A private AVO application against independent New South Wales upper house MP Mark Latham, filed by his former partner Nathalie Matthews, was withdrawn on the morning a three-day hearing was scheduled to begin.
The withdrawal was announced at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on May 20, 2026. Matthews' lawyer informed the judge that the application was withdrawn by consent. Neither Latham nor Matthews attended the court for the proceedings. The judge imposed no order as to costs.
"A good result," said Latham's lawyer, Zali Burrows, who declined to comment when asked about her client's feelings.
Allegations and Background
Matthews had filed the AVO application privately in July 2025. The application alleged a pattern of emotional, psychological, and financial manipulation, as well as coercive sexual acts and a physical incident involving a car mirror.
Specifically, it included allegations that Latham pressured her to engage in sex with others and that a car incident caused a bruise.
Latham has consistently denied all allegations. He was not charged with any criminal offense in connection with the matter.
Legal Context
The case had experienced prior procedural developments.
- A claimed withdrawal in November 2025 was later negated.
- In October 2025, Matthews's lawyer had withdrawn a request for an interim order pending the hearing on a permanent order.
- Lawyer Daniel Wakim stated at that time that the case was likely to "settle and resolve" entirely.
Separately, Matthews was arrested in October 2025 on charges related to revenge porn, to which she has pleaded not guilty.
Profile of Mark Latham
Mark Latham has served as an independent NSW upper house MP since 2023. He previously led the One Nation NSW party and, before that, the federal Labor Party.