Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
Opportunistic or just an indecent rush to election
My opinion piece, provided in full can been read here: The signs have been there for some weeks. A government clearing the decks with promised, significant legislation related to key…
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Understanding our small communities critical for good outcomes
Made up of many small communities, our beautiful North-West Coast provides economic benefit to our state well above many of the more populous areas. Every community is unique and special,…
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Tassie can bank on the finance lessons taught by COVID-19
COVID-19 caused enormous suffering and hardship, socially, economically and personally. Some were directly impacted more than others but no one remains untouched. We learned new ways of doing things and…
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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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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