Opinion

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

Adversarial politics and achieving good public policy
Adversarial politics and achieving good public policy

The long and tortuous process of reforms to electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in the community provides an illuminating case study into public policy implementation. EGMs have always been subject to…

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The Joy and Stress of the Festive Season
The Joy and Stress of the Festive Season

As the end of 2022 rapidly approaches, our community prepares for the festive season and for many, a break from work and time for family and reflection. After two years…

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The search for the meaning of Marinus continues
The search for the meaning of Marinus continues

In an illuminating answer on November 10th to my Question on Notice, Resources Minister Barnett gave a fresh insight into Hydro Tasmania. Without Marinus, Battery of the Nation (BotN) projects…

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Tone down all the hyperbole and answer questions over public funding for Marinus
Tone down all the hyperbole and answer questions over public funding for Marinus

Doubts remain over the merits of another Bass Strait interconnector, says Ruth Forrest The Australian government may well have agreed to find finance for Marinus but there are still a…

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Government must provide more clarity over electricity pricing uncertainties
Government must provide more clarity over electricity pricing uncertainties

Rather than throwing barbs at one another, our leaders would be better off explaining the ongoing role of Basslink, its costs and benefits and who’s paying for it, writes Ruth…

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New energy wave beneficiaries unlikely to be many Tasmanians
New energy wave beneficiaries unlikely to be many Tasmanians

Will Tasmanian consumers end up subsidising new wind farms just so the latter can send their goods to market via the Marinus Link, asks Ruth Forrest THE list of infrastructure…

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Will Tasmania gain from more investment in renewables?
Will Tasmania gain from more investment in renewables?

The crisis in the national electricity market has confirmed one thing: Despite the recently announced power price rises, we in Tasmania are better off than other eastern states. We are…

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A vote for independents is not wasted
A vote for independents is not wasted

Voters need to be well informed, and not succumb to the scare tactics of the major parties, writes Ruth Forrest OUR parliaments, both federal and state, are made up of…

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In a fair society, people come before profits
In a fair society, people come before profits

THE Premier’s recent State of the State address, a rallying cry to Tasmanians seeking to assure us we’re heading in the right direction. The reality is it fails to adequately…

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Hydro, government must be more open with Tasmanians
Hydro, government must be more open with Tasmanians

Energy security, prices and the environmental impact of production all matter to Tasmanians. Much of the wheeling and dealing occurs behind closed doors. The information that enters the public arena…

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State parliament is failing the general public and making the filthy rich even wealthier
State parliament is failing the general public and making the filthy rich even wealthier

AS Dickens may have said, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, it…

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Court accessibility a must
Court accessibility a must

INDEPENDENT Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest believes the old UTAS Cradle Coast building would fit the needs of a new Burnie court complex. Ms Forrest said the current complex needed replacing…

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