June 29, 2018
Read about Katter’s Australian Party’s media mentions and moments from this week, including from radio, newspaper and more.
KAP IN THE MEDIA THIS WEEK
Monday 25th June 2018
KAP MEDIA MENTIONS
Katter backs vital cardiology service (Townsville Bulletin, June 55)
FEDERAL MP Bob Katter has asked federal ministers for much-needed funding to support Heart of Australia so the vital health service can continue to deliver for regional Queensland. Heart of Australia is a cardiology clinic that operates its medical services from the back of a truck and travels to towns and communities to provide lifesaving care.
Katter grills minister over missing airman (Cairns Post, June 25)
BOB Katter has challenged the Government over an Australian airman missing since the Korean War. Innisfail lawyer Bruce Gillan (right) has been desperate to find out what happened to his uncle, Flying Officer Bruce Gillan, listed as missing along with 42 other Australian servicemen after the Korean War of 1950-53.
Feral pigs a big threat to industry, Dametto (Herbert River Express, June 23)
FERAL pigs represent a "grave threat" to the future of agriculture in North Queensland, Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto says. "Feral pigs continue to damage agriculture throughout my electorate," the Katter's Australia Party politician said.
Fate for missing Korean War pilot still unknown (Innisfail Advocate, June 23)
INNISFAIL solicitor Bruce Gillan seems to be no closer to discovering the fate of his uncle, an RAAF pilot listed as missing in action during the Korean War, after the issue was raised during Parliamentary Question Time this week. Kennedy MP Bob Katter quizzed Foreign Minister Julie Bishop about what became of 22-year-old Flying Officer Bruce Thomson Gillan, pictured, and eight other missing Australian servicemen listed as being prisoners of war in a declassified US document.
Katter hails NAIF support for energy (Townsville Bulletin, June 23)
ROBBIE Katter has welcomed a conditional loan for a major North Queensland energy project from the Federal Government's key regional development agency. The Genex Power's Kidston project, north of Townsville, is set to receive $516 million in funding from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
Croc posts affecting business (Innisfail Advocate, June 23)
A Babinda businessman is pleading with people to think twice about posting pictures of crocodiles on social media. Business owners and Member for Hill, Shane Knuth, attended a meeting in Babinda on Wednesday night to discuss problem crocs which are becoming more common in Far North waterways.
TELEVISION
Southern Cross Cairns, Nine News Far North Queensland at 18:04
The Katter's Australian Party has accused the Federal Government of trying to rewrite history in a bid to direct funds towards Cooktown. A $15 million redevelopment of Botany Bay to commemorate Captain Cook's first landing is at the centre of a cash call claiming the North has missed out again. Seven weeks of commemorations are planned for Cooktown for 2020, but it will take a large cash injection.
LETTERS
No promises broken (Innisfail Advocate/Herbert River Express, Jun 23)
Bryce Macdonald is patently wrong when he accuses me of misleading the public over dredging Port Hinchinbrook, Innisfail Advocate, June 20. Contrary to what Mr Macdonald claims, my pre-election promise made to the people of Cardwell was, if Katter's Australian Party attained the balance of power, we would make dredging One Mile Creek a non-negotiable condition of whichever party we formed government with. This was made crystal clear to voters.
RADIO
Triple M Cairns, , Cairns, 06:00 Local News at 06:05
Qld Katter's Australian Party Senator Fraser Anning wants the Federal Government to cull feral pigs in thear North, arguing they are hurting the region's wildlife as they are eating turtle eggs. He says it could lead to a rise in stingers in beaches.
2GB, Sydney, 11:00 News (Weekend) at 11:02
As Sydney prepares to host the Origin clash, debate is already raging about future destinations. A crowd of 80,000 is expected at ANZ Stadium tonight to watch Qld's face off against NSW. Future games will be hosted in Adelaide and Perth. Qld MP Robbie Katter says North Qld is being overlooked.
ABC North Queensland, Townsville, 12:00 News at 12:03
Katter's Australian Party will be having a meeting with David Littleproud, Minister for Agriculture, to push for more funding to control feral animals. Senator Fraser Anning, Katter's Australian Party, has raised the issue in the Senate calling for a report into the damage caused by animals like wild pigs and dogs. Anning says the government must support an effort to deal with the issue to prevent native wildlife to be wiped out.
