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
Without broadband, our economy is an old Nokia
Australians love their mobile technology. As a nation we have the second highest uptake of smart phones and are among…... Read more
Abbott’s superannuation vision is plain shortsighted
Louise Arnfield is a part time bank teller who earns less than $37,000 a year. If Tony Abbott wins the…... Read more
Our head of state is about as un-Australian as you can get
Australia Day, an annual celebration of our people. It’s a day when we acclaim the achievements of our citizens, and…... Read more
Vive le internet! And welcome the NBN revolution
Every day people all over the globe use computers and their networks to help run their lives - to do…... Read more
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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The Punch is moving house
Good morning Punchers. After four years of excellent fun and great conversation, this is the final post…
Will Pope Francis have the vision to tackle this?
I have had some close calls, one that involved what looked to me like an AK47 pointed my way, followed…
Advocating risk management is not “victim blaming”
In a world in which there are still people who subscribe to the vile notion that certain victims of sexual…
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choice ringside rantings
From: Hasbro, go straight to gaol, do not pass go
Tim says:
They should update other things in the game too. Instead of a get out of jail free card, they should have a Dodgy Lawyer card that not only gets you out of jail straight away but also gives you a fat payout in compensation for daring to arrest you in the first place. Instead of getting a hotel when you… [read more]From: A guide to summer festivals especially if you wouldn’t go
Kel says:
If you want a festival for older people or for families alike, get amongst the respectable punters at Bluesfest. A truly amazing festival experience to be had of ALL AGES. And all the young "festivalgoers" usually write themselves off on the first night, only to never hear from them again the rest of… [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
Superman needs saving
Can somebody please save Superman? He seems to be going through a bit of a crisis. Eighteen months ago,… Read more
