Independent MP Bob Katter has decided Aussie politics could use a little more doodling – and he’s prepared to put “a few quid” behind the cause.
In a video filmed from his office and set to an instrumental version of Eminem’s The Real Slim Shady, Katter held up a drawing of himself and issued a call to arms for cartoonists everywhere.
“We’re looking for a cartoonist, someone who can draw me like I am there,” he said in the social media post.
Not just a one-off sketch, either. Katter is after commitment.
“We want a regular cartoon at least once a fortnight to be drawn up by somebody.
“We can give you substance, but you might want to do the substance yourself.”
The long-serving MP added that he was receiving “sometimes 10 or 12 million hits” on his “internet site”, promising plenty of “prominence” for whoever takes up the pen. In other words: bring your pencils and perhaps a steady hand.
Of course, some observers have suggested Katter may already be doing a fine job of self-satire.
Speaking to Sky News’ Chris Kenny, commentator James Bolt quipped that the position might be unnecessary.
“There’s a reason Trump is so bad for comedy, how can a comedian make him funnier,” he said.
“Bob Katter is already funny, how would a cartoonist improve on what Bob Katter does?”
The recruitment drive follows the unveiling of Katter’s parliamentary portrait in November, marking 50 years in politics. Joined by his wife and children, the occasion was a reminder that while trends come and go, Bob Katter – unmistakable face, unmistakable voice – never stops.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared there would be a corner of Parliament House “that is forever Bob Katter”.
“Bob has become one of Australia’s most recognisable figures, there’s no mistaking that face or voice… We’ve seen him dressed as a pig, we’ve seen him dressed as the grim reaper, just as two examples. So if I can make a request: no more dress ups,” he said.
“One of the things about Bob is that he’s able to bring people together from across the political perspective who might not agree with Bob’s views all the time – some might not agree with Bob’s views on any of the times – but who respect that he is, in that most Australian term, fair dinkum.”
Since entering federal parliament in 1993, Katter has rarely been far from the headlines. He has faced controversies over the years, most recently after threatening to punch a journalist who questioned him about his Lebanese heritage.
He previously claimed no gay people lived in his electorate and opposed marriage equality.
He once said he chose to “identify as a blackfullah on odd occasions”, and appeared in a campaign advertisement depicting Liberal and Labor MPs being shot dead.
At his portrait unveiling, Katter acknowledged that he can, at times, grow “a bit confrontational” and once “bent his nose a bit” in a fight behind a pub.
Now, with half a century in politics under his belt and an Eminem soundtrack in the background, Katter appears ready to add one more title to his résumé: muse. Cartoonists, sharpen your pencils.
Images: Instagram
