Private AVO Withdrawal: Nathalie Matthews vs. Mark Latham
The private AVO application against independent NSW MP Mark Latham was formally withdrawn by consent on May 20, 2026, at the Downing Centre Local Court.
Court Proceedings
The withdrawal occurred on the very day a three-day hearing was set to begin. Nathalie Matthews' lawyer informed the court of the decision. Neither Matthews nor Latham attended the proceedings, and Latham was officially excused from appearing.
Latham's lawyer, Zali Burrows, confirmed the application had been withdrawn and dismissed, with no costs orders made by either party. Burrows described the outcome as a "good result" but declined to comment on her client's reaction.
Background of the Application
Matthews filed the private AVO application in July 2025, alleging a pattern of emotional, psychological, and financial manipulation, as well as coercive sexual acts and a physical incident involving a car mirror that allegedly caused a bruise. Latham denied all allegations and was not charged with any criminal offense.
The case had several prior developments:
- October 2025: Matthews' lawyer withdrew a request for an interim order, with discussions indicating the case was likely to "settle and resolve."
- November 2025: A claimed withdrawal was later negated.
Related Legal Matters
Latham had previously sought to subpoena WiseTech Global founder Richard White in connection with the case, but that action was abandoned in September 2025.
Matthews faces separate legal proceedings. She was arrested in October 2025 on revenge porn charges, to which she has pleaded not guilty.
Latham has also faced other recent legal outcomes:
- The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal fined him $100,000 for an obscene tweet directed at MP Alex Greenwich.
- A Federal Court ruling determined the same tweet was defamatory, ordering Latham to pay $140,000 in legal costs.
Context
Latham has served as an independent NSW upper house MP since 2023. He previously led One Nation NSW and the federal Labor Party.
Support Services
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).