Akubra-wearing Queensland MP Bob Katter immortalised in a new portrait at Parliament

Akubra-wearing Queensland MP Bob Katter has been immortalised in a new portrait to commemorate his 50 years across State and Federal parliaments.

The portrait of the federal crossbencher, painted by NSW artists David Darcy, was unveiled at Parliament House on Thursday.

In a speech at the ceremony, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Mr Katter as “fair dinkum” and credited his “big and multifaceted” political career.

“Over 50 years, Bob has become one of Australia’s most recognised figures, there’s no mistaking face, or that voice,” the PM said.

“After half a century of service of his community, his state, his nation, Bob still hasn’t finished.”

While acknowledging his advocacy and achievements for his electorate, Mr Albanese raised some of Mr Katter’s more colourful moments – including dressing as a pig and Grim Reaper in Parliament House.

Mr Katter marked five decades of public service in December last year. His career started with the then-Country Party in 1974 and, later, a state minister.

He then switched to Federal Parliament in 1993 where he went on to ditch the National Party to sit on the crossbenches as an independent in 2001.

Mr Katter gave a wide-ranging speech at his ceremony and was at time emotional when giving thanks to his family and wife of 55 years Susie.

The parliamentarian was teary when he spoke of his mother Mabel, who died when he was in his mid-20s.

After the PM poked fun at some of his maverick moments, Mr Katter gave it back – telling the PM his Rabbitohs ruby League team was a “stupid football team”.

“But whatever your shortcomings may be, I consider you a good friend,” he said.

The portrait’s unveiling comes after Mr Katter made headlines in August for a fiery clash with Channel 9 reporter Josh Bavas after the journalist asked about his Lebanese heritage.

Mr Katter referred to the incident when talking about dealing with “unreasonable people” “out the back of the pub”.

“I must admit, I’ve been out the back of the pub three or four times. One of them bent my nose a bit but I’ll move on.

“That’s part of the Australian way. And if I got a bit confrontation with a bloke a few weeks ago, ah well ‘out the back of the pub, mate’.”

The official portrait will be added to the Historical Memorials Collection portraits which now boosts more than 260 of figures in Australia’s political history.

Friends of all political persuasions attended the unveiling, including independent Dai Le, Labor MP Patrick Gorman, Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Nationals MPs Michael McCormack, Barnaby Joyce, and Matt Canavan.