Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
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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Political donations reform needed now: MLC and Labor
The government is under pressure to release its final report on a review of the Electoral Act including political donations. A government spokesman said: “As we have previously said, the…
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A new future for healthcare in Tasmania
The Advocate (2 December, 2019) reported on the recent Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) 2019 Tasmania Report, noting it paints ‘a grim picture of the state’s future if…
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Reality check looms large
It’s only a matter of time before reality catches up with the State government. Treasury Secretary Tony Ferrall’s rewrite of his 2016 Fiscal Sustainability Report last month, when the original…
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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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Newest Posts
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- Moody’s Downgrades Tasmania’s Credit Rating to Aa3
- Tasmania’s Housing Crisis: When the Numbers Don’t Add Up
- Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Amendment Bill 2025
- MOTION – Noting Budget Papers 2025-26 and Appropriation Bills (No. 1 and No. 2)
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