Opinion
Ruth’s opinion pieces and editorials on political, economic, and social issues facing Tasmania.
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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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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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