Bob Katter

"This is a win. For the last 18 months we have been tenaciously working with the Minister and her team to get a real and enforceable USO that will deliver essential mobile coverage, regardless of one's distance from metro areas." Mr Katter said, "A USO is of immense value to us. The coast has these giant mountains everywhere, so coverage is bloody awful, and out west there is no coverage at all. The Low Earth Orbit satellites haven't worked nearly as well as they should've, so it is big news for us. "However, we note that it is one thing to make a commitment on the eve of an election, but another entirely to ensure it is actually enforced." As a long-time advocate for universal service across rural and remote Australia, Katter has fought tirelessly to hold Telstra accountable for its substandard services in these areas. The privatisation of Telstra was one of the core reasons Mr Katter walked away from the National Party in 2001, and it has since been a constant issue for constituents across Australia as the giant telco has failed to provide adequate, reliable service. "When the government sold off Telstra, they legislated a USO, requiring the newly privatised Telstra to keep delivering to the bush. However, the metro-corporates in Telstra soon found a way to avoid this responsibility by self-determining that the requirement did not include mobiles and charging a small fortune for land-line "connections". Recently, Mr Katter called for the nationalisation of Telstra[ii], saying, "Australia can no longer afford a privatised telecommunications sector that fails its people", after hearing from hundreds of customers who were frustrated with the company's utter failure to transition from 3G to 5G. He pointed out that the government's renewed focus on improving mobile services, particularly in regional and remote areas, closely mirrors the concerns he has long raised about the failings of Telstra and the broader telecommunications sector. "The solution is clear: we need a telecommunications sector that works for all Australians, whether they live in the city or the bush. People have had enough of the tyranny of distance and Telstra's monopoly over rural services has gone on long enough," Mr Katter said. Mr Katter reiterated his commitment to working with all levels of government and industry to ensure that rural Australians are not left behind in the digital age. He also called for continued vigilance to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure does not fall under the control of private interests that prioritise profits over people's needs. ENDS i https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/rowland/media-release/albanese-labor-government-building-australias-mobilefuture ii https://www.bobkatter.com.au/nationalise-telstra-katter-calls-for-buyout-of-telco-after-hearing-100s-of-customer-complaints

Mr Katter has called the transmission operator and power generation companies' comments short-sighted and greedy, and demanded the immediate sacking of all executives. "It would appear that a conflict of interest exists when the people in charge of delivering this project are the same people 'allegedly' trying to kill it off to protect their current monopoly position," said Mr Katter. Labelling the project as a must-do to open up North West Queensland for industry development and wealth generation, Mr Katter said CopperString will not only provide a reliable source of power for families who call the North West home, but it will allow companies to have confidence in commencing operations and in growing their businesses in the region. "APA CEO Adam Watson's comments are him protecting APA's monopoly on power generation in the North West," Mr Katter said. "Joining the NEM (National Electricity Market) would mean APA, who have gas turbines and a solar farm near Mount Isa, would have competition rather than the complete control of power production in the region." The original CopperString project saw transmission lines commencing at Hughenden and working installation both east and west simultaneously; however, Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser wants all work to concentrate on completing the Townsville to Hughenden line. "Waiting for the east section to be completed before starting the western half is a farce. "They also want to change the Townsville to Hughenden line from a 330kV line to a 500kV, which implies the project will need re-scoping, negotiations with landholders and First Australian groups will need to be re-scheduled," Mr Katter said. "It will also mean small business outlays to join the network will be increased to install more equipment to be able to step down voltage to make the power usable." Mr Katter said he can see future state government knocking the project on the head without finishing it to shift funding for the Olympics or another pleasure palace or tunnel in Brisbane. "CopperString is a nation-building project," he said. "CopperString will connect mineral-rich North West Queensland to the NEM power system via a high voltage power line from Townsville to Mount Isa, which will provide a reliable energy source so the region can develop mining and other industries with confidence," Mr Katter said. Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle echoed Mr Katter's thoughts on CopperString. "While there are always concerns about project costs, investing in infrastructure that drives economic growth and wealth creation is always justified, especially when you look at the returns we'll see. This corridor is a critical economic link and connecting it to the national grid is the key to unlocking its potential," she said. "It's an investment that will generate wealth for generations to come and it's worth every penny." ENDS

