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