Matt was elected as the first member for the Federal Division of Burt, in the south-eastern suburbs of Perth, at the 2016 Federal Election. 

Born and raised in Kelmscott, he has spent his adult life advocating for the community – volunteering as a youth group leader, starting his career in a local law firm, as Chairperson of his local domestic violence refuge Starick, and as a representative on the Armadale Redevelopment Authority to get the investment and infrastructure needed in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs. He continues to strive to "change the story" in the area.

As a husband and Dad of two, Matt’s so proud to be part of a government that's made childcare cheaper and eased cost of living pressures - with energy bill credits, cheaper medicines and tax cuts.  The Burt community has been growing quickly and that's why Matt has been working hard to deliver road upgrades, train line improvements with METRONET, better funding for community services, investment in schools, more secure well-paid jobs, and strengthen Medicare.  

As Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt’s ensured the Government is delivering an additional $13 billion in benefits and supports to Australia’s veterans and families and reversed the Liberals' Defence recruitment crisis. 

As the Federal Member for Burt, Matt has secured over $1 million in funding for local community organisations, and he’s committed to building a better Burt each and every.