4CA AM, Cairns, John Mackenzie at 11:20
Interview with Bob Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy and leader, Katter Australia Party and Dan McCarthy, Federal candidate for Leichardt, Katter Australia Party. Ahmet brings up a discussion about a proposed $50m Captain Cook Monument planned for Botany Bay in NSW in commemoration of the reconciliation between Cook and the First Australians. Ahmet raises concern on the monument belonging to its rightful location at Cooktown
Zinc 666, Mt Isa, 06:30 News at 06:33
KAP state leader Rob Katter wants to crackdown on dodgy lenders when farmers exposed their practices to the Banking Royal Commission next week.
Zinc 666, Mt Isa, 06:30 News at 06:31
Mark Furner, Queensland Minister for Agriculture, has allocated a further $500k for the upkeep of the Country Women's Association. Meantime, the QCWA's Country Kitchen program for families will continue, thanks to the advocacy by the Katter's Australian Party. MP Shane Knuth says 155 volunteers and nutritionists will spread the healthy eating message to more than 80 communities.
Tuesday 26th June 2018
KAP MEDIA MENTIONS
Need for heart bus member (Northern Miner, June 26)
MONEY for Kennedy Bob Katter has written to the Rural Health and Health ministers asking for much needed funding to support the Heart of Australia cardiology clinic. Mr Katter said funding was vital to support the health service so it could continue to deliver for regional and rural Queensland.
Club benefits from grant (Northern Miner, June 26)
THE Charters Towers Athletics Club received a grant from the Gambling Community Development Fund with the help of Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter. The grant of $17,033.25 was earmarked for a water storage tank, javelins and a triple line marker. The cement slab for the tank was done by WL and SA Bell. Towers Tanks provided the tank and Nordic Sport saw to the javelins and line marker. "These items will be very helpful for the assistance of all athletes to improve their training," club treasurer John Wallis said. Picture: MARCEL BAUM
Decision good news for North (Northern Miner, June 26)
MEMBER for Traeger Robbie Katter has praised the decision to grant Genex a Northern Australian Infrastructure Fund (NAIF) loan. Mr Katter said the decision highlighted the potential of the North as a major infrastructure investment destination.
Subsidise anti-cancer pill Katter (Cairns Post, June 26)
KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has called upon the Federal Government to consider adding more cancer fighting drugs to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Following the success of breast cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma drugs being subsidised, Mr Katter has written to Health Minister Greg Hunt asking for the drug Keytruda to also be added to the PBS.
Bob Katter wants PBS addition (North West Star, June 26)
WITH breast cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma drugs added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Kennedy MP Bob Katter has asked the Health Minister to add other cancer fighting drugs. "If you do not have certain stages of melanoma or Hodgkin's lymphoma, you still have to pay the exorbitant treatment fees for the drug 'Keytruda'," he said. Mr Katter urged Minister Hunt to address the additional cost, so cancer sufferers may have an affordable drug readily available and have more quality time to live.
RADIO
2SM, Sydney, 07:00 News at 07:01
The Banking Royal Commission is focusing on the farming sector as it moves to Queensland. Counsel assisting Rowena Orr has said landowners are finding themselves in difficult circumstances at the hands of major banks. Independent MP Bob Katter wants legislation to force banks to separate their retail sector from riskier investment activities.
ABC Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, 06:30 News at 06:32
Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has called on the Federal Govt to provide funding to support the Heart of Australia Cardiology Clinic. Katter says the service needs $4m a year for two heart buses, specialists, and equipment.
Wednesday 27th June 2018
KAP MEDIA MENTIONS
Katter blows up at commission (Courier Mail, June 27)
THE Banking Royal Commission had elements of a sideshow yesterday as federal MP Bob Katter became vocal inside the inquiry then, heading a group of angry farmers outside the hearing, derided the entire probe as a toothless tiger. Commissioner Kenneth Hayne, QC, surprised the gallery by announcing the week would be dedicated to agricultural finance as he rescheduled evidence about natural disaster insurance to September hearings in Melbourne.
Katter lashes inquiry for filtering out pain and horror (Canberra Times/SMH June 27)
Firebrand north Queensland MP Bob Katter has lashed the banking royal commission and the corporate regulator over its action on the banks. Speaking to the media outside the banking royal commission hearing in Brisbane, Mr Katter said the forensic process was filtering out the "pain and horror", and the commissioner Kenneth Hayne should hear from more farmers.
