Katter ought to apologise or resign

“Mr Katter’s threats of violence in direction of journalist Josh Bavas are fully unacceptable. Threats of violence haven’t any place in Australian political discourse, particularly coming from a member of parliament.

“The menace on Friday was unhealthy sufficient however to have now doubled-down on it and mentioned he ought to have been ‘more aggressive’ is unthinkable for somebody in public life.

“Mr Katter has doubled down as a result of he hasn’t obtained any sanction. He appears to suppose that the conventional guidelines of respectful engagement don’t apply to him. This shouldn’t be okay.

“Mr Katter ought to unreservedly apologise to Josh Bavas or resign from parliament. 

“The normal you stroll previous is the usual you settle for. The parliament has an necessary function to play in setting the requirements of behaviour and that is clearly unacceptable conduct. 

“Across the world we’re seeing journalists focused by violence and threats with a view to suppress freedom of speech and freedom of data. Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any democracy, with out it we can’t have an knowledgeable public and open debate.

“Members of parliament from all sides of the political spectrum should stand collectively in holding Mr Katter to account. I’ve written to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission to ask them to research this matter.