Bob Katter Wiki Details
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Bellarmine Carl Katter |
| Date of Birth | May 22, 1945 |
| Age | 80 years old |
| Place of Birth | Cloncurry, Queensland, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Weight | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Occupation | Politician, Member of Parliament for Kennedy (since 1993) |
| Political Party | Katter’s Australian Party |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $12 million (as of 2025) |
| Salary | Approximately $211,250 annually, plus electorate allowance of $46,000 |
| Spouse | Susan Mary O’Rourke |
| Children | 5 (including Robbie Katter) |
| Residence | Monaco |
| Notable Honors | Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 |
Early Life and Background
Bob Katter, born on May 22, 1945, in Cloncurry, Queensland, Australia, hails from a politically active family with a deep connection to regional Queensland. His father, Bob Katter Sr., served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives, while his grandfather, Carl Robert Katter, was of Lebanese descent.
Bob Katter’s family history played a pivotal role in shaping his view on politics and his commitment to the rural and regional communities of Australia.
He grew up with strong ties to the land and the people who lived in it, which would later influence his policies and advocacy as a member of Parliament.
Katter’s early education was in Queensland, where he attended Mount Carmel College in Charters Towers. Although he started with a law degree at the University of Queensland, he left before completing it.
He quickly became involved in politics, finding inspiration from his father’s legacy in public service and the political values that ran deep in his family.Despite not finishing his degree, Katter found his true calling in politics, channeling his desire to serve his community into a long-lasting political career.
Growing up in regional Queensland, Katter witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by rural communities and the importance of local representation in government.
He became a strong advocate for rural Australia, ensuring that the voice of rural and regional communities was heard on the national stage. His early experiences, both within his family and in his community, gave him a distinct political edge that would define his career.
Political Career: Early Years (1974–1992)
Bob Katter began his political career in the Queensland Legislative Assembly, representing the seat of Flinders in 1974. Katter’s rise through state politics was swift, and he earned a reputation as a staunch advocate for regional Queensland. He held various ministerial roles in the Queensland government, including Minister for Northern Development, where he promoted development in the north.During his time in the state parliament, Katter’s political influence grew, and he built strong alliances with other like-minded individuals committed to regional development.
Katter’s career in the Queensland Legislative Assembly helped shape his approach to national politics. His time in state politics exposed him to the complex issues facing rural communities, from infrastructure development to education and healthcare. This would later become the foundation of his political platform when he made the transition to federal politics in 1993.
Federal Politics (1993–Present)
In 1993, Bob Katter transitioned to federal politics, representing the Division of Kennedy in the Australian House of Representatives. Katter’s shift to federal politics was motivated by his desire to continue his fight for regional Australia, where he could have a more significant influence on national policies.
He quickly became known for his unconventional and outspoken views, as well as his unwavering commitment to his constituents in regional Queensland.
During his time in federal parliament, Katter founded Katter’s Australian Party in 2011, following a split from the National Party. His creation of the Katter’s Australian Party reflected his dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties, which he felt were neglecting the needs of rural Australians.
Through his party, Katter advocated for policies focused on the rights of rural workers, landowners, and farmers, as well as greater government support for regional Australia.
Katter’s Australian Party had some success, especially in Queensland, where it garnered significant support from voters dissatisfied with the two major political parties. Katter used his platform to promote policies that directly supported rural communities, advocating for an independent Australia free from the influence of foreign corporations and globalism.
Key Achievements and Contributions
Bob Katter’s political career is marked by a series of significant achievements and contributions to Australian politics. Among these are his advocacy for regional Australia, where he has lobbied for increased government investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education for rural areas. His position as a member of the House of Representatives allowed him to work towards policies that addressed the specific needs of his constituents.
Perhaps Katter’s most significant political achievement was his role in the 2010 Australian federal election, when no political party won a majority in the House of Representatives. Katter’s decision to support the minority government formed by Julia Gillard was a pivotal moment in Australian political history. His support ensured that the government had the necessary votes to pass legislation, demonstrating the power of crossbench MPs and Katter’s significant influence in the Australian Parliament.
In addition to his legislative accomplishments, Katter is recognized for his outspoken and often controversial views. He has been a fierce critic of immigration policies, foreign investment in Australian land, and multinational corporations. While some of his positions have attracted criticism, they have also earned him a loyal following among those who share his concerns about the future of rural Australia.
Personal Life and Family
Bob Katter is married to Susan Mary O’Rourke, and together they have five children. His son, Robbie Katter, has followed in his father’s political footsteps and currently represents the seat of Mount Isa in the Queensland Parliament. The Katter family has long been involved in public service, and Bob’s children continue to carry on this legacy, with Robbie serving as a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
Katter’s personal life is as colorful and diverse as his political career. Known for his eccentric personality and blunt speaking style, Katter has become one of Australia’s most recognizable political figures. While he has remained fiercely dedicated to his political work, he has also been involved in a range of philanthropic activities and is a passionate advocate for the Australian outback and its people.
Legacy and Impact
Bob Katter’s political career has left a lasting legacy on Australian politics, particularly in the area of regional representation. His efforts to give a voice to rural and regional Australians have shaped his career and earned him a place as one of the most influential figures in the country’s political landscape.
Though controversial, Bob Katter’s impact on Australian politics cannot be denied. He has been a tireless advocate for those living in rural Australia, constantly pushing for policies that prioritize their needs. His legacy is one of independence, resilience, and determination, as he has remained steadfast in his beliefs throughout his long political career.
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