Roundtable Discussion
with the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration
Date: Thursday, 3 September, 2026
Location: Winthrop Hall, The University of Western Australia
Event summary
On 3 September 2026, the Perth USAsia Centre was pleased to host a roundtable discussion with the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration.
In an increasingly complex and uncertain geopolitical and economic environment, this discussion provided insights into Australia’s foreign policy priorities and approach to regional engagement.
The Hon. Mr Thistlethwaite emphasised Australia’s strong and growing regional connections, particularly with Pacific Island countries and Southeast Asia; as well as Australia’s focus on regional maritime security, freedom of navigation, and continued support for a rules-based order to sustain regional stability, prosperity, and peace.
As Australia navigates global crises, supply chain challenges, emerging technologies, and the green energy transition, its global partnerships and cooperation with likeminded partners remain central to advancing the national interest.
Key insights from the discussion included:
Guest Speakers
The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration
The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP is the Labor Member for Kingsford Smith.
He is currently serving as the Assistant Minister for Immigration and the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Matt was formerly a member of the Australian Senate from 2011 to 2013 during which time he served as Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport.
Matt was born and raised in Maroubra, in the southeast of Sydney. He is an active community volunteer and passionate advocate for advancing the interests of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
Matt has extensive experience representing workers as a lawyer and trade union official in a range of industries including transport, power, manufacturing, agriculture, public sector, health and horse racing.
Matt is a former director of the State Transit Authority of NSW, and the NSW Manufacturing Council. He was a member of the Racing Industry Participants Advisory Council, and an Executive Member of the NSW Jockeys Association.
Matt has been an active surf lifesaver for over 30 years and served four years as President of Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. He was also the President of Maroubra PCYC from 1999-2004, and was awarded by PCYC NSW for his dedicated services in 2005.
Matt has worked as a Senior Consultant with law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques.
Matt was elected General Secretary of NSW Labor from 2008-2010. He was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Unions NSW from 2004 to 2008, and worked for the Australian Workers Union for 10 years. He has been a member of NSW Labor since 1995 and was President of NSW Young Labor from 1997-98. He holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of New South Wales and a Diploma in Law.
Venue
Winthrop Hall
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009
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