Farm Writers Lunch

What are the big issues facing Australia and how will Bob Katter use his potentially influential role to shape Australia, particularly for agriculture and regional and remote communities?

Friday 20 September 2024

12:00 for 12:30pm

He’s back…

They say a week is a long time in politics, but the three months that have passed since he was originally meant to speak to us must be an eternity.

As the clock winds down on the 47th Parliament, and with an increasing likelihood of a hung parliament post the next Federal election, North Queensland MP and ‘Father of the House’, the Hon Bob Katter MP, will potentially be a king maker once again. With a career in public life stretching more than 50 years across the Queensland and Commonwealth parliaments, what are the big issues Bob sees facing Australia and how will he use his potentially influential role to shape Australia, particularly for agriculture and regional and remote communities?

Whether it’s competition and trade, infrastructure and water security, biosecurity and biofuels, or the Olympic Games opening ceremony, Bob has a view on it – you certainly won’t be left wondering where he stands.

Please join us for what promises to be an exciting Farm Writers special event, as we host Bob Katter on Friday 20 September 2024 at the Sydney Marriott Circular Quay. Our original June lunch sold out in record time – don’t miss your chance to see Bob Katter in person. This is a lunch you won’t want to miss!

Bob Katter has been the Federal Member for Kennedy since 1993, following an illustrious 18-year career in Queensland State politics. His extensive ministerial portfolios in Northern Development, Aboriginal Affairs, Heritage, and Mining reflect a commitment to diverse issues, including the introduction of groundbreaking self-management and private home ownership laws in First Australian communities, pioneering a housing program that generated 400 indigenous jobs, and overseeing the establishment of Queensland's inaugural heritage legislation. Notable achievements include promoting solar energy systems, building power transmission lines, securing medical school initiatives, and founding a people-owned State bank. He played a crucial role in shaping policies related to renewable fuel sources like ethanol and biodiesel, driven by genuine concerns about the carcinogenic elements associated with Australia's conventional fuel.

In 2001, Mr Katter, after leaving the National Party due to disagreements over free-market policies, successfully contested the seat of Kennedy as an independent. His landslide victory marked a turning point in his political career, providing the freedom to vote in alignment with his conscience and the needs of his constituents. In 2011, he established Katter's Australian Party, embodying his core values and principles and today he is recognised as the Father of the House, Australia’s second longest serving politician.

Beyond politics, Bob Katter's life is marked by a diverse array of experiences. He is a fourth-generation Queenslander with roots in prospecting, mining, and cattle grazing. Mr Katter, along with his wife Susie, resides in Charters Towers and remains a fierce advocate for the communities he represents as the Federal Member for Kennedy. His commitment to a political movement beyond his own tenure underscores his dedication to the future well-being of generations of Australians.

Bookings for this lunch will close on 16 September 2024. Please advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Group table bookings of 10 are available.

For any questions, contact bookings@nswfarmwriters.org.au

Agribuzz in Orange, hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Thursday 3 October 2024

6:00pm - 8:30pm

Featuring special guest speaker
Tess Herbert, 2023 Farmer of the Year

Bookings close on Tuesday 1 October

For any questions, contact bookings@nswfarmwriters.org.au

Proudly sponsored by: