Opinion

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

Who benefits and who pays for Tassie’s major energy projects?
Who benefits and who pays for Tassie’s major energy projects?

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.…

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Blown in the wind; Hydro’s turbine profits
Blown in the wind; Hydro’s turbine profits

MOST 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,…

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House at crossroads after pokies failure
House at crossroads after pokies failure

It’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…

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University no longer elite, exclusive pursuit
University no longer elite, exclusive pursuit

UNIVERSITY 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…

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Taking temperature on state’s open border plan
Taking temperature on state’s open border plan

The 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…

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We cannot waste time to address the family violence pandemic
We cannot waste time to address the family violence pandemic

Family 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…

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It’s critical that we understand how government grants work
It’s critical that we understand how government grants work

Stoking 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…

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Bittersweet loss of leatherwood
Bittersweet loss of leatherwood

We 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…

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May 1 poll takes the axe to Upper House independence
May 1 poll takes the axe to Upper House independence

WHILE 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…

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Opportunistic or just an indecent rush to election
Opportunistic or just an indecent rush to election

My 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…

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Understanding our small communities critical for good outcomes
Understanding our small communities critical for good outcomes

Made 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,…

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Tassie can bank on the finance lessons taught by COVID-19
Tassie can bank on the finance lessons taught by COVID-19

COVID-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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