Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
Tasmania needs a vision and a plan to achieve it
My vision sees a Tasmania that is inclusive, safe, productive and vibrant where all Tasmanians are prosperous across happiness, wellbeing and financial measures. We value, protect and respect our natural…
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Cut crime but let the judges judge
SEXUAL assault, especially when perpetrated against children, and violent crimes against any Tasmanians, particularly those in the front line providing services to us, is abhorrent and completely unacceptable. We must…
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Rolling out the pork barrel – what’s the cost?
MILLIONS of dollars are being promised by all sides of politics leading up to May 18. From small community organisations desperate for funds to large infrastructure projects, there almost seems…
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Beware election gifts we’ll be paying back in a few years
If legendary poet Virgil was writing today, he wouldn’t be warning us to beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Instead he’d be telling us to be wary of politicians showering us…
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Tasmanian health services are on the critical list
CRITICAL CONDITION: Independent Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest says in light of the critical challenges facing Tasmania’s health system “it is time to take a step back, think and plan strategically…
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A deep breath and a second look at pokies
ELECTIONS are a great way of deciding who we want to sit on the Treasury benches but they’re a flawed means of deciding particular policies, especially vexed questions like pokie…
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Talking Point: Making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
THE Treasurer’s Revised Estimates Report issued in late January has removed any doubts as to the financial position of the state. In two years the Government will need external borrowings.…
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Political donations – the need for change
Major parties claim to be open and transparent and that donations received don’t impact on decisions they make. Tasmanians want to know who has the ear of Government and be…
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HOSPITAL television rates will be on the table when parliament returns in March.
Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest will raise questions about contracts which require patients to pay upwards of $8 per day to watch television in Tasmanian hospitals. Ms Forrest said the…
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Politics of fear and prejudice
THE politics of fear and prejudice are being used around the country and world. In more recent times, this approach is being rejected. People claim they can’t trust politicians, stating…
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Access to safe, timely health care a fair ask
ACCESS to timely, safe, high quality health care is a reasonable expectation for all Tasmanians. Currently residents in the North-West and West Coast regions, and other regional areas, are right…
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Women earn on average $253 a week less than men
Women earn on average $253 a week less than men, which negatively impacts their financial and social well-being, says a Tasmanian MP. Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest successfully moved a motion…
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Newest Posts
- State Policies and Projects (Macquarie Point Precinct) Order 2025
- Parliament Misses Opportunity to Strengthen Budget Oversight as Fiscal Crisis Deepens
- Why I decided to accept the position of Treasurer if Tasmania has a Labor Minority government
- If you want to get to SurplusTown, would you start from here?
- Chapter 2 – Electricity and the NEM – The Basics Tasmania Was Never Told
- Hydro Tasmania: What the Numbers Show – A multi‑chapter analysis of operating performance, liquidity, structural risks, and public myths.
- IF THE PREMIER BELIEVES MARINUS WILL DELIVER $470M A YEAR, HE SHOULD PUBLISH MODELLING AND SHOW THE FLOWS
- Hydro Tasmania: From Opportunistic Trader to Defensive Survivor
- ADJOURNMENT SPEECH – Christmas Greetings
- SENTENCING AMENDMENT (AGGRAVATING FACTORS) BILL 2025