Greenway candidate Jamie Cavanough with party founder Bob Katter.
Bob Katter’s Australian Party has retained Jamie Cavanough as its candidate for the federal seat of Greenway after giving him a stern warning for his comment on halal meat.
Party national director Aidan McLindon said the executive committee made the decision last Saturday after giving him a ‘‘few kicks on his backside’’.
He said the committee gave him a second chance after Mr Cavanough, a livestock producer, expressed regrets for his inappropriate comment.
Mr Cavanough commented on Facebook that his preference for buying ‘‘guaranteed non-halal meat’’ would ensure his money does not ‘‘go to the Muslim community’’.
‘‘We accept he is not a racist as he has many business friends in the Muslim and other communities.’’
Mr Cavanough, 26, told the Sun he was pleased to be retained as the candidate for Greenway by his party.
He clarified that he was looking for a better business deal on meat when he made his comment.
‘‘What I was trying to say was every time something is deemed halal you have to pay more for it,’’ he said.