Thistlethwaite doesn’t take seat for granted
Thistlethwaite regards addressing the rising cost of living as the biggest election issue.
Kingsford Smith holds an estimated margin to Labor of 13.3 per cent and Matt Thistlethwaite has been the local MP since 2013 and is also currently the Assistant Minister for Immigration.
He told The AJN last Friday that he doesn’t take the seat for granted.
“I was raised in Maroubra, I’ve lived all my life here [in the electorate] and I have a longtime and very respectful relationship with the Jewish community.
“It is a great honour to represent the people of Kingsford Smith and I want to continue to work every day to get the best outcomes for the community.”
Thistlethwaite regards addressing the rising cost of living as the biggest election issue.
He said that Labor, if re-elected, will offer relief through measures including tax cuts, limiting the cost of scripts to $25 under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, providing greater access to subsidised childcare and TAFE courses and reducing university students’ debt.
Acknowledging that many Australians are doing it tough, Thistlethwaite said, as per last month’s federal budget, “We’re providing as much extra support as we can, without adding fuel to the inflation fire.”
He added that other key issues are ensuring that local public schools and Medicare are adequately funded, pointing out that Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic opened in mid-2024.
“And we’ve reached agreements with the states to lift funding for catch-up lessons in literacy and numeracy for K-2 students.”
Of the rising incidences of antisemitic attacks on the Jewish community – including in Kingsford Smith – over the past 18 months, Thistlethwaite described them as “disgusting and shocking” and said, “I offer my deepest sympathy and thoughts to the Jewish community … as what’s happened is so inexcusable and unfair.
“It’s why, through an Operation Shelter taskforce, we [the area’s state and federal MPs and mayors, police and others including the presidents of Mount Sinai College, Emanuel School and Coogee and Maroubra Synagogues] have been meeting every two weeks, sharing information and discussing what’s needed.
“And thankfully, there’s been a reduction in antisemitic incidents recently.”
Recent election promises Thistlethwaite has made include a $2 million grant to Jewish House and $50,000 to Coogee Synagogue for a kitchen and hall upgrade.
Thistlethwaite described Australia’s relationship with Israel as “very important” but said, “I think, like in every relationship or friendship, you can have differences … and our recent voting record in the United Nations reflects that.”
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