QON – Basslink becoming a regulated asset

Legislative Council, Tuesday 21 March, 2023 Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT With regard to the recent sale of Basslink, and the government and Hydro Tasmania stating that they are committed to assist with Basslink becoming a regulated asset and noting Basslink’s operating costs being well known […]

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QON – Proposed reform in the energy sector

Legislative Council, Tuesday 21 March, 2023 Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT QUESTIONS: With regard proposed reform in the energy sector and matters related to energy prices, in an answer to a Question on Notice from Minister Barnett on 10 November 2022, the Minister stated: “Based on […]

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Bass Island Line’s (BIL’s) pricing policies – Submission to Inquiry

Below is my submission to the Office of the Economic Regulator, relating to the current inquiry into Bass Island Line’s pricing policies: As the elected Member of the Legislative Council representing King Island, I have advocated for many years on behalf of King Islanders for more equitable freight costs and pricing and for greater transparency […]

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Budget report omits likely outcome of gaming changes

The state government’s recently released Revised Estimates Report was expected to reveal the estimated effects of the new mandatory pre-commitment card to cap player losses that occur when moderate risk and problem gamblers play the pokies. A fall in government revenue would indicate the likely fall in player losses – and be a welcome outcome. […]

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Wynyard councillor Andrea Courtney’s call for whistleblower protection

 You can read my comments in The Advocate newspaper on Saturday 25 February 2023 regarding experiences high-profile whistleblowers and the real risks they take when they choose to report. “A person often pays with either being completely ostracised in their workplace or losing their employment,” she said. “Andrea has been very passionate about this issue and took that […]

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Inquiry swamped over new stadium

A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry into the Tasmanian government’s proposal to build a multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point has attracted a near-record number of submissions, with public hearings set to begin next month. The Parliamentary Standing Committee of Public Accounts, chaired by independent Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest, is looking at the feasibility planning for the stadium, which […]

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Adversarial politics and achieving good public policy

The long and tortuous process of reforms to electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in the community provides an illuminating case study into public policy implementation. EGMs have always been subject to licensing arrangements and a limit on the numbers permitted. The dangers from open slather were recognised from the outset. The government’s proposed mandatory card arrangements, […]

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Mum in labour told she can’t give birth in Burnie: MLC

You can read my comments published in The Advocate newspaper on Saturday 11 February 2023 relating to a first-time expectant mother already in labour who was allegedly unable to give birth in Burnie due to  staff shortages.   “I was informed of one woman who was a private patient who had prolonged ruptured membranes, and she ended […]

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