The division was created in 1984 and is named for Matthew Charlton, who was Leader of the Australian Labor Party 1922–28.

The division was located in the Hunter region of New South Wales, including the coal-mining towns of Cardiff and Wallsend as well as Toronto, Morisset, Cooranbong, Brightwaters, Windermere Park, Sunshine, Glendale and Warners Bay.

During the 2013 federal election campaign, the Liberal Party of Australia endorsed Kevin Baker as their candidate for the division.

[2] However, Baker was forced to end his campaign on 21 August 2013 due to controversy over inappropriate content on a car enthusiasts' website that he hosted.

The Australian Electoral Commission had closed candidate nominations by the time Baker abandoned his campaign.