The show's script writers created a detailed backstory for the character in which he was adopted by the Williams family. He enjoyed a good childhood and loved his parents. Matt discovered he was adopted when he needed his birth certificate to apply for his motorcycle driving license. This forced his parents to tell him the truth about his adoption. Matt had the need to seek-out his birth parents, which led him to Ramsay Street. Paske's first scenes aired in May 1989. He is new to Erinsborough and does not know the local residents. Having moved from interstate to accept the role, Paske believed this helped him to better play Matt as they were going through similar experiences. Matt's arrival in the show causes other character's to question his motives for being in Erinsborough. Paske told Whittington that "Matt is from Adelaide and his parents are having a few marital problems. Paske added that "a few people question his arrival" and Matt soon gets into an argument with another character. The character Matt upsets is his neighbour, Mike Young (Guy Pearce) and it forms one of his first stories. When Matt uses Mike's bike without consent, it brings about the confrontation. Paske told Devlyn that Matt "doesn't exactly get off on the right foot because he later finds out that Mike is his maths teacher."