Late last week, the prime minister confirmed the expansion of Category C and D funding to fast-track recovery works in flood-affected regions of North Queensland with Mr Katter responding and requesting an increase to $75,000, to assist farmers and primary producers. "I commend the efforts of AgForce, the Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC), Canegrowers, Queensland Cane, Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), and other organisations for their tremendous advocacy and the critical data they have provided. Without them, many would be facing an even tougher road to recovery. "We have fought hard to ensure that North Queenslanders receive the necessary support to recover from these devastating weather events. This additional funding is a step in the right direction, but $25,000 is simply not enough to get our farmers back on their feet," he said. Mr Katter reiterated his commitment to ensure no affected individuals or businesses are left behind. "We are committed to working with the government and the opposition to ensure that nobody falls through the cracks. This isn't about politics – it's about delivering real outcomes for our people. "I personally thank Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for visiting the flood-affected areas and witnessing the devastation first-hand, but we now must tenaciously fight for recovery and learn from past mistakes. "It is absolutely imperative that we work to reduce such widespread impacts in the future. The North suffers from devastating flooding every single wet season, and we must do what we can to mitigate this for generations to come. "We've witnessed good announcements, but what matters now is how fast this money gets into the hands of those who need it," Mr Katter said. "Our people don't have time to wade through bureaucratic red tape. We need fast, effective action." Mr Katter vowed to keep the pressure on to ensure the region receives the funding and resources necessary to recover fully. "This is just the beginning. We'll fight tooth and nail to ensure every household, every farmer, every small business, and every community gets the help they need." ENDS

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has written to the Prime Minister calling for Category D grants of up to $75,000 to be urgently approved. "We appreciate the support provided so far, but $25,000 is simply not enough to get our farmers back on their feet," Mr Katter said. "We've seen in past disasters that governments have been willing to go further—why should North Queensland farmers be treated any differently?" Mr Katter pointed to multiple examples where primary producers impacted by disasters received significantly higher levels of assistance: "In 2019, following the Julia Creek flood disaster, farmers were eligible for grants of up to $400,000. "In the 2022-23 wet weather events in the Gulf and mid-west, primary producers in those areas could apply for co-contribution grants of up to $150,000. "In 2021, farmers affected by cyclone Niran in Innisfail received $75,000 'Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants' to help with crop re-establishment and clean-up costs. "In every one of these disasters, governments recognised the scale of the damage and stepped up with proper funding," Mr Katter said. Speaking with industry bodies, including AgForce, QCAR and Canegrowers, and impacted farmers in the disaster epicentre of Ingham, Mr Katter said the damage to cane and cattle farms had been severe, and the current funding levels are inadequate. "Cane farmers have lost their crops, their farm infrastructure is damaged, and many who own harvesters are being locked out of support entirely due to outdated eligibility criteria," he said. "Meanwhile, graziers have seen their cattle drowned or poisoned after eating toxic lantana in the absence of dry feed. Their fences, sheds, and essential infrastructure have been destroyed. These people need real help, not scraps." In his letter, Mr Katter demanded the immediate activation of Category D disaster grants of up to $75,000 to give flood-affected farmers a fair chance at recovery. "Category D funding exists to fill recovery gaps, and right now, there is a gaping hole in support for our primary producers," he said. "We have to give these farmers what they need to rebuild." ENDS

