Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
Populist politics a distraction from other pressing issues
Being tough on crime and protecting our children and frontline workers from sexual and serious assaults must include measures that achieve effective deterrents, proportionate outcomes and protection of victims. Minimum…
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Tasmania’s Budget: Time to be open about our real financial state, says Ruth Forrest
Wouldn’t it be nice to pick up a report into the sustainability of the Tasmanian Government’s finances and be told at the outset what is meant by “sustainable”? If sustainable…
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Civility and respect key to right to free speech
Tasmanian discrimination law is among the most discussed, debated and scrutinised of any legislation passed in the State. Most recently in 2017 additional religious exemptions were rejected because they risked…
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Just give us the plain truth so we can fix Tasmania’s problems
Too few Tassie MPs understand policy and finance — hence our budget The tide seems to be going out much faster than anyone expected. When that happens, skinny dippers will…
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The North-West Coast is full of potential, but needs more investment to make it happen
If you’re struggling to understand what’s happening in the world, you’re not alone. It’s increasingly difficult to align what the government is saying with what we see in our community.…
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Pill testing – harm minimisation saves lives
There is no safe way to take “party drugs” or any other illicit drugs. Pill testing services in no way condone, support or approve of the use of “party drugs”…
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Tasmania needs a vision and a plan to achieve it
My vision sees a Tasmania that is inclusive, safe, productive and vibrant where all Tasmanians are prosperous across happiness, wellbeing and financial measures. We value, protect and respect our natural…
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Cut crime but let the judges judge
SEXUAL assault, especially when perpetrated against children, and violent crimes against any Tasmanians, particularly those in the front line providing services to us, is abhorrent and completely unacceptable. We must…
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Rolling out the pork barrel – what’s the cost?
MILLIONS of dollars are being promised by all sides of politics leading up to May 18. From small community organisations desperate for funds to large infrastructure projects, there almost seems…
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Beware election gifts we’ll be paying back in a few years
If legendary poet Virgil was writing today, he wouldn’t be warning us to beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Instead he’d be telling us to be wary of politicians showering us…
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Tasmanian health services are on the critical list
CRITICAL CONDITION: Independent Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest says in light of the critical challenges facing Tasmania’s health system “it is time to take a step back, think and plan strategically…
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A deep breath and a second look at pokies
ELECTIONS are a great way of deciding who we want to sit on the Treasury benches but they’re a flawed means of deciding particular policies, especially vexed questions like pokie…
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Newest Posts
- Why I decided to accept the position of Treasurer if Tasmania has a Labor Minority government
- Tassie’s polls a distraction to more pressing issue the huge bills we face on Marinus Link decision
- If you want to get to SurplusTown, would you start from here?
- Tasmania’s Pre-Election Budget Warning
- MARINUS Stage 1 WHOLE-OF-STATE BUSINESS CASE (WoSBC) – Number 6 – Marinus and the History of Hydro in Tasmania
- Tasmanian Industrial Commission into Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances – Disallowance – Speech on Motion and Adjournment
- QWN – TT-Line Additional Borrowings
- QWN – November 6 State Budget
- QWN – King Island Ambulance Hub
- QWN – King Island Electricity Tariff