Bob Katter
KAP Federal

Member for Kennedy (QLD)

Very Safe

15.75% Margin

Elected 1993

32 years

Member for Kennedy (QLD)

Federal - QLD

Bob was born in 1945 in Cloncurry, a town in rural Queensland. His father Bob Sr was a Nationals Party Federal MP and served as the War Minister in the McMahon government. After graduating from the local high school, Bob studied law at the University of Queensland where he was President of the University of Queensland Law Society, but dropped out before graduating.

Prior to his political career, Bob worked as a mine labourer, in the cattle industry and in the insurance industry. He served...

Unlock full biography

Key Staff

Access full profiles including advisers, parliamentary positions, friendship groups, factions and more.

First Speech in Parliament

6 May 1993

# Economic Development # Agricultural Policy # Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Personal Background and Values

  • Bob Katter honors his mother for instilling values of sincerity, patriotism, and compassion.
  • Recognizes the contributions of campaign supporters, including George Price and Lady Pearl Logan.
  • Reflects on his father's legacy and dreams for North-West Queensland, highlighting past developments in the region.

Political Philosophy and Economic Focus

  • Advocates for the protection of individual rights through private ownership, contrasting this with collective ownership ideologies.
  • Critiques the current government's neglect of infrastructure development, citing the lack of dam construction and road sealing in his electorate.
  • Emphasizes the importance of the agricultural sector, lamenting job losses in the tobacco, timber, and mining industries due to government policies.

Social Issues and Future Agenda

  • Shares personal stories of despair faced by constituents, including suicides linked to economic hardship.
  • Calls for proactive government engagement with struggling communities to address human suffering.
  • Proposes the Bradfield scheme as a solution for agricultural resilience amidst drought and economic challenges, advocating for job creation and sustainable development.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Kahla Kruger is Bob Katter's Chief of Staff.

Bob Katter represents the electorate of Kennedy (QLD) in the Australian Parliament.

Bob Katter is a member of the Katter's Australian Party.

Latest Updates

Never miss a beat with Pulse. AI-powered political alerts - curated by us, tailored for you.

Media Releases

AI Summary

  • Bob Katter highlights Australia's inadequate defence capabilities, primarily concentrated in the south.
  • He demands the establishment of a new amphibious army fleet at Cairns and funding for naval vessel maintenance.
  • Katter compares current defence readiness to WWII failures, criticising the lack of serious military assets against rising threats from China.

Katter furious: No justice for graziers devastated by 2011 ban

Media Release • 18 June

Agriculture Livestock

AI Summary

  • Bob Katter criticises the Federal Court for downplaying the impact of the 2011 live export ban on graziers.
  • He warns that ongoing delays in compensation will further harm affected families and the industry.
  • Katter highlights the declining cattle numbers in Australia and the need to increase the beef herd.
  • He blames the ALP for the decline of both the wool industry and the cattle industry due to their policies.
  • Katter calls for justice and adequate compensation for those impacted by the ban.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Kennedy Electorate: Infrastructure

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 25 March

AI Summary

  • Questions raised regarding infrastructure needs in the Kennedy Electorate.
  • Calls for enhancements to transport and communication links.
  • Concerns expressed about the impact of current infrastructure on local communities.

STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Queensland: Floods

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 13 February

AI Summary

  • Recent floods in Queensland have severely affected local communities.
  • Members emphasised the importance of government support for recovery efforts.
  • Calls for long-term strategies to mitigate future flood risks were made.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 28 June 2025

I had a wonderful time yesterday with Shane Knuth MP, as the Malanda Show kicked off for another year. It's always a great event, with something for all ages. What a bunch of talented people we have in this region, and I was fortunate enough to meet so many of you yesterday. If you're in the area, the Show continues today 8am til late or Sunday 8am til 3pm. Find the full Show schedule here >> www.malandashow.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025-Malanda-Show-DL.pdf
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 27 June 2025

This is young Abbey; not only did she show me around Winter & Mann Yungaburra today, but she's also a fantastic artist. (You can see her skill on display on the counter beside us). W&M is a lovely boutique offering gourmet foods and high-quality fashion; plus, they specialise in locally made pieces and hand-selected Australian finds. Not to mention, they're open every day! Sunday to Tuesday, 10am-4pm, and Wednesday to Saturday, 9am-5pm, at 2/30 Cedar Street, Yungaburra.
Open Post

Posted on X • 20 September 2024

@ColinJBettles @sydneyswans @JohnEClements Wrong shape ball Col
Open Post