[email protected] (03) 6430 8400
Ruth Forrest

Author: Ruth Forrest

Profile picture of Ruth Forrest

Posts by Ruth Forrest

Obscured spending decisions undermine public trust in the budget figures

Posted on

There is a critical need for budget honesty and transparency, writes Ruth Forrest In any democracy, clear, honest budgeting is the foundation of public trust. The Tasmanian government’s 2025-26 Budget, however, risks undermining that trust not because of what’s in the budget, but because of how key decisions are being presented or, more accurately, concealed. […]

Read More… from Obscured spending decisions undermine public trust in the budget figures

Election update Number 4: Marinus Final Investment Decision (FID)

Posted on

As crazy as it may sound the proposed Marinus project has some unfortunate similarities with the stadium project. The AFL decided the AFL Devils needed a roofed stadium at Macquarie Point in order to field a successful team. The Premier agreed and signed on the dotted line without consulting anyone and before any plans were […]

Read More… from Election update Number 4: Marinus Final Investment Decision (FID)

Election Update Number 3 : The PEFO (Pre Election Financial Outlook) Report

Posted on

So far the election campaign has offered a few placards, platitudes and hi-vis appearances but little apparent understanding of the issues facing us. Hopefully PEFO will contribute to the discussion. When reading government Budget papers (BPs) it is important to remember that they have not been audited by the Auditor General. Unlike BPs in Victoria […]

Read More… from Election Update Number 3 : The PEFO (Pre Election Financial Outlook) Report

Election Update Number 2: Fiscal Strategies

Posted on

In this update I will revisit some important aspects of the Charter of Budget Responsibility Act 2007 https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/2025-06-14/act-2007-035 . It’s a pretty simple Act. Whilst it contains some fairly broad motherhood statements (what is sound fiscal management for instance) its intent is quite clear: to provide a framework to explain the fiscal challenges and proposed […]

Read More… from Election Update Number 2: Fiscal Strategies

Election Updates -UPDATE Number 1 – Charter of Budget Responsibility Act 2007

Posted on

There is a critical need for the general public to have a good understanding of where the State is at financially and what is required by both major parties during an election – even a very early one such as this. I intend to write some short, focussed pieces around these topics and update regularly […]

Read More… from Election Updates -UPDATE Number 1 – Charter of Budget Responsibility Act 2007

Tasmania’s Budget Crisis: A Call for Urgent Action

Posted on

The 2025-26 Tasmanian State Budget, which may never proceed following a successful no-confidence motion in the Premier is a stark reminder of the fiscal crisis we are facing. Despite years of warnings and clear evidence of the need for remedial action, the government has failed to address the growing financial challenges. This budget is not […]

Read More… from Tasmania’s Budget Crisis: A Call for Urgent Action

Adjournment Speech – TasBuild Portable Long-Service Fund

Posted on

Legislative Council, Wednesday 4 June 2025 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, I wish to speak briefly on adjournment, as I advised you. It is to do with a matter related to TasBuild. The reason I want to read this letter from constituents of mine into Hansard is because this is not the first time […]

Read More… from Adjournment Speech – TasBuild Portable Long-Service Fund

Copyright - Ruth Forrest MLC - Privacy Policy
Website by Hamish