Media

Published: 03 June 2020

Small to medium businesses drive the economy in the regions. I would like to recognise many of the long standing businesses of Circular Head who continue to serve their community.

Published: 25 May 2020

Like many Tasmanians I was disappointed to hear that Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected an independent tribunal’s findings recommending that a Victoria Cross be awarded to Ordinary Seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean.

I have written to Prime Minister Morrison asking him to reconsider.

The letter can be viewed here.

Published: 19 May 2020

Some staff of the North-West Regional Hospital (NWRH) remain concerned about the handling of the recent COVID-19 outbreak which saw the hospital close for deep cleaning, and are calling for a Federal led independant commission into why such a larger outbreak occurred.

Published: 18 May 2020

An upper house politician has called on her colleagues to have an honest conversation about the state of Tasmania's tax system.

Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest on Saturday said she does not have all the answers, but it is clear there are inefficiencies and vast inequity in the state's revenue streams.

She said that under the current system there "no link" between growth in the economy and benefits for Tasmanians; a problem which will only be amplified by the economic fallout of the pandemic.

Published: 15 May 2020

An independent upper house member believes now is the time to genuinely consider tax reform and design changes to the state's tax system.

Responding to Treasury's May budget update on Friday, Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest said tax revenue would drop 25 per cent next year as a result of the economic downturn and tax relief measures associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 08 May 2020

The vilification of health professionals on social media has far reaching implications for those working in that field. Ruth Forrest MLC asks that all community leaders stand up for our health care workers and that we all offer our support rather than criticism at this difficult time.

A transcript of this speech is also available here on my website:

https://ruthforrest.com.au/parliament/speeches/legislation

Published: 01 May 2020

ADJOURNMENT⎯ A Motion was made (Mrs Hiscutt) and the Question was proposed, that the Council will at its rising adjourn until 10.00 o’clock am on Friday 8 May 2020.
Ruth Forrest MLC proposed that the Council adjourn until 11.00am Thursday 7 May.

Published: 01 May 2020

Second Reading speech - COVID-19 Disease Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020

The transcript of this speech can be read here:

https://ruthforrest.com.au/parliament/speeches/legislation

Published: 01 May 2020

Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest has spoken out strongly against internet trolls who she has blamed for vilifying health care workers on the North-West Coast.

During a debate in the Legislative Council on Thursday night, Ms Forrest said North-West health workers and community members had felt maligned by people from other areas of the state, some of which had laid blame on them for the outbreak of coronavirus in the region.

Published: 30 April 2020

The Tasmanian Parliament has been recalled. A second Covid19 Bill will be presented today

Published: 28 April 2020

Ruth Forrest MLC comments on the news that Tasmania Police found no evidence of an 'illegal' dinner party on the North West Coast

Published: 21 April 2020

Premeir Peter Gutwein acknowledges the support and hard work of Ruth Forrest MLC in the wake of the Covid outbreak in the North-West

Published: 20 April 2020

Just one positive case of covid-19 has been recorded in a testing blitz at three aged care homes in the North-West and Premier Peter Gutwein has used the virus outbreak to again disrupt Tasmania's usual partisan political rhetoric.

In Sunday morning's briefing, Mr Gutwein confirmed a 79-year-old woman had contracted Covid-19 at the Melaleuca aged care home in East Devonport.
Premier Peter Gutwein said it was a "bittersweet" result as although it was only one positive result from about 500 tests completed at the homes, the virus does affect older people more aggressively.

Published: 18 April 2020

Today's editions of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age highlight the impact of the closure of the North-West Regional Hospital amid the Tasmanian coronavirus outbreak - believed to have started with COVID-19 patients from the Ruby Princess cruise ship — and how it is affecting the community.

Read the article, including my comments here

Published: 18 April 2020

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come under fire after he alleged a North-West health worker who tested positive to COVID-19 was not truthful to health authorities.

Mr Morrison told a Hobart radio station on Friday morning a health care worker in Tasmania was not truthful when providing information on their movements to contact tracers.

Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for North-West Tasmania

Published: 16 April 2020

Let’s keep NW Tasmania on the national radar so that after this pandemic passes we can ensure this region has the social and financial support we deserve to ensure this region is lifted out of the higher than average poverty and disadvantage we have in this region. I will be particularly focused on ensuring this is the case and working hard on behalf of this whole region.

