Official Bob Katter portrait unveiled at Parliament House

A new official portrait of long-serving MP Bob Katter has been unveiled at Parliament House to mark his 50 years in state and federal politics.

The painting, by award-winning artist David Darcy, will remain on permanent display in Canberra. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes at the ceremony, calling Katter one of Australia's most recognisable political figures.

The painting, by award-winning artist David Darcy, will remain on permanent display in Canberra. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes at the ceremony, calling Katter one of Australia's most recognisable political figures.

"There's no mistaking that face or voice," Albanese said. "There will be a corner of this Parliament House that is forever Bob Katter."

Katter said the portrait represented more than just one individual.

"This is not a painting of a person. It is recognition of people who have very strong feelings about their country and want to make it a land of opportunity," he said.

Katter began his political career in Queensland state parliament in 1974, before moving to federal politics in 1993, where he has held the seat of Kennedy ever since. Over the years he has been a National Party MP, an independent, and now serves under the Katter's Australian Party, led by his son Robbie.

Asked if he plans to contest more elections, the 80-year-old laughed: "Yeah. I amaze myself. I'm still doing an 80-hour week."

He also thanked Albanese for the tribute.

"We've had words in the past, but I consider you a good friend," Katter said, adding with a grin, "I just need the money for the completion of the Hann Highway."