Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
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,…
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…
Read moreParliament is a workplace. There are members, parliamentary staff, ministers and their staff and public servants of varying ages gender and seniority. Workplaces have a culture, the way they do…
Read moreThis year has been a challenging one in so many ways. Pressure on our relationships from family, to friends and colleagues, has been profound. For some, it has also heightened…
Read moreThe government’s Future Gaming Market policy, which should finally see the light of day this parliamentary session, includes, among others, two aims: to ensure returns from the gaming industry are…
Read moreTasmanians don’t need a return to schoolyard brawling at such a time in our history. For the first time in Tasmania, the Legislative Council is likely to have a majority…
Read moreIf there’s one policy that’s kept the wolf from the door for millions of Australians, it’s the JobKeeper payment. While imperfect, it was timely and worked because it was a…
Read morePublicly funded education is fundamental to the promotion of a civil and just society. Why is access to early education and care not considered in the same vein? Public policy…
Read moreThe task ahead, the economic “fight of our lives”, requires understanding of current challenges before designing a recovery plan for the post pandemic world. All states will be facing similar…
Read moreFor every dollar received this year, Tasmania will spend $1.29. Spending on health will help, says Ruth Forrest NEVER waste a crisis. It’s a hackneyed phrase for sure, but it…
Read moreIt was pleasing to hear the Prime Minister announce a continuation of the National Cabinet following its success as a decision-making forum during the pandemic. A continuation of cooperative federalism…
Read more“We’ve kept the budget in surplus – forecasting for the fifth year in a row – and that means more money to invest in essential services that Tasmanians need.” Those…
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