Challenging times call for honest leadership. That’s why I’m stepping up, writes Ruth Forrest
There comes a time when you have to decide whether to stand on the sidelines pointing out the flaws in the system, or to step into the fray and try to fix them.
For many years now, I have done my best in parliament to shine a light on the shortcomings of government policy from both sides of politicsand to offer solutions grounded in evidence. But the stakes have risen too high. Tasmania’s fiscal position is deteriorating, our public services are under strain, and secrecy and political gamesmanship are stifling good governance.
That’s why, after careful consideration, I have agreed to take on the role of Treasurer, should the Governor invite Dean Winter to form a minority Labor government, whilst maintaining my position as an independent member.
Remaining independent matters to me. It acknowledges that progress is more likely when we surrender the tribal, adversarial politics that divides us. In Cabinet, I will respect solidarity and confidentiality and collective responsibility. I know this will be challenging. I will also bring the same transparent, evidence-based approach I have used as chair of parliamentary committees and in my years scrutinising budgets, Treasury matters, and government businesses.
Tasmania faces a budget crisis that demands urgent, collaborative action. The delivery of sustainable and effective services in health, education, justice, and public safety depends on it. The solutions must be costed, risks assessed, and impacts understoodnot swept under the carpet with convenient spin.
Our current political culture is part of the problem. It is a time for deep understanding of fiscal realities and broad respect across the parliament. At the risk of sounding immodest, I believe I am well suited to that task.
The past year has been a masterclass in missed opportunities. The Eslake Review, initiated with crossbench support, offered a chance for a new, collaborative approach to our financial future. Instead, the government’s response was dismissive, blaming Covid-19 and the entirely appropriate compensation for victims of sexual abuse, while ignoring deep structural flaws. The government claimed their fiscal strategy provided all the flexibility and control needed, even as 10 of its 11 targets were hopelessly out of reach.
At the same time, the 2024-25 Revised Estimates Report quietly omitted more than $1bn in future health spending from the forward estimates. The excuse? That the figures were too hard to estimate. The effect was to mask the true scale of deficits and debt. When Treasury later prepared the Pre-Election Financial Outlook, it couldn’t rely on those doctored figures. The result: a projection that net debt in the general government sector would triple to $13bn within three years in the absence of real policy change and a stark warning from Treasury’s Secretary that it was “mathematically impossible” to grow our way out of this pain.
If that impossibility was clear in August 2025, it was known months earlier including during the election campaign, when voters were told there was a credible pathway to surplus. If the government knew otherwise, that was more than poor judgment. It was dishonest.
This culture of omission and secrecy has run deep. The AFL stadium deal was signed without Treasury advice or Cabinet approval. The Marinus Link agreement was finalised without the business case being publicly released despite the promise to do so and everything in that case suggests Treasury would likely have rejected it.
I fear there are other surprises lurking. Think TT-Line and other government businesses.
The truth is, the state cannot afford to keep making billion-dollar commitments based on political expediency. We need a Treasurer willing to ask hard questions, to say no when the numbers don’t stack up, and to work with all sides to find sustainable solutions.
That’s what I am offering. I will not pretend the task will be easy. The next 18-24 months will be incredibly hard work. This will take many years to correct and we need to collectively agree on a framework to deliver budget repair. Whilst this work may limit the time I can spend in Murchison, I will still be home regularly, and I will still be my constituents’ voice and presence. My office will continue to provide the dedicated service to the community as they deserve.
Reality cannot be locked away behind a “Do Not Disturb” sign. It’s time to set it free along with its companions, truth and transparency.
If given the opportunity to serve as Treasurer in a Labor minority government, I will work collaboratively with all independent and Green members, and I will welcome constructive engagement from the Liberals. The views of all parties must be heard if we are to rebuild trust and restore the state’s financial health.
Desperate times call for a bold response. For me, that means moving from critique to action taking on the responsibility of charting a more sustainable, honest, and transparent way forward for Tasmania.
Our state’s future depends on it.
The Mercury, 12 August 2025