Katter backs Coalition

Queensland independent MP Bob Katter has confirmed he will back the Coalition to form a minority government, saying the Coalition had provided the best response to his 20-point list of issues.

“I am confirming that as a result of the 20 point plan… I will be backing the Coalition,” Katter said in a specially convened press conference in his office.

Katter says he felt the Coalition had provided better responses to issues including the use of ethanol, indigenous affairs, the scrapping of the mining tax and emissions trading, which Katter does not support.

However, Katter said Labor did have better policies on the broadband and the national energy system.

“I did not ask for any handouts, I simply said, what is your party’s policy on these issues?”

“I want to emphasise my admiration for the Rudd Government and Julia was a part of that Government.”

Katter said he rejected any offer of a ministry in an Abbott government and angrily rejected suggestions that he had effectively endorsed the National Party, with whom he has had a long-running dispute.

“No, I didn’t. I went for North Queensland. I went for my tribe.”

More to come.