I encourage you all to read the following article and my comments in Croakey, which is a social journalism project that looks at health issues and policy:

https://croakey.org/looking-for-answers-as-a-regional-community-comes-under-the-national-spotlight/

Published: 15 April 2020

Impact of comments made by Australia's Chief Medical Officer on staff of the North West Regional Hospital

Published: 15 April 2020

Midwife and Member for Murchison Ruth Forrest has reached out to the North-West community to reassure them that their fears are normal and that medical care is available.

"I absolutely understand that people are fearful and concerned," she said.

"It's normal to feel scared."

Ms Forrest said it was important for Coasters to be gracious with one another, and monitor their emotional responses.

Published: 15 April 2020

A month ago, Tasmania looked like the gold standard for tackling COVID-19.

They'd closed the border early, and the state had no cases of community transmission.

Since then, something's gone wrong, and there's a coronavirus cluster in the north west.

Published: 10 April 2020

With the outbreak of coronavirus in the North West the next 14 days are crucial because it can take this long for the symptoms to be evident for anyone exposed, Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest said.

"That is why it is so very important we follow all the rules to protect everyone in the community for as long as the rules apply," Ms Forrest said.

"This is why Easter is a really important time to stay at home and only go out for essential reasons.

Published: 02 April 2020

A decision to re-instate two senior midwives recently stood down from Burnie's North West Private Hospital has been welcomed.

However, Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest said it should not have been allowed to happen in the first place.

"I am very pleased to see these midwives re-instated, and we need to be sure such a decision is not made again during this (coronavirus) health crisis," Ms Forrest said.

It comes after the NWPH chose to let the midwives go at a time when more medical staff were desperately needed. There was no reduction in the public birthing services the hospital has a contract to provide.

Published: 01 April 2020

Standing down midwives when the State Government has a recruitment campaign to increase the size of the health workforce to cope with the coronavirus emergency did not make sense, a health union spokesman said.

"For this sort of thing to be happening is extremely alarming," said Health and Community Services Union assistant state secretary Robbie Moore.

The North West Private Hospital is not responding to calls to ask why it let go of two senior midwives in the middle of a health crisis. There has been no reduction in the public birthing services the NWPH provides under a contract with the Tasmanian Health Service. NWPH chief executive Keith Cock was contacted on Monday and Tuesday for comment.

Published: 27 March 2020

Ruth Forrest MLC comments on the adjournment of Parliament

The transcript of this speech can be found at link below:

https://ruthforrest.com.au/parliament/speeches/adjournment

Published: 26 March 2020

Click on the link below to view the transcript of this speech:

https://ruthforrest.com.au/parliament/speeches/legislation

Published: 18 March 2020

A PETITION calling on the health minister to restore more regular medical services to Strahan has been tabled in the upper house.

The petition, signed by 355 people, was tabled by Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest on Tuesday.

"This petition was instigated well before the issues around COVID-19," Ms Forrest said.

The petition said ahead of the peak visitor season Strahan lost the services of a full-time doctor.

Published: 17 March 2020

Published: 27 February 2020

My first newsletter for 2020 is now available. This newsletter will provide regular updates of some of the things I have been doing in the electorate, as well as legislation that will be debated in Parliament during the year.

Please feel free to share this link with your contacts who might be interested, or come into the office to pick up a hard copy if you would prefer to read it that way.

View Murchison Matters here

Published: 13 February 2020

THE government has confirmed an additional investment of $600 million into health over the next four years is on top of an election commitment of $757 in additional expenditure.

Premier Peter Gutwein on Tuesday announced the top-up to the health budget at the release of the Revised Estimates Report.

The Liberals on the 2018 state election campaign announced it would increase health expenditure by $757 million over six years.

Published: 04 February 2020

Issues discussed with Leon this morning include medicinal cannabis, political donations and forestry.

Published: 27 November 2019

Mandatory Sentencing Laws have been sent to the Upper House for Review

Published: 26 November 2019

Award winning events in Murchison - Tulip Festival, Wonders of Wynyard, The Unconformity

Published: 20 November 2019

The Legislative Council passed an amended motion noting the NSW Coroner's report and calling on the Government to consider a number of measures promoting patron safety at festivals

Published: 19 November 2019

Live Well Tasmania (LWT) is a not for profit community organisation based in Wynyard, aiming to improve the health and well-being of our community with a focus on disadvantaged youth, using a whole of Community well-being approach.

