The eccentric MP who is Australia’s new powerbroker

Kennedy MP Bob Katter Symbol copyright Getty Pictures Image caption Bob Katter is famous for dressed in a large Akubra-emblem hat at most public appearances

a difficult-speaking politician with a fondness for weapons and sing-a-longs has reluctantly agreed to lend his improve to Australia’s Top Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Turnbull’s Liberal-Nationwide coalition would possibly not win the SEVENTY SIX seats it needs in Australia’s decrease house to shape a majority executive and desires enhance from impartial politicians to take care of confidence and supply.

Bob Katter, the SEVENTY ONE-year-old member for Kennedy in the far north of Queensland, stated he had determined to strengthen Turnbull “with no great enthusiasm” at a press conference on Thursday.

It was once a in most cases blunt remark from the veteran flesh presser. Mr Katter has a vibrant popularity and he’s now not scared of enjoying as much as it.

He shot his leading-celebration competitors lifeless in this election’s such a lot arguable marketing campaign ad. He as soon as serenaded his supporters with a self-composed song about the excellence of his personality.

Image copyright Katter’s Australia Birthday Party Image caption A nonetheless from Bob Katter’s controversial political commercial, which depicted him capturing his political rivals useless

He now leads Katter’s Australia Birthday Party, which makes a speciality of rural issues and holds two seats in Queensland’s state govt.

Socially conservative, Katter opposes homosexual marriage and as soon as mentioned he could “walk backwards from Bourke”, a the city in far-western New South Wales, to Queensland if a single gay constituent could be found in his voters.

many of his insurance policies emphasise the importance of Australian trade – he advocates strengthen for the agriculture and manufacturing industries, and is opposed to overseas possession of Australian land. He used to be specifically vocal in regards to the proposed sale of Australia’s huge Kidman livestock empire to Chinese issues.

At his press conference Katter mentioned he wouldn’t be a “rubber stamp” for the government.

“If there’s the slightest trace of union bashing, and that i can guarantee you all bets are off,” Katter said.

Even if the government reaches SEVENTY SIX seats with out Katter, the Queensland MP is assured that he will nonetheless have a strong voice in parliament.

“you are trying running a government with one vote up your sleeve,” he said.

“should not have your mother die since you can not go to the funeral,” he delivered, presumably regarding the will to maintain a majority in the house when votes are referred to as. “Do Not go to the bathroom.”

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