Iconic MP’s ‘regretful’ way to earn $200k
Federal MP Bob Katter has sparked controversy by appearing in a TikTok video and speaking about his career as a politician earning $200,000.
Despite the eye-watering salary, a further $40,000 in superannuation and “free cars, phones and free travel”, Mr Katter said he “wouldn’t touch” the job if you were after money.
The North Queensland MP was stopped on the streets and interviewed by Getahead App, which discusses wages and jobs in Australia, where Mr Katter revealed he had been a politician for 50 years.
“You wouldn’t touch it if you were looking for money,” the outspoken MP said of his career.
Mr Katter, who has been a Queensland MP since 1974 and a federal MP since 1993, told the internet he had worked as a labourer in the mines before venturing into politics.
When asked how to get into politics, he explained you had to “grovel”.
“I deeply regret to say this but you go along and you grovel to the local Liberal Party branch, or the local Labor Party branch, and tell them how wonderful they are, you know, and fantastic they are and how you really love them,” Mr Katter said.
“That’s how you get into politics.”
Mr Katter was asked whether being a politician is a stressful job.
“No, I stress other people,” he replied before laughing.
Despite saying he wouldn’t recommend the job for the money, Mr Katter said he wanted to see more young people in politics.
He said he wanted to see “young flag-waving Australians” who love their country and love “fighting for people”.
“We want them in there,” he said.
Federal politicians will be receiving a pay rise of 3.5 per cent from July 1, after the Remuneration Tribunal’s decision to raise MPs’ wages.
TikTok users flooded the comments of Mr Katter’s video, with many praising him for his honesty.
“Love Bob Katter. I don’t always agree with him but at least he’s honest,” one person commented.
Another said: “Bob Katter our lord and saviour”.
“Love him or hate him, you have to agree, he adds a bit of spice to Australian politics,” another user wrote.
“Iconic, love Bob Katter,” another said.