Katter storms royal commission for evicted farmers (The Australian, June 27)
Maverick north Queensland politician Bob Katter crashed the financial services royal commission yesterday, demanding to know what it was doing to clean up the farm finance sector. Mr Katter asked commissioner Kenneth Hayne in Brisbane when farmers were going to get an opportunity to ask "why this (bank eviction disaster) has happened in Australia and discuss what needs to be done?" Commissioner Hayne replied there was a lot of work going on "behind the scenes" but firm outcomes and recommendations would have to wait until the "fruits of that work" could be seen in his final report, due late this year.
Katter lashes filtering out of pain and horror (SMH, June 27)
ROYAL COMMISSION Firebrand north Queensland MP Bob Katter has lashed the banking royal commission and the corporate regulator over its action on the banks.
Knuth’s kitchen rules (Atherton Tablelander, June 26)
THE success of the Country Kitchens Program has convinced the Member for Hill, Shane Knuth, to back another round of funding for the next year. The Queensland Country Women's Association delivers the program with State Government funding which Mr Knuth and the Katter's Australian Party pushed for.
TELEVISION
ABC, Sydney/Brisbane/Darwin/Adelaide ABC News at 19:16
The Royal Banking Commission has bowed to public pressure to extend the amount of time spent on examining farm finance. Hearings about natural disaster insurance will not happen until September. Federal MP Bob Katter interrupted proceedings, prompting a reprimand from Commissioner Kenneth Hayne. The commission has heard today that ANZ gave fourth generation Victorian farmer family, the Cheesmans, just six weeks to sell their properties and a week to leave. Barrister Peter King says the commission lacks resources and time.
Channel 9, Adelaide, National Nine News at 18:22
ANZ has told the Banking Royal Commission they acted in an unethical manner when dealing with landowners and farmers who lost everything. Landowners and farmers who were forced off their land were accompanied at the Royal Commission hearing by Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter. Channel Nine's 60 Minutes program was in tow when farmer Charlie Phillott took to ANZ's head office in Melbourne.
NBN Gold Coast, Gold Coast, NBN News Gold Coast at 18:18
ANZ has today told the Banking Royal Commission they acted in an 'unethical manner' when dealing with landowners and farmers who lost everything. Those who were forced off their land were accompanied at the Royal Commission hearing by Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter.
Channel 9, Brisbane/Cairns/Townsville/Bundaberg/Mackay/Sunshine Coast National Nine News at 18:13
ANZ has today told the Banking Royal Commission they acted in an 'unethical manner' when dealing with landowners and farmers who lost everything. Those who were forced off their land were accompanied at the Royal Commission hearing by Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter.
Channel 7, Brisbane, Seven News at 18:09
The ANZ Bank has today told the Banking Royal Commission they acted in an unethical manner in dealing with graziers and rural customers who lost everything. Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has joined Charlie Phillott and several farmers in today's hearing at Brisbane. This afternoon, ANZ's Benjamin Steinberg continued to be grilled. His evidence will resume in the morning. Farmers are hoping to take the stand tomorrow.
WIN Wide Bay, Bundaberg, WIN News at 18:05
The second day of Banking Royal Commissions' visit to Brisbane has focused on the ANZ Bank selling off farming assets that had taken generations to acquire. Qld MP Bob Katter has interrupted the proceedings to make a point. ANZ’s Benjamin Steinberg has admitted the bank should have structured the sale differently so the family still had somewhere to live and machinery to be able to earn an income.
WIN Cairns, Cairns, WIN News at 18:05
The Banking Royal Commission is focusing on the farming sector as the inquiry moves to Qld. The Royal Commission has heard interaction between a Victorian farming family and Benjamin Steinberg from ANZ. Kennedy MP Bob Katter wants legislation to force banks to separate their retail sector from riskier investment activities.
WIN Townsville, Townsville, WIN News at 18:05
The second day of Banking Royal Commissions' visit to Brisbane has focused on the ANZ Bank selling off farming assets that had taken generations to acquire. Qld MP Bob Katter has interrupted the proceedings to make a point. ANZ’s Benjamin Steinberg has admitted the bank should have structured the sale differently so the family still had somewhere to live and machinery to be able to earn an income.
RADIO
Zinc 666, Mt Isa, 06:30 News at 06:30
A $516 million Federal loan has been granted to power the planned combined solar and pumped hydro plant at the site of the former Kidston Gold Mine. Genex Power will still have to reach financial closure and meet the set conditions before going ahead with the project. KAP State Leader Rob Katter has since expressed excitement for this, as he would like to see the north west minerals province join the national electricity grid.
