Federal MP Bob Katter denied entry to the Tamworth Hotel due to refusal to show vaccination status, police called to train station

Mr Katter was refused entry to the Tamworth Hotel on Sunday afternoon after police claim he refused to show his vaccination status. He was then seen shopping at a nearby bottle shop.

Police told the Leader that a short while later, Oxley Police District officers were called to the Tamworth Railway Station about 3pm, after reports that a group of people, including Mr Katter, were drinking in an alcohol-free zone.

"Police attended and gave a warning to some members of the group about drinking in the alcohol-free zone and they complied," a NSW Police statement said.

"No further police action will be taken."

Police did not attend the incident at the Tamworth Hotel.

Mr Katter was seen at the railway station with several candidates for the Tamworth local government elections including Chris Buckman and Mark Rodda.

The Queensland MP said he was meeting with leaders to discuss issues affecting inland Australia and policies that will reverse its population decline.

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"I've had both my COVID vaccinations but I don't have a smart phone so I can't check-in using the State Government app, but I did give them options to verify," he said.

"However, the local media and police were called.

"This is un-Australian. We have a right to associate and assemble.

"Full praise to the local police officer carrying out their duties in a very respectful manner."

In a statement, Mr Buckman said the meeting was in relation to the importance of local representation of smaller communities.

"Unfortunately the meeting was overshadowed by an altercation between Bob and a local licensed venue which resulted in a bit of a media spectacle," he said.

"This was never the intention of today's meeting and sincerely hope it does not interfere with the core of what we are standing for in this local election."

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