Matt Thistlethwaite
Matt Thistlethwaite came to politics through an involvement in community organisations Surf Life Saving and the Police & Community Youth Clubs. He carved a 14 year career as an advocate for the vulnerable and disadvantaged representing workers rights in industries such as agricultural, chemical and aeronautical. Matt, 39, entered the Senate as a Labor Party representative for NSW in July this year. He is married to Rachel and has two young daughters. Matt’s passion remains advancing the interests of hard working Australians. Senator Thistlethwaite holds a degree in economics from UNSW, and a Diploma of Law.
Articles by Matt Thistlethwaite
We don’t want an economy that’s like our grandparents’
My grandparents never owned their own home. Like many of their generation they were worried about taking on a mortgage. …... Read more
In Australia work is fair and it’s getting better
Australia is a great place to live. Our economy is strong, unemployment is low, companies are making good profits and…... Read more
Just the facts on Labor’s workplace reforms
Let’s add some truth to the debate on the Fair Work Act: Here are the facts on labour market productivity,…... Read more
The mining pie is more of a magic pudding
Update 6:45am: The Minerals Resource Rent Tax Bill 2011 passed the lower house in the early hours of this morning…... Read more
Carbon pricing is about more than a warm, fuzzy feeling
The Australian Senate is currently debating the Government’s Clean Energy Future package and will shortly vote on these historic reforms.…... Read more
What the Space Race can teach us about productivity
On May 25, 1961 United States President John F Kennedy proposed to the Congress that the nation set a goal…... Read more
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Abbott’s crass logic: trash the Parliament in order save it
An email was sent to almost every politician in Australia this week saying that someone should cut off…
Our special forces don’t always need special treatment
We admire them, but we’re not entirely sure why. We allow them to operate in the shadows; we rarely…
A good holiday is about unrest, not rest
Like a fat full-stop, it lay in my hand. A small orange – not exactly fresh, but purchased anyway…
Nosebleed Section
choice ringside rantings
From: They must pay for one’s bitter disappointments
Michael S says:
"A teacher at Geelong Grammar had criticised her for using words that were too long, which had left her confused and had made her doubt her ability to write essays. She became ''quite distressed'' when her English marks began to fall." I can sympathise. My scholastic mentors conveyed to me a causal relationship… [read more]From: Welfare for breeders is a bonus for everyone
Change Up! says:
I have no problem paying my taxes. As a single, childless person on a very decent income, I can afford it and not have my life severely altered. Plus I understand that my taxes paying for things like schools, childcare and infrastructure is ultimately a good thing. A better community is better for me… [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
They must pay for one’s bitter disappointments
A private school girl’s family is sueing her elite, extremely expensive private school for not… Read more
