Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
Those with power and privilege must be prepared to be held to account
Parliament 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…
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Recognising family violence goes beyond the physical
This 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…
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Paying more than lip-service to gaming aims
The 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…
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Talking Point: Tasmania’s Upper House heading for a pointless stalemate
Tasmanians 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…
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JobKeeper’s direct effect is the big winner – Spending on health, housing, childcare is the way to go, explains RUTH FORREST
If 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…
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Economic recovery must not disadvantage women and young people
Publicly 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…
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Tasmania needs a system of state taxes that is fair
The 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…
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Spending on health ticks all the boxes to fix Tassie’s funding gap
For 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…
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Cooperative federalism the key to economic recovery
It 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…
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Only the truth will provide budget solutions
“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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Pokies reform – let’s stop the harm by removing the addictive features
This year a significant legislative change will be debated to alter the arrangements related to gaming machines or pokies in this state. The government has made its policy clear with…
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Stop this miserable funding cycle, get parties together on health
Spending too little each year, then a paltry catch-up, sets up our health system for failure. There’s a surreal aspect to the current public commentary on the health crisis gripping…
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Newest Posts
- If you want to get to SurplusTown, would you start from here?
- Tasmania’s Pre-Election Budget Warning
- Serious matters that must be discussed during this election
- Election Update No 16: Marinus Decision Time: Tasmania Can’t Afford to Get It Wrong
- Election Update No 15: The pathway to surplus
- Election Update number 14: The Liberal Fiscal Strategy
- Election Update number 13: Revenue: the taboo topic
- Election Update number 12: Labor’s fiscal strategy and beyond