Tasmanians don’t need a return to schoolyard brawling at such a time in our history.

For the first time in Tasmania, the Legislative Council is likely to have a majority of party affiliated members after the elections in Rosevears and Huon divisions.

Nothing to worry about according to the Premier, that’s democracy at work. Effective democracy however requires eternal vigilance.

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If there’s one policy that’s kept the wolf from the door for millions of Australians, it’s the JobKeeper payment.

While imperfect, it was timely and worked because it was a relatively direct payment to those in need.

One of the federal government’s first responses to the pandemic in March was a tax deduction for spending on plant and equipment up to $150,000 to stop the economy collapsing. Who was going to borrow to install plant with unemployment set to soar and demand about to fall off a cliff?

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Border restrictions have changed for Tasmanians returning from Victoria due to the current outbreak of COVID-19 in Victoria.

I fully appreciate how difficult this news is for so many Tasmanian families who have loved ones in Victoria who were planning to come home, expecting restrictions to ease.

I as much as anyone am feeling the sadness with three of my children, their partners and three grandchildren, including one born just this week who I will not be able to visit as planned.

A summary of the most recent changes can be viewed here

Publicly funded education is fundamental to the promotion of a civil and just society.

Why is access to early education and care not considered in the same vein?

Public policy should always aim for equity, target vulnerable and disadvantaged families and children and support women's participation in the workforce, thus leading to increased productivity.

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Ruth Forrest MLC and Lawyer Greg Barnes discuss border restrictions, the winding back of govenment support and the likelihood of a post-Covid baby boom or divorce boom with Leon Compton on ABC Mornings Friday Forum

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The task ahead, the economic "fight of our lives", requires understanding of current challenges before designing a recovery plan for the post pandemic world.

All states will be facing similar problems. New ways of thinking and responding are necessary. The need for change has to be understood, as do the challenges. Hopefully our new pragmatic Premier will continue as to put his cards on the table for all to see.

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