Media Release

KAP Leader and Federal Leader for Kennedy Bob Katter has this week introduced the “Gladiator Bill” into Federal Parliament, which will protect the children of celebrities and others from the intrusions of paparazzi.

Mr Katter said the Privacy Amendment (Protecting Children from Paparazzi) Bill 2015 would also apply to other persons, including Politicians, whose families were targeted by reason of their occupation or vocation.

“Whether it is Russell Crowe or Nicole Kidman or people who come into Parliament, we put ourselves in the public arena,” Mr Katter said.

“We take that decision, of going into the public arena, not our children, not our families.

“We are prepared to get into the arena and do battle, but that does not require our families to put themselves in the same position, and in the case of children it can be particularly harmful.

“The taking of photographs of children against their will or permission, or that of their parent or guardian, should therefore be illegal.

“We have provided for very hefty fines in this legislation because if people want to greedily try and make money out of children, then they will be punished financially,” Mr Katter said.

The bill amends the Privacy Act 1988 to insert a new criminal offence provision for those who harass the children of celebrities or any other person due to that person’s vocation or occupation, through their attempt to photograph or record the child’s image or voice, whether by following or lying in wait for the child.