Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
Set name calling aside and agree on infrastructures plans
Government hasn’t stuck to its agenda for major projects, says Ruth Forrest THE TasWater takeover Bill which will soon be discussed in the Legislative Council contains provisions requiring the new…
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Mandatory sentencing a failed policy, a result of gutter politics
Ruth Forrest says judges and courts must have power to balance crime with punishment TOUGH on crime or a political stunt to win votes? With barely three months having passed…
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Infrastructure investment is the key to our state’s success
The state needs to devise a better plan for infrastructure spending, says Ruth Forrest THE annual Budget circus is about to get under way. Will it be the same old…
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DROP THE ALPHA MALE SCHOOLYARD BID FOR TASWATER AND CO-OPERATE
Ruth Forrest has a simpler, more collegial solution to state’s water, sewerage problems IT is a sure sign we are heading down the wrong track when disputing parties summon lawyers.…
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Much more than just child’s play
Hobart Mercury August 2, 2016 IT is often said that one’s health is everything. Those with good health and wellbeing often take it for granted until they experience its loss.…
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Economic road trip – a mystery tour
The Hobart Mercury – January 9, 2016 I’m not a monarchist but I do like the Queen. Especially when she asks pertinent questions as she did in 2009 when visiting the…
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Parliamentary inquiry with focus on preventative care
The Hobart Mercury, March 16, 2016. A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry has recommended an overhaul of Tasmania’s preventative healthcare systems with the state lagging far behind the national average in several areas. A joint select…
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It’s a matter of care and compassion
March 19, 2016 12:00am – The Hobart Mercury – Opinion I used to work in the Safe Schools program that faces the axe. It was not called that then. It…
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Tide is out on dams and finances
THE regrettable trend in modern politics, whereby winning elections is far more important than governing, is evident wherever parliamentary government is practised. [...]Read More... from Tide is out on dams…
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Mercury Newspaper Opinion Piece Presto, the ol’ pea and thimble trick
ALL the heavy lifting has been done, all major decisions made. The Tasmanian Government is back on track. This is what the media releases and headlines tell us. But is…
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Opinion – What do the figures really tell us?
All Governments do it. Cherry picking figures to suit their narrative. The Treasurer released the Government’s Preliminary Outcomes Report for 2014/15 and proclaimed a much better result than the estimated outcome…
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The right direction but caution needed ahead…
More than any other State, Tasmania doesn’t have much wriggle room when framing budgets. The Treasurer’s recently released Revised Estimates Report for 2014-15 shows this year’s budget hasn’t strayed too…
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