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, is calling for the immediate sacking of the Australia Post CEO, Paul Graham, as his pursuit of profits and removal of LPOs threatens the future of essential postal and banking services in regional and remote Australia. "Paul Graham's arguable obsession with profiteering undermines the foundation of Australia Post. His decision to reduce staffed post offices is devastating communities that rely on these services," Mr Katter said. "We are calling for his immediate removal and a change in direction at Australia Post." Mr Katter's statement comes after the Burke Shire Council stepped in to keep the remote Burketown Post Office open, following the impending retirement of the town's postmistress. Unfortunately this move will see the post office lose the region's only in-person banking facilities. While Mr Katter thanked the Council for preventing the loss of the postal service, he warned this is only a temporary fix. The Burketown LPO serves not only the immediate community but as far west as the Northern Territory border, and is the central hub for mail distribution to Doomadgee, Gregory, and surrounding cattle stations. The LPO is one of many nationwide facing potential closure due to retirements or staffing issues. According to Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp, these closures will undermine the ability of remote communities to thrive. "The LPO is an absolute necessity and a vital aspect of the community," Mr Camp explained. "Australia Post did have a meeting with our Council but the government needs to put up their hand to keep it going. With the current proposal from Australia Post, no banking can be done. This is a hindrance to our small community. "Those from my generation can find internet banking difficult, not to mention that connectivity is unreliable, at best, in remote areas. Our community cannot survive without an LPO." Mr Katter agrees. "The nearest post office is hours away, and the nearest banking facility is a seven-hour round trip – Burketown residents will be left absolutely isolated if they lose that service. "We thank the Burke Shire Council for stepping in, but let's be clear – this is just a band-aid fix. We need a long-term solution. We must find a permanent operator, and we need Australia Post to overhaul its approach to regional and remote Australia. "Paul Graham's turned Australia Post into a profit-making enterprise, when it should be a service to Australians," Mr Katter said. "One of the greatest CEOs in recent Australian history, Christine Holgate, understood this – she never closed a single service outlet and fought to keep Australia Post serving all Australians. If Paul Graham's focus is purely financial, then he needs to be removed." To address the systemic issues in Australia Post, Mr Katter is demanding a restructure of the postal system. He supports the calls from Angela Cramp and the LPO Group for the government to provide a subsistence payment of $100,000 to support remote LPOs, similar to how pharmacies are supported. Australia Post was set up as "a service for the public," KAP Leader and Member for Traeger Robbie Katter explained. "Out in the regions we don't have the same level of luxury as the city where there are multiple options for couriers to get people what they want and need. "Closing down post offices, or creating conditions where they close down, is not conducive to that. "Also, there is a great opportunity across Australia for those postal centres, which are already doing a bit of banking activity, to get into lending. "The banking functions can help subsidise the cost of the activities of the post office and keep the whole operation viable." ENDS

MEMBER for Kennedy Bob Katter this week proposed a submission to Treasury regarding mandating cash acceptance to ensure cash remains a universally and legally accepted means of payment throughout Australia. “The most reliable method of payment is cash and we will fight for its survival so we have submitted our argument to the federal treasury demanding protection for cash to be legal tender and accepted without question.” Having consulted with his electorate and further afield, Mr Katter has identified several key issues including limited digital connectivity in regional and remote areas, disaster resilience, economic sovereignty, consumer choice and the vulnerability of some segments of our communities in using technology. “The banks and big business are trying to bully us into doing business their way but we will fight them at every turn to make sure they are being fair and providing the services we need, when we need it,” Mr Katter said. “We need to force banks to better protect people from scams. The best way to do this is to mandate that the banks reimburse people when they have been tricked out of their money and the banks have allowed these transactions to occur. “Digital transactions make it easier for scammers. Banks must step up and offer reimbursements - not step back and strip us of our ability to protect ourselves by using cash,” continued Mr Katter. “Additionally, during natural disasters, some towns in the Kennedy electorate can be without power for weeks; this can mean limited or no mobile phone coverage, internet services, or EFTPOS, so cash is needed to do basic transactions when food and other goods become available. “When digital banking systems fail, physical cash remains the only reliable means of transaction. Without proper planning to ensure the continuity of cash distribution networks, businesses struggle to operate, aid efforts are hampered, and vulnerable populations are left without access to basic necessities.” The submission posed four recommendations: Legislate mandatory cash acceptance, Protect and expand ATM and banking infrastructure in regional Australia, Enhance cash resilience planning in emergencies and against scams, and Support public awareness campaigns. “Cash is a pillar of financial independence, community resilience, and economic fairness, particularly in rural and regional Australia,” Mr Katter said. “The Federal Government must act decisively to enshrine the right to use cash and mandate its acceptance across the economy. We call on the government to take immediate action to protect Australians’ right to choose how they pay and ensure that no one is excluded from the economy due to the imposition of a cashless agenda.” ENDS

