Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
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…
Read moreAs 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…
Read moreIn 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…
Read moreDoubts 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…
Read moreRather 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…
Read moreWill 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…
Read moreThe 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…
Read moreVoters 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…
Read moreTHE 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…
Read moreEnergy 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…
Read moreAS 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…
Read moreINDEPENDENT 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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