Published: 18 November 2019

Is it time for Tasmania to consider a trial of pill testing for the coming festival season

Published: 16 October 2019

Ruth Forrest discusses the challenges of maintaining fiscal sustainability into the future

Published: 15 October 2019

A Climate Strike Rally was organised by Wynyard High School Student Mishca Linden on 20 September, 2019

Published: 14 October 2019

MURCHISON MLC Ruth Forrest has been named as one of the country's most influential women and she plans to use her higher profile to inspire other women.

As a finalist in the 2019 Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards, Ms Forrest was recognised for her recent contributions to debate and reform around marriage equality and gender law and her advocacy in a host of women's issues over decades.

She was nominated for the prestigious award by fellow politician, Speaker Sue Hickey.

Published: 12 October 2019

HER boots and tights tell me she loves purple, but Tasmanian politician and former midwife Ruth Forrest, 57, is no shrinking violet. The Murchison MLC could not have chosen a more fitting colour to wear when we meet to talk about an honour that would make any good feminist proud.

A member of the state’s Legislative Council since 2005, Forrest is the only Tasmanian finalist in the 2019 Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards.

Published: 17 September 2019

Epiroc Tasmania, located in Burnie, is an innovative advance manufacturing operation that builds underground mining equipment

Published: 12 September 2019

BRAVO to Ruth Forrest, well done on your recognition as a woman of influence.

Being recognised by the Australian Financial Review in its 100 Women of Influence is a significant achievement.

Even as a nominee in the public policy sphere you sit among some women with significant national profiles, who are also leaders within their various fields.

This year's group has been described by the AFR as champions of reinvention.

Published: 10 September 2019

The Australian Financial Review has just published its list of the 100 most influential Australian Women for the year. Among them is Ruth Forrest MLC.

Published: 14 August 2019

Ruth Forrest proceeds with the motion seeking support to investigate the issue of pill testing at music festivals

Published: 14 August 2019

A motion calling on the Tasmanian government to explore how a pill testing trial could occur during the upcoming summer festival season has failed to gain the support of the upper house.

Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest introduced the motion which, in an effort to minimise harm related to drug use at Tasmanian festivals and events, asked the government commit to looking into the steps that would need to be taken to conduct a trial in 2019-20 festival season.

Published: 14 August 2019

Although the motion regarding pill testing was defeated in the Legislative Council, it is important to get the facts about what pill testing is and what it isn't on the record.

Published: 13 August 2019

TASMANIA'S peak body for drug and alcohol services is urging MLCs to support a motion on pill testing in the Legislative Council this week.

Independent Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest is due to bring on a motion today calling on the State Government to consider a pill testing trial in Tasmania.

Ms Forrest's motion says pill testing is an evidence based health service that reduces the risk of illicit drug harm at music festivals and events.

Published: 13 August 2019

LABOR will not support a move to have the Tasmanian government consider pill testing.

Independent member for Murchison Ruth Forrest has accused Labor of "rolling over" and "playing politics" for refusing to support her motion which will be debated in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

A Labor spokeswoman said Labor would continue to monitor pill-testing trials interstate.

Published: 13 August 2019

Ruth Forrest is bringing forward a motion to acknowledge the evidence supporting pill testing

Published: 13 August 2019

Ruth Forrest talks about the current legislative agenda, including her motion to debate pill testing

Published: 06 August 2019

Ruth Forrest MLC speaks about the motion seeking support to investigate the issue of pill testing at music festivals

Published: 18 June 2019

Ruth Forrest MLC is speaking from London where she is attending a workshop investigating gender sensitive legislation

Published: 14 June 2019

Ruth Forrest MLC discusses the Tasmanian budget

Published: 23 May 2019

Australian College of Midwives Workshop

Published: 15 May 2019

Ruth Forrest MLC welcomes the election of Independent Meg Webb to the Legislative Council in electorate of Nelson

Published: 29 April 2019

Ruth Forrest MLC speaks about concerns with the Tasmanian Health System

Published: 24 April 2019

Bailey, Sue

TASMANIAN MLC Ruth Forrest says it is a "disgrace" that teenagers with serious mental illnesses do not have appropriate treatment facilities in the state.

Ms Forrest said she was aware of a young person who had been sent to Melbourne for treatment that could not be provided in Tasmania after "languishing" in a secure adult psychiatric unit in Hobart for at least 12 months.

"We have heard ad nauseam from governments, past and present, that we will have an appropriate adolescent acute mental health unit and beds in Tasmania for years," she said.

