives as of 2025.
