Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
Report card reveals pollies ‘must do better’
The assessment of state government debt makes for some uncomfortable reading, writes Ruth Forrest School is out and the ‘kids’ our House of Assembly representatives – have been sent home…
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The elephant in the room
Where there’s smoke there’s fire. All it will take is another wind shift and an early State election will be upon us. Retired warriors have been recruited to rejoin the…
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The Value of Education
The start of a new school year is eagerly anticipated by many, but not all. Children learn in different ways therefore our educational systems must be adaptable and flexible. Access…
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Tasmanians need facts, not distractions
ALL state governments are facing sustainability problems. Tasmania is no exception. The instability of the government increases the unwillingness to face reality. Rather than have honest discussions about our plight…
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There are plenty more questions that need answers before true worth of Marinus can be determined
Tasmanians have a right to know all the facts on energy project, writes Ruth Forrest. As usual, when it comes to the Marinus Link project there are more questions than answers.…
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Why do we need Marinus?
Constantly changing the story about why we need Marinus does little to make it sound convincing or credible. In 2016 a single cable was proposed as a back-up after Basslink…
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Who is calling the shots on our energy future?
The proposed Marinus Link is not the only path to our electricity salvation. Just who is controlling the energy narrative? Just who is running the place these days? Many would…
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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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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?
- ABC Mornings – 3 March 2026
- Hydro’s challenges are part of a system-wide pattern affecting every other major public entity in the state
- Why our Budget needs to confront reality, not continue to pretend we’re living in fantasy land
- Six Months In, Hydro’s “Subdued Year” Looks More Like a Storm Warning
- Hydro’s profit (and ours) will be under water
- ABC Drive – 10 February 2026