Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
Why do we need Marinus?
Constantly changing the story about why we need Marinus does little to make it sound convincing or credible. In 2016 a single cable was proposed as a back-up after Basslink…
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Who is calling the shots on our energy future?
The proposed Marinus Link is not the only path to our electricity salvation. Just who is controlling the energy narrative? Just who is running the place these days? Many would…
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Many questions surrounding Marinus Link
Guy Barnett will need to explain how the interconnector will help deliver services for the state, writes Ruth Forrest The proposed $4bn Marinus interconnector will foreshadow a second wave of…
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Big conversations need to be civil
Regardless of what may think about the Macquarie Point stadium and a state sponsored AFL side the process involved has been woeful. A big project will bring big benefits. Anyone…
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Effects of extra debt set to hit us like a runaway train
If this past year has been tough, brace for worse years ahead. Expenses in 2026-27 are expected to be less in nominal terms than what the government is promising to…
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A runaway train heading to an abyss
Premier Rockcliff couldn’t have chosen a worse time to propose building the Macquarie Point stadium. The State budget paints a bleak picture. Next year, 2023/24 will see the fourth operating…
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Nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to funding a stadium not wanted by ‘forgotten people’
The AFL stadium has made people realise just how the GST system works, writes Ruth Forrest. If you want to know what people are thinking, try door knocking. Having spent…
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A big honour to fight for the community – A true privilege
WHAT is the role of a member of parliament as opposed to a politician? For some, parliamentarians are mere delegates, proxies who carry out the wishes of those in the…
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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
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
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
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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Newest Posts
- Parliament Misses Opportunity to Strengthen Budget Oversight as Fiscal Crisis Deepens
- Why I decided to accept the position of Treasurer if Tasmania has a Labor Minority government
- If you want to get to SurplusTown, would you start from here?
- ABC Mornings – Wisdom of the Years
- Moody’s Downgrades Tasmania’s Credit Rating to Aa3
- Tasmania’s Housing Crisis: When the Numbers Don’t Add Up
- Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Amendment Bill 2025
- MOTION – Noting Budget Papers 2025-26 and Appropriation Bills (No. 1 and No. 2)
- ABC Hobart Drive – Public Accounts Committee Interim Report