Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
One thing I learned from our recent Legislative Council hearings into Hydro Tasmania and Tas Networks was the cavernous disconnect between what may be possible and what may be profitable.…
Read moreMOST of us want to leave this world in a better state than it is. All the talk of renewable energy, hydrogen and the proposed Marinus Link suggest there’s hope,…
Read moreIt’s a terrible cliché but Tasmania is really at the crossroads. The last few months of life in the corridors of powers has been a deeply unsettling experience. The carefully…
Read moreUNIVERSITY can be a daunting place. Historically universities were large formidable buildings full of academics and students with no doubt about their pathway in life through the gaining of a…
Read moreThe 2021-22 health budget includes many initiatives seeking to address the long-standing pressures and failures in our acute health services. These pressures existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic which has…
Read moreFamily violence is a shadow pandemic plaguing society and we must take urgent action the issue, WE HAVE much to do to address the very real challenge of gender-based violence…
Read moreStoking the fires of parochialism is easy. Anthony Haneveer’s commentary on May 29 (“We love you Hobart, but get over yourselves”) could be seen to perpetuate parochialism. In response to…
Read moreWe can make honey forever from leatherwood forest, but we’re losing it fast NORTH-WEST and Western Tasmania contain many unique tree species. Huon, King Billy and Celery top pines are…
Read moreWHILE an early election was not unexpected, few expected such an indecent and a disingenuous rush to the ballot box. The signs had been there for weeks, a government clearing…
Read moreMy opinion piece, provided in full can been read here: The signs have been there for some weeks. A government clearing the decks with promised, significant legislation related to key…
Read moreMade up of many small communities, our beautiful North-West Coast provides economic benefit to our state well above many of the more populous areas. Every community is unique and special,…
Read moreCOVID-19 caused enormous suffering and hardship, socially, economically and personally. Some were directly impacted more than others but no one remains untouched. We learned new ways of doing things and…
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