ABC Gold Coast, Gold Coast, Drive at 16:42
Border is joined by ABC business reporter Michael Janda.
Border says it's the second day of the Banking Royal Commission in Brisbane. She notes the inquiry has heard ANZ acted unethically in its treatment of some Landmark customers, adding there was also an issue of dealing with Federal MP Bob Katter, who interjected from the gallery. Janda says Katter interjected after Commissioner Kenneth Hayne called the lunch break.
ABC Radio Melbourne, Melbourne, 15:00 News at 15:02
Federal MP Bob Katter has questioned the head of the Banking Royal Commission over the direction of the inquiry that deals with farming finance.
4TO FM, Townsville, 14:00 News at 14:01
As the banking royal commission continues in Brisbane, the ANZ Bank has admitted it's not being fair after forcing a Qld farmer off his property. Bob Katter is among those in court today.
2TM, Tamworth, 12:00 News at 12:05
The Banking Royal Commission is focusing on the farming sector as the inquiry moves to Qld. Counsel assisting Rowena Orr says farmers are facing difficult financial circumstances at the hands of major banks. Independent MP Bob Katter wants legislation to force banks to separate their retail sector from riskier investment activities.
ABC North Queensland, Townsville, 12:00 News at 12:04
Bob Katter, Member for Kennedy, has called on the Federal Government to allocate funding to back the Heart of Australia Cardiology Clinic. Katter says the service needs four million dollars annually for two heart buses, specialists and equipment.
ABC Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Breakfast at 09:26
Pre-recorded interview with Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter. Sanders says the health service Heart of Australia is a cardiology clinic that operates from the back of a truck that travels to regional towns and communities.
Thursday 28th June 2018
KAP MEDIA MENTIONS
PBS listing sought (Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette, June 28)
MP Bob Katter has called upon the Federal Government to consider adding more cancer fighting drugs to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Following the success of breast cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma drugs being subsidised, Mr Katter has written to Health Minister Greg Hunt asking for the drug Keytruda to also be added to the PBS. Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is an immunotherapy drug most commonly used to treat melanoma.
Study to target NQ feral animals (North Qld Register, June 28)
KATTER'S Australian Party Senator Fraser Anning has weighed into the feral animal debate, saying government 'is not doing enough to target the pests posing a threat to Queensland agricultural areas. "Feral animals and pigs in particular have been a consistent issue for our farmers, destroying crops, spreading disease and damaging infrastructure," Mr Anning said.
Tax cuts to boost regional economy (Surat Basin News, June 28)
STATE KAP leader Robbie Katter - along with colleagues Shane Knuth and Nick Dametto - have proposed a reduction in payroll tax for regional Queensland businesses to kick start the 'bush' economy and create jobs. "It is disappointing Labor has continued to focus their attention on the southeast in the current budget," Mr Katter said.
A Katter spectacular (The Australian, June 28)
A special message for any Strewth readers who've just been in either (a) the Brisbane court hosting the banking royal commission, (b) the cafe just outside, or (c) Brisbane airport, including the Qantas lounge. If you've found a pair of spectacles (possibly steamed up with rage) please let us know via the address below, as Bob Katter would love them back. Well, "love" may be overstating it Katter muttered darkly to Strewth about how his glasses had been "no bloody help" in reading the fine print from bankers. "There's a nasty rumour I lose my glasses regularly and publicise it to draw attention to the fact I can read and write," Katter said. Anyway, the member for Kennedy claims that when he asked his chief of staff to find the waylaid specs, she responded by telling him to waylay himself, more or less. So we thought we'd lend a hand. If he doesn't get them back, maybe Katter could try a monocle. As he mused yesterday, "Wayne Swan reckons I only need one lens."
RADIO
ABC Ballarat, Ballarat, Statewide Drive at 17:14
Chvastek is joined by Dan Ziffer, ABC Reporter. Chvastek reports the denial of ANZ that there are any systemic issues with the bank's handling of farming customers. Ziffer suggests it comes down to the definition of 'systemic', quoting the senior counsel assisting about the changes to the system and culture. Chvastek brings up Firebrand MP Bob Katter who crashed the royal commission, accusing the process of 'filtering out the pain and the horror.' Ziffer relates what happened between Katter and Commissioner [Kenneth]Hayne.
ABC Radio Sydney, Sydney, 14:00 News at 14:03
Federal MP Bob Katter questioned Banking Royal Commissioner Kenneth Hayne over the direction the inquiry was headed as the hearing are now dealing with farming finance.