DURING parliament sittings, Member for Kennedy Bob Katter raised the devastating impacts of the recent northern floods and the significant exacerbation of these impacts caused by the complete closure of all roads north that left about 300,000 residents in North Queensland without vital food and supplies, and crucified the banana, avocado and other northern fruit and vegetable industries. "Across Cairns, the Tablelands, Cassowary Coast, the Peninsula and North West Queensland our grocery shelves are empty and our fruit goes unharvested and rots on the ground, all because our cries for a flood-proof road have been ignored," he said. "Fair go, we are living in the wettest part of Australia, however it can be remedied with more suitable road alternatives to provide all weather access." Mr Katter reminded the Prime Minister that the Kennedy Developmental Road (Hann Highway) could have been that unbroken chain in supply for goods to and from North Queensland; however, it remains unpassable to heavy vehicles. "There is just 10.8 kilometres of unsealed road that needs attention, plus the elevation of critical crossings such as at Bundock and Einasleigh. "Not only would sealing the Kennedy Developmental Road be a lifesaver during wet seasons but it will cut 1800 kilometres from the fruit and veggie freight route reducing transport costs which we hope would be passed onto shoppers," he said. "Additionally, we urgently need key sections of the Gregory Development Road (The Lynd to Charters Towers) widened and key crossings raised; and works completed to raise the Gairloch floodway, the Seymour River area and the Bruce Highway. "These have been in planning for over 12 months; now we need action," Mr Katter said. "The priority works on these three critical access routes must be completed prior to the 2025-26 wet season. "In the longer-term, government must fast-track works to flood-proof Ingham by diverting the Upper Herbert River and allow for the emergency evacuation of Cairns by building the Cairns to Tablelands Bridle Track tunnel," he said. "The north demands urgent action and we are sick and tired of Brisbane neglecting the north while they build giant pleasure domes for themselves." ENDS

"I've got to pay credit to the government here," Mr Katter said. "They've moved against going cashless and they've moved against the closure of regional banks. "Though there's probably been more closures in the outer suburbs than the towns and regions. People think this is an issue for the bush, but the outer suburbs have done worse off than us. "So yes, we have to praise the government for this initiative. As well as all those who rose up in righteous anger over the closures – just as they did for the cashless proposals. "But, while this provides temporary relief, it is not enough. We can't keep kicking the can down the road. We need bold action to secure regional banking services for the future." The Katter's Australian Party (KAP) has long advocated for banking services in regional Australia, where communities face significant barriers to accessing essential services. In 2023, the KAP's state and federal MPs successfully pressured one of the big four to reverse regional branch closures. Mr Katter has a long history with the banks, being one of two ministers responsible for the success of the State Bank of Queensland (SBQ) and the Queensland Industry Development Corporation (QIDC). "In Australia, we have this thing called recourse lending. If you go broke, not only have you lost your house and the money you put into it, but for the rest of your life, you will carry that debt on your back, and the banks will hound you until the day you die. But, if it's a peoples' bank, then I am confident that would not occur." The Member for Kennedy has previously called for establishing a true government-owned or postal bank, which would be a reliable option for Australians in regional and remote areas. "This is not just about preventing closures; it's about creating a system that works for everyone, no matter where they live. There are solutions; we just need the political will to make them happen. "Now, we've got to ask ourselves, why are the banks scared of a peoples' owned bank?" KAP Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter welcomed the government's intervention but cautioned it's only one part of the solution. "The Federal Government's assurance the banks will be forced to maintain their bricks and mortar presence in rural and remote communities is welcome, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. What's the use of a bank branch being open in Cloncurry or Normanton if, when people walk in there to get a loan for a home or a business, they have the city-centric bank's lending appetite stacked against them?" Mr Katter said. "By their very nature, private banks lend only on the basis that the risk they absorb will pay off in profits to their shareholders; they have no other motivation or obligation. "A public bank - which we know can be physically facilitated through the Australia Post network that already functions partly as a bank, though not a lender, through its Bank@Post services - would be able to prioritise the Australian people who live in the non-urban places that the private banks pass over time and time again." ENDS

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, is urging state and federal governments to take immediate action to protect North Queensland from the continued devastating impacts of flooding. At a press conference with Anthony Albanese and David Crisafulli, Mr Katter emphasised the urgent need for strategic infrastructure projects to safeguard the region's future and reduce preventable fatalities. "The Prime Minister and Premier are dead right, we keep doing this all the time," Katter said. "Please can we divert the Upper Herbert? If we divert the Upper Herbert, this doesn't happen." Katter highlighted the critical situation, pointing out that half a million people live north of Townsville and are regularly trapped due to road closures along both coastal and inland routes. "People are fighting for food... having to get it flown in. They are scared that they'll have no food on their plates, and some will go hungry during this time. "This is Australia in 2025 and still nothing is getting done."