DO we still need the Legislative Council?

What is the role of the Tasmanian Legislative Council?  It is timely to consider this important question in light of recent public comment suggesting the Legislative Council lacks relevance and is obstructionist. The role, as noted in its 2016-17 Annual Report, is threefold:  “(i) to authorise the raising of revenue and the expenditure of state […]

Read More… from DO we still need the Legislative Council?

The glaring need for a State Optometrist

The only promise missing from this election campaign is the one we most desperately need. A State Optometrist. Someone to check the vision of those responsible for the daily deluge of pledges from all parties with little connection to any clearly articulated vision or long term plan.    The majority Government of the last four […]

Read More… from The glaring need for a State Optometrist

Sustainable Timber Tasmania – Sale of Plantation Timber

Legislative Council Wednesday 16 August 2017 Ms  FORREST question  to ACTING LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT Mr Deputy President, I have a question to the Acting Leader for the Treasurer as shareholder minister for Sustainable Timber Tasmania, formerly Forestry Tasmania.  Regarding the impending sale of 29 000 hectares of plantations […]

Read More… from Sustainable Timber Tasmania – Sale of Plantation Timber

Bass Highway – Wynyard Bypass Upgrade

Legislative Council Wednesday 23 August 2017 Ms  FORREST question  to ACTING LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT Regarding the upgrade of the Bass Highway bypass at Wynyard, what provisions have been made resulting from the installation of the York Street, Bass Highway junction roundabout to enable safe access to York Street […]

Read More… from Bass Highway – Wynyard Bypass Upgrade

LIMITATION AMENDMENT BILL 2017 (No. 57)

Legislative Council Wednesday 29 November 2017 Ms  FORREST (Murchison ) – Mr President, I support the legislation.  This is an important step and needed.  Great harm has been caused to people over the years, particularly in terms of institutionalised sexual abuse of children, as the royal commission found.  It must have been harrowing for those […]

Read More… from LIMITATION AMENDMENT BILL 2017 (No. 57)

ADJOURNMENT – National Stroke Audit – Northern Tasmania

Legislative Council Tuesday 28 November 2017 Ms  FORREST (Murchison ) – Mr President, I wish to make a fairly brief contribution on adjournment.  In recent days a national stroke audit has been released which clearly shows disturbing truth about lack of adequate and appropriate care for victims of stroke, particularly in the north-west and north […]

Read More… from ADJOURNMENT – National Stroke Audit – Northern Tasmania

SENTENCING AMENDMENT (ASSAULTS ON OFF-DUTY  POLICE) BILL 2017 (No. 53)

Legislative Council Wednesday 29 November 2017 Ms  FORREST (Murchison ) – Mr Deputy President, the continued push by this Government to impose mandatory sentencing is not backed by evidence.  It is an action that seeks to appeal to the fears and emotions of the general public.  This is expert evidence that I am talking about.  […]

Read More… from SENTENCING AMENDMENT (ASSAULTS ON OFF-DUTY  POLICE) BILL 2017 (No. 53)