Published: 09 April 2019

Hon Ruth Forrest MLC speaks about the recent reception to celebrate the return to Queenstown of the necklace owned by Marion Sticht and other historic items

Published: 04 April 2019

Hon Ruth Forrest MLC discusses legislation currently being debated in the Legislative Council

Published: 03 April 2019

Ruth Forrest MLC discusses the current debate surrounding legislation to make the recording of gender on birth certificates optional

Published: 02 April 2019

Ten Days on the Island was recently enjoyed over 3 weekends, with 4 days in the North-West, 3 days in the North, and 3 in the South

Published: 25 March 2019

Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage Amendments) Bill 2018 - Second reading speech by Hon Ruth Forrest MLC

Published: 14 February 2019

Hon Ruth Forrest MLC discusses the future of midwifery services following the news of the closure of the Launceston birthing centre

Published: 07 February 2019

Ruth Forrest MLC talks with Leon Compton about the challenges West Coast residents have faced trying to access assistance following the recent fires, and also the disclosure of political donations

Published: 17 December 2018

A Circular Head GP has been asked to leave the country, putting pressure on the delivery of local medical services

Published: 30 November 2018

Legislative Council 29 November, 2018

Adjournment Speech - Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage Amendments) Bill 2018

Published: 28 November 2018

Briefings are currently being received in relation to the Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage Amendments) Bill 2018

Published: 20 November 2018

Wynyard comes alive for the Annual Wynyard Tulip Fesitval, held in Gutteridge Gardens on the banks of the Inglis River.

Published: 30 October 2018

Local yachting champions, Chris Symonds and Mike Darby recently competed in the 2018 Hansa World Championships.

Published: 04 October 2018

The new low cost surgical termination service will be a fly-in fly-out service

Published: 18 September 2018

Big hART sheds light on incredible stories and brings them into the mainstream. The Acoustic Life of Sheds is one of many Big hART projects.

Published: 10 September 2018

Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest hopes that latest review of hospital emergency departments will result in action to improve them.

The state’s four hospital emergency departments are being examined closely in an ongoing audit.

The Tasmanian Audit Office is reviewing emergency departments (EDs) at the North West Regional, Mersey Community, Launceston General and Royal Hobart hospitals and will report on its findings early next year.

Published: 31 August 2018

Tasmanian Parliament passes law to ban bikies wearing club colours

Published: 28 August 2018

The Unconformity is a contemporary arts festival that explores the paradoxes of Queenstown, a small mining community on Tasmania’s wild and mountainous West Coast.

Published: 21 August 2018

The Junction Arts Festival is a wonderful annual community event and will be held in Launceston on 5th - 9th September

Published: 20 August 2018

Ruth Forrest MLC speaks about a range of topics including the upcoming motorcycle insignia legislation, NBN charges in regional areas, TasPorts and the ongoing Angela Williamson case

Published: 06 August 2018

A new York Street and Flowerdale-Preolenna bus service will start on Monday for students at Boat Harbour Primary School.

The new service is in response to issues with overcrowding on the existing bus service to and from the school and reports of children sitting in aisles for long periods of time on winding rural roads.

Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest this year raised the problem with the government, citing a 2013 audit which found there were 86 children eligible for the service with a vehicle capacity of 96 children – with 17 children standing.

Published: 01 August 2018

ANOTHER Tasmanian MP has called for an inquiry into Cricket Australia’s sacking of a manager over her tweets on abortion.

Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest said there was evidence that the government had been involved in the sacking of Angela Williamson.

“She was trolled on social media and she raised this privately with the government and was sacked,” Ms Forerst said.

“There are suggestions that the government communicated with Cricket Australia and the nature and result of that should be investigated.

Published: 31 July 2018

Ruth Forrest MLC speaks about the recent dismissal of Angela Williamson and the difficulties accessing terminations of pregnancy faced by Tasmanian women

Published: 31 July 2018

Angela Williamson speaks about her dismissal from Cricket Tasmania after expressing her opinion on the lack of access to terminations of pregnancy in the public health system in Tasmania.

Published: 13 July 2018

MLC Ruth Forrest requests a briefing from Police Minister Michael Ferguson, for the Legislative Council regarding upcoming Outlaw Motorcycle legislation

Published: 13 July 2018

A TASMANIAN MLC has lashed the state government for failing to provide a briefing on the controversial bikie colours legislation.

Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest said she had twice sought a briefing on the Police Offences Amendment (Prohibited Insignia) Bill to no avail.

