A vote for independents is not wasted
In a fair society, people come before profits
State parliament is failing the general public and making the filthy rich even wealthier
Voters need to be well informed, and not succumb to the scare tactics of the major parties, writes Ruth Forrest
OUR parliaments, both federal and state, are made up of individuals elected to serve the people. But most have been anointed by the major parties, which are now run by a coterie of largely nameless officials. Other candidates are parachuted in as "captain's picks" with the party membership having no opportunity to vet or even contribute to the selection of candidates that are likely to represent the views of their party and electorate. As a consequence, members have deserted the major parties in droves because they feel unheard and ignored.
Legislative Council, Thursday 5 May 2022
Ms FORREST (Murchison) - Mr President, unfortunately I have been unable to deliver my response to the Premier's state of the state Address until now. What I have to say is still very relevant but this also gives me the opportunity and the chance to wish the two members of this Chamber who are facing an election in two days time all the very best with that election.
I know it is a stressful time. It is good for democracy to have elections but it does not take away a fairly serious level of stress from members who are doing their work in this place as well as trying to engage with their communities and encourage their support. I wish them all the best and we will probably see you back here in no time at all. We will hardly notice anyone is missing.
THE Premier's recent State of the State address, a rallying cry to Tasmanians seeking to assure us we're heading in the right direction.
The reality is it fails to adequately discuss the underlying problems that continue to face us.
That's not a criticism per se, more a comment on the nature of a small state in a much larger federation, where macro settings beyond our direct control have much more impact than anything state or local governments can do.
We need to understand and discuss the broader issues if we are to make real progress for the benefit of all.
Ms FORREST (Murchison) - Mr President, I acknowledge the very sincere contributions made before me.
In speaking to this motion, I express my deep sadness and offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the six precious children whose lives were lost following the incident that took place at Hillcrest Primary School on 16 December 2021.
I note words can seem totally inadequate to express the enormity of the loss experienced by the families, friends, school and broader community on that tragic day. These six children, still at the beginning of life's journey, Peter Dodt, Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jones, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan and Addison Stewart were taken too soon from their loved ones. They will always remain a special part of the Hillcrest and north-west community. I also acknowledge the children who were significantly injured during the incident as well, including Declean Brown and Beau Medcraft and wish them a speedy recovery from what has been a devastating ordeal and a difficult time for them and their families.
AS Dickens may have said, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, it was the age of self-sacrifice, it was the age of greed.
The past few years have had all and more. Covid has shown what can happen. Our response shows what we can do. Self-sacrifice, particularly from essential service workers, has been extraordinary.
We have experienced first-hand the shortcomings of our system. We have seen first-hand how to fix it. And we have seen first-hand how greedy self-entitlement and opportunism is never far away.
Legislative Council, Tuesday 9 November 2021
Ms FORREST (Murchison) - Mr President, I rise to speak on this bill, a bill that is very complex, not least due to the complexity of the taxing and licensing arrangements, but also as an amending bill which you really must have the principal act on hand to cross-reference.
I did think when reading through, scrutinising every clause that a completely new gaming control bill might have been a much easier option.
Add to this the vast array of proposed amendments, and it makes for a very complex task and one I will not support working late into the night to deal with this bill. A bill that clearly requires full and proper scrutiny and understanding.
We all know decision-making is impaired when people are fatigued.