Media Release

KAP Federal Leader and Member for Kennedy Bob Katter – who on the basis of his 20 policy points for the survival of Australia, voted for an Abbott-led government in 2010 – today reaffirmed that he was not changing that position.

Prior to today’s media conference in Canberra, Mr Katter advised Opposition Leader Tony Abbott that he would support an Opposition-led ‘no confidence’ motion in the Gillard Government.

But Mr Katter said that in the best interests of the nation, he could no longer sit on his hands on the issue of the ALP and Government leadership, because “nobody is driving the bus”.

Mr Katter today publicly declared his support for Kevin Rudd to become Leader of the ALP – but he further emphasised that this did not involve any continuing commitment to a Rudd-led government.

“That is a matter decided in due course on the basis of what’s in the best interests of North Qld and the nation,” said Mr Katter.

“But we would be less than honest if we didn’t say our vote is – and will be – coloured by the burning issues of the collapse of manufacturing and food production in Australia; and more specifically the transmission line to the Galilee and North West Minerals Province; the giant Pentland Irrigation project; and, always of course, ethanol.

“Our decision in 2010 was based on these reasons and principles, and we will again base any future decisions on that.

“But I will continue to have no confidence in a Gillard, a Rudd or an Abbott Government as long as they continue to have no plans to arrest the continuing collapse of manufacturing and food production in our country.”

Mr Katter said his decisions were “not based on what might happen today or tomorrow, but on what will happen to the nation in 100 years”.

“And I must emphasise that whilst this decision (to support Mr Rudd as ALP Leader) is not in the interests of Katter’s Australian Party, what’s in the best interests of our nation leaves me no alternative but provide my support to the narrow objectives of replacing the Labor leadership.

“To do otherwise would be to condemn Australia to increasing instability and a landslide election, which would certainly not be in the best interests of our country.”