Ms Forrest said the refusal reflected the lack of respect shown by the government to the upper house.

Published: 04 July 2018

MLCs Ruth Forrest and Sarah Lovell discuss termination of pregnancy services in Tasmania

Published: 21 June 2018

All legislation put forward by the Government requires full and proper scrutiny, regardless of pre-election promises

Published: 20 June 2018

Ruth Forrest MLC praises Marist Regional College production of High School Musical

Published: 19 June 2018

Play is important in the learning and development of children across all cultures

Published: 06 June 2018

Hon Ruth Forrest MLC discusses the merits of conduction an inquiry into the marine farming industry

Published: 05 June 2018

A NEW inquiry into the salmon industry has been called for, just three years after a Senate inquiry.

Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest is calling for the inquiry, which she wants to focus on the law and regulations for the industry.

She said the aim was to make sure the industry was sustainable in the long term, so it would keep providing jobs and contributing to the state’s economy.

Published: 22 May 2018

SPECIAL INTEREST MATTERS Tuesday 22 May 2018

I believe that lifelong learning and personal and professional development are important in all professions and workplaces

Published: 29 March 2018

MLCs Hon Ruth Forrest and Hon Ivan Dean discuss the role of the Legislative Council with Leon Compton on ABC Mornings

Published: 21 February 2018

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Published: 29 June 2017

The Advocate, Friday June 5, 2017 - By Leah McBey

The government is considering changing the law so foster parents could claim for workplace injuries.

Published: 28 April 2017

26 Apr 2017 The Advocate - Sarah Lansdown

Candidates contesting the Murchison seat of the Legislative Council Ruth Forrest and Daryl Quilliam will appear at three public forums ahead of the May 6 vote.

Published: 28 April 2017

Published: 28 April 2017

Published: 11 April 2017

10 Apr 2017

Vandals have trashed election signs belonging to both Murchison Legislative Council candidates.

Signs promoting sitting independent Ruth Forrest and independent challenger Daryl Quilliam were destroyed in the Wynyard area at the weekend.

Published: 14 February 2017

Failings in our health service delivery have again been highlighted in mainstream and social media. Communities rightly feel let down by State and Federal levels of Government when timely access to care is not available. We are repeatedly informed that the cost of health rises above the rate of inflation and if unchecked could consume the entire State budget in 20 or 30 years’ time. This may be the reality and should not be the end of the discussion.

Published: 18 November 2016

Legislative Council Thursday 17 November 2016

Gaming Control Amendment (Community Interest) Bill - debate on Clause 1 of the Bill - In Committee

Published: 14 November 2016

The Advocate - Michelle Wisbey - 7 Nov 2016

Anti-Discrimination Bill could go to committee in Upper House. Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest is set to seek support from the Legislative Council to refer the Anti-Discrimination Bill to a committee when it is discussed in the Upper House on Tuesday.

Published: 17 October 2016

ABC News Friday 14 October

Independent MP Ruth Forrest is disappointed Premier Will Hodgman does not want to hear her side of an alleged bullying incident and says he should show better leadership.

Published: 11 October 2016

October 11, 2016 - BLAIR RICHARDS, State Political Reporter, Mercury

THERE are calls for an independent process for dealing with conflict between MPs, with a potential legal stoush overshadowing the return of State Parliament today.

Published: 07 October 2016

Independent MLC for Murchison Ruth Forrest has announced she is pursuing a Code of Conduct complaint against Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding after she said she was "bullied" and "intimidated" by Mr Hidding at a Government function. Ms Forrest also said she is not ruling out going to the Police.

Published: 22 September 2016

Radio interview with ABC's Leon Compton concerning Rene Hidding MP

In favour: Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest will support legislation allowing ride-sharing service Uber to operate in Tasmania.

Published: 18 August 2016

Adam Langenberg
The Advocate 16 Aug 2016

Legislation allowing ride-sharing service Uber to operate in Tasmania will require the support of at least one undecided MLC to pass, with several members concerned about the bill’s impact on the state’s taxi drivers.

Published: 05 August 2016

Imogen Elliott The Advocate 4 Aug 2016

Energy minister Matthew Groom says the government has ruled out further inquiries into cloud seeding operations until it has received recommendations from a Hydro Tasmania review.

Published: 05 August 2016

Baz Ruddick – The Advocate 3 Aug 2016

An investment in play-based learning and a long-term educational strategy that is “not tinkered” with in election cycles would help lift retention rates, says Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest.