Opinion

Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.

Blame games have no place in helping deal with our state’s financial woes
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…

Read more
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

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,…

Read more
Tassie’s strong plan on shaky foundations
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…

Read more
Family violence response a justified move
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…

Read more
From the election dust emerges an alarming view of the true state of Tasmania’s financial standing
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…

Read more
There is no magic money tree and Liberals and Labor refuse to come clean with voters
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…

Read more
Election Energy Policy Confusion
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…

Read more
Voters need policy not slogans
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…

Read more
Report card reveals pollies ‘must do better’
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…

Read more
The elephant in the room
The elephant in the room

Where there’s smoke there’s fire. All it will take is another wind shift and an early State election will be upon us. Retired warriors have been recruited to rejoin the…

Read more
The Value of Education
The Value of Education

The start of a new school year is eagerly anticipated by many, but not all. Children learn in different ways therefore our educational systems must be adaptable and flexible. Access…

Read more
Tasmanians need facts, not distractions
Tasmanians need facts, not distractions

ALL state governments are facing sustainability problems. Tasmania is no exception. The instability of the government increases the unwillingness to face reality. Rather than have honest discussions about our plight…

Read more