Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
We need to face what the budget figures have been trying to tell us for years, and it’s not good news
Time to be honest about the challenges and work together, before it’s too late. The 2024-25 Tasmanian state budget is a catastrophe. There is no plan to stop debt servicing…
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The gravity of our state’s challenges means we need to start thinking very differently
Political parties continue their misinformation campaigns rather than honestly discussing our financial problems, writes Ruth Forrest The gravity of the state’s perilous fiscal position, as forensically detailed by Saul Eslake…
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Servicing our past sins is costing more, which takes away much-needed funding from current services
Denial of budget reality is no longer an option for Tasmania. The government last week released the Preliminary Outcome Report for the 2023-24 year, revealing the latest on the state’s…
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Blame games have no place in helping deal with our state’s financial woes
The day of reckoning is looming. The report by respected economist Saul Eslake into the state of the state’s finances, a condition of Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) agreement with the…
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Changing the GST rules to get Tasmania a ‘better deal’ might just be killing the goose that lays the golden eggs
Changing the GST rules to get Tasmania a ‘better deal’ might just be killing the goose that lays the golden eggs Undermining the GST system is not in Tasmania’s interest,…
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Tassie’s strong plan on shaky foundations
There is a need to take a genuine look at the big picture for our future when it comes to state and federal budgets. Preparing the groundwork for what is…
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Family violence response a justified move
THE scourge of family violence and violence against women is at the forefront of news coverage. The horrific statistics and lived reality for many women and their families in our…
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From the election dust emerges an alarming view of the true state of Tasmania’s financial standing
Instead of appeasing its new partners, the government would be better served by a budget office, Let’s hope Premier Jeremy Rockliff has more success in achieving a workable parliament than…
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There is no magic money tree and Liberals and Labor refuse to come clean with voters
The state is facing a huge fiscal problem and it seems that neither of the major parties is prepared to address it, writes Ruth Forrest One of the classic strategies…
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Election Energy Policy Confusion
If you’re having trouble understanding the electricity policies of parties as they vie for your vote, you’re not alone. Being Chair of three inquiries looking at various aspect of the…
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Voters need policy not slogans
On the day the House of Assembly was dissolved to precipitate the March 23rd election, over a year ahead of the next election date committed to by the Premier, the…
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Report card reveals pollies ‘must do better’
The assessment of state government debt makes for some uncomfortable reading, writes Ruth Forrest School is out and the ‘kids’ our House of Assembly representatives – have been sent home…
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Newest Posts
- If you want to get to SurplusTown, would you start from here?
- Tasmania’s Pre-Election Budget Warning
- Serious matters that must be discussed during this election
- Election Update No 16: Marinus Decision Time: Tasmania Can’t Afford to Get It Wrong
- Election Update No 15: The pathway to surplus
- Election Update number 14: The Liberal Fiscal Strategy
- Election Update number 13: Revenue: the taboo topic
- Election Update number 12: Labor’s fiscal strategy and beyond