Matt Foley

The Hon. Matthew Joseph Foley (born 24 January 1951) is a former Australian politician.

Early life Before entering politics, Foley was a barrister and social worker, and sub-dean of the Social Work Faculty at Queensland University 1981–1983. Foley was chairperson of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (1983–1986), president of the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties (1985–1987), a member of the Criminal Law Sub-Committee of the Bar Association of Queensland and of the National Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (1988–1989) and National President of the Labor Lawyers Association (1989).

Political career In 1989, Foley was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Queensland as the Labor member for Yeronga. After the election, he became Minister for Employment, Training and Youth, keeping his responsibility for the Arts but leaving his legal portfolios.

Foley retired from politics in 2004.