The Man Under The Hat

FOREWORD BY PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE

BOB KATTER IS ARGUABLY AUSTRALIA'S MOST RECOGNISABLE POLITICIAN.

Love him or hate him, everyone knows who he is.
He's not the Prime Minister, nor even a cabinet minister. He's the leader of a minor party, firing political salvos from the backbench. His remote electorate is more than twice the size of Victoria.

So how did Bob Katter become a household name?

Part showman, part maverick, Katter is known for his ever-present Akubra, his colourful language, and his unapologetic defiance of political correctness. His statements often raise eyebrows - and make headlines - but behind the theatrics lies something far more intriguing.

This book explores the sharp political intellect often overshadowed by the performance. From his early days as a successful Queensland state minister to becoming a federal fixture for over 30 years, his 50 years in politics is a record surpassed only by that of Billy Hughes. Katter has forged a uniquely enduring presence in Australian politics. 

For the author, a student of politics, what's most compelling is the deep ideological roots that underpin Katter's politics - roots that stretch into both the Labor and National Party traditions - and his keen knowledge of history and national affairs.

This is a revealing, entertaining and thoughtful portrait of a complex character - part political relic, part national treasure - who just might be the last true master of that uniquely Australian art; taking the piss.