Friday 29th June 2018
KAP MEDIA MENTIONS
Tasers for women to stop rape (Barrier Daily Truth, June 29)
A Queensland senator wants to arm Australian women with tasers, pepper spray and mace to defend themselves against would-be rapists and murderers. Katter's Australia Party senator Fraser Anning moved a motion in the Senate on Thursday calling on the government to relax import laws for the weapons in response to horrific crimes against women.
Senator Give Aussie women tasers (NT News, June 29)
A QUEENSLAND senator wants to arm Australian women with tasers, pepper spray and mace to defend themselves against would-be rapists and murderers. Katter's Australia Party senator Fraser Anning moved a motion in the Senate yesterday, calling on the government to relax import laws for the weapons in response to horrific crimes against women.
Farm finance hearings extended (Burdekin Advocate, June 29)
STATE KAP Leader and member for Traeger Robbie Katter has congratulated Commissioner Kenneth Hayne for extending the hearings into farming finance as part of the Royal Commission in Brisbane. "Today, we have heard more stories of dodgy behaviour from the banks when dealing with farmers in regional Australia," Mr Katter said.
RADIO
BAY FM, Geelong, 15:00 News at 15:04
Fraser Aning, a Qld MP belonging to Katter’s Australia Party, wants to arm Australian women with tasers, pepper spray and mace against rapists and murderers. He wants the Government to relax weapons laws in response to crimes against women.
Zinc 666, Mt Isa, 06:30 News at 06:31
The Banking Royal Commission will extend its hearings in Brisbane after hearing how ANZ's acquisition of landmark rural finance affected farmers. An unsurprised KAP State Leader Rob Katter says when they've got an algorithm in Sydney which is making decisions about a Julia Creek beef producer, things are expected to go off the rails. Party leader Bob Katter while being surrounded by a delegation of 20 voiced his concern that banks will resume business as usual if there is no alternative provided.
Zinc 666, Mt Isa, 06:30 News at 06:31
KAP State Leader Rob Katter is standing with Northern Mayors to demand immediate action on alcohol management plans. Mornington Shire Mayor Frank Mills says to close the gap prohibition needs to diminish thereby removing the manufacture of home-made toxic booze. Katter has criticised another Labor review that delayed its decision until 2019.
KAP MP’S IN THE MEDIA
Senator Fraser Anning – Senator for Queensland
Banking Royal Commission
27 June 2018
Mr President
I give notice that on the next day of sitting, I shall move-that the Senate
(a) notes that:
iii. as reported in the Australian on 26 June 2018 , the Royal Commission ' s Letters Patent are drafted in a way that excludes receivers, administrators and inso lvency professionals who often act unconscionably and unethically towards farmers; and
(b) calls on the Government to:
iii. increase funding to the Royal Commission to enable it to hear more submissions
Bob Katter – Federal Member for Kennedy
Monday 25th June 2018
- Press conference Hon Bob Katter MP KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy and Senator Fraser Anning KAP Senator for Queensland together with Robert Barwick Banking industry expert Dr Wilson Sy Former APRA Principal Researcher Bob Butler Lawyer in banking will address media at Mural Hall - Parliament House at 12.15pm regarding Introduction of the Banking System Reform (Separation of Banks) Bill 2018.
This Bill will separate retail commercial banking activities involving the holding of deposits, from wholesale and investment banking involving risky activities.
Tuesday 26th June 2018
-Press Conference with Hon Bob Katter MP KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy and a delegation of disgruntled farmers attending the hearings including Charlie Phillott and Debbie Viney will address media at the Brisbane Magistrates Court at approximately 1.15pm regarding Farm finance hearings taking place in Brisbane. Bob will front the media flanked by a delegation of farmers to voice their opinions on the state of the Royal Commission and how it is progressing.
Robbie Katter – State Member for Traeger
Nick Dametto – State Member for Hinchinbrook
Friday 29th June 2018
Press Conference regarding motorsport body Drive It NQ’s proposed $23.3 million motorsport precinct near Townsville.
Mr Dametto is calling out both Labor and the LNP over their lack of financial support for the precinct.
He will be joined by Drive It NQ director Greg Fitzgerald for a press conference at 1:30pm today, Friday, June 29 at Townsville Civic Theatre to speak about the facility and how it would benefit motorsport in North Queensland.
Refer to the attached media alert for more details.
Mr Dametto will be bringing his custom-built 900hp Toyota Supra for photo and video opportunities.