Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
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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Will Tasmania gain from more investment in renewables?
The crisis in the national electricity market has confirmed one thing: Despite the recently announced power price rises, we in Tasmania are better off than other eastern states. We are…
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A vote for independents is not wasted
Voters need to be well informed, and not succumb to the scare tactics of the major parties, writes Ruth Forrest OUR parliaments, both federal and state, are made up of…
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In a fair society, people come before profits
THE Premier’s recent State of the State address, a rallying cry to Tasmanians seeking to assure us we’re heading in the right direction. The reality is it fails to adequately…
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Newest Posts
- State Policies and Projects (Macquarie Point Precinct) Order 2025
- 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?
- Chapter 2 – Electricity and the NEM – The Basics Tasmania Was Never Told
- Hydro Tasmania: What the Numbers Show – A multi‑chapter analysis of operating performance, liquidity, structural risks, and public myths.
- IF THE PREMIER BELIEVES MARINUS WILL DELIVER $470M A YEAR, HE SHOULD PUBLISH MODELLING AND SHOW THE FLOWS
- Hydro Tasmania: From Opportunistic Trader to Defensive Survivor
- ADJOURNMENT SPEECH – Christmas Greetings
- SENTENCING AMENDMENT (AGGRAVATING FACTORS) BILL 2025