A Tasmanian MP has criticised Bob Katter for being “ashamed of his heritage” after the Queensland politician threatened to punch a journalist who mentioned his Lebanese background.
In a social media post on Friday, Labor’s Ella Haddad shared her own family’s migration story in response to Katter’s fiery press conference the previous day.
“Unlike Bob Katter, I’m very proud of my Lebanese heritage,” Haddad wrote.
She recounted how her grandparents fled Haifa in 1948, leaving behind their home, business and possessions for Beirut.
Her grandparents, she said, were among the “lucky ones” who avoided refugee camps. They eventually migrated to Melbourne in the late 1960s with their nine children.
“They worked hard, like so many migrants before and since,” Haddad said.
“Australia is a country built on migration. Living along side the oldest continuing culture on the planet.”
“Australian culture is all our cultures. Enhanced and enriched by waves of migration from all around the world.”
Katter’s clash with the reporter began when the journalist mentioned the 80-year-old’s Lebanese ancestry while questioning his support for anti-immigration rallies.
“Don’t say that! Because that irritates me and I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that,” Katter shouted, later calling the reporter “racist” and shaking his fist.
Katter’s grandfather, Carl Robert Katter (originally Khittar), migrated from Lebanon in 1898.
“I feel so sad for Bob that he’s so ashamed of his heritage that he threatens to punch people in the face for mentioning it,” Haddad added.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also criticised Katter’s outburst, saying the veteran MP needs to “have a look at himself” and recognise that such behaviour is not acceptable from anyone in public office.
Katter had been speaking about his plans to attend a March for Australia event this weekend.
He argued that only migrants from countries with democracy, rule of law, Christianity or a similar religion, industrial awards and egalitarian traditions should be welcome in Australia.
