Matt Thistlethwaite

Latest speeches

1. Federation Chamber (part 3 of 3) · Australian Parliament · 8 September 2026

   • Australian humanitarian response to Nepal–Tibet disaster

     “to support the humanitarian response. We've committed $11 million to this response. The Australian public have also shown extraordinary generosity with more than $4 million being donated to the Emergency Action Appeal. It builds on Australia's long history of support…”

     Watch from 0:00

   • Impact on Nepalese and Tibetan diaspora in Australia

     “Last week, I hosted a series of online roundtables with community leaders to provide updates, answer questions, and offer Australia's support. The distress within these communities is profound. Many have family and friends in the affected areas, many are waiting…”

     Watch from 1:58

2. Federation Chamber (part 2 of 3) · Australian Parliament · 8 September 2026

   • Canberra: Nepali community and national support

     “Thanks, Speaker. On behalf of the people of Kingsford Smith, I express our sincerest condolences and sympathies to those affected by the catastrophic flooding and landslides in Nepal and Tibet, China. The disaster has caused immense loss of life, widespread…”

     Watch from 3:27:10

   • Assistant Minister: consular effort and challenging conditions

     “Rescue workers continue to operate in conditions that are dangerous, unpredictable and physically demanding. Australia stands with Nepal and China at this difficult time. We stand with the families of the missing. We stand with the communities who are grieving,…”

     Watch from 3:27:40

3. Federation Chamber · Australian Parliament · 20 August 2026

   • Constituency statements: infrastructure, disasters and social issues

     “Speaker, on 11th of July I was privileged to join members of the 400 Club at Maroubra Beach for their annual charity row, raising funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation and the Kids Cancer Project. The 400 Club is a…”

     Watch from 30:42

   • ART Bill: Assistant Minister: backlog data and efficiency rationale

     “Thanks, Speaker. The foundation of any good democracy is the right of citizens to have review by government decisions and decisions of government departments. It's been a hallmark of the Australian system of government for the past century that Australian…”

     Watch from 2:17:08

   • ART Bill: Assistant Minister: oral reasons, forms and ID checks

     “First, it will allow the tribunal to give reasons for a decision orally, rather than always requiring written reasons. Now, parties will still be able to request written reasons if they need them. But the ability for a member of…”

     Watch from 2:23:26

4. Federation Chamber (part 2 of 2) · Australian Parliament · 19 August 2026

   • Foreign Relations Bill: minister’s summing up and second reading agreed

     “Thanks, Speaker. I thank members for their contributions to this debate. Australia's prosperity and security and international standing are strengthened by international partnerships entered into by our states, territories, local governments, and universities. And the government encourages and supports that…”

     Watch from 1:08:45

   • Foreign Relations Bill: Fairfax amendment on university researcher deals defeated

     “Thanks, Speaker. Australia has strong foreign interference and espionage laws that do capture researchers. And our security agencies actively monitor and respond to threats to the national interest. If an Australian researcher passes sensitive information to a foreign power, that…”

     Watch from 1:17:09

5. House of Representatives Chamber (part 1 of 3) · Australian Parliament · 1 July 2026

   • Foreign Relations Amendments: tightening sub‑national oversight

     “Thanks, speaker. I present Australia's foreign relations state and territory amendments bill twenty twenty six and the explanatory memorandum. Thanks, speaker. I move that this bill now be read a second time. Australia has long benefited from international engagement, whether…”

     Watch from 1:37:33