Katter’s Australian Party enters new era

NEW ERA: Kennedy MP Bob Katter, Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto, Hill MP Shane Knuth and Traeger MP Robbie Katter.

THE future of Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) is secure after Maverick Kennedy MP Bob Katter announced he will hand over his leadership of the party to the next generation.

Mr Katter’s son and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has been named as the new KAP leader, with Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto praising the move.

“I congratulate Bob and Robbie on the transition of the leadership of Katter’s Australian Party. This would have to be the most significant political moment for North Queensland since the party’s inception,” Mr Dametto said.

“The party was always set up with the intention of carrying on the good work of the Katter family into the future. This transition will ensure that North Queenslanders who back the principles and values of the KAP will have strong leadership to deliver for North Queensland for years to come.”

Despite the transition, Mr Dametto said Bob was “as committed as ever to the people of Hinchinbrook”.

“This region has always held a special place in Bob’s heart and voted overwhelmingly in support of him at the last Federal election. He remains passionate about protecting our sugar cane industry and delivering better infrastructure and services,” Mr Dametto said.

“Bob is fit, firing and ready to continue his good work fighting for the people of his electorate.”

Bob said he wasn’t going anywhere as the Member for Kennedy.

“I’ve been sitting up the front of the stage coach long enough,” he said.

“I’ll still have the shotgun in my lap, but I’ll be sitting in the back looking at the map.”

Mr Dametto said generational change “was an inevitable part of any organisation” and he looked forward to continuing his excellent working relationship with Bob and Robbie.

“Having worked closely with Robbie in parliament for the last two years, I can certainly say he is supremely qualified for the role which will drive the KAP into a new era,” he said.

“If recent political history is anything to go by, it’s obvious that the major parties are on the nose with voters who crave the policies of a no-nonsense, common sense outfit like the KAP.

“I look forward to contesting this October’s State election with the backing of this refreshed leadership team.”