Admitting there’s a problem is the first stage in any recovery. The Premier hasn’t done that yet. He still says our debt is manageable. His State of the State speech told us “Labor left a debt legacy” but now “under the Liberals that debt burden was lifted”. That’s utter nonsense. Labor left a large unfunded […]
You can listen to my latest interview with Leon Compton here: Ruth Forrest · ABC Mornings with Leon Compton […]
Just when you think things can’t get worse, they do. Treasurer Barnett released the 2024-25 Revised Estimates Report setting out the State government current position. The release was accompanied by an assurance that “Tasmania’s net debt is manageable “. There is not a skerrick of evidence to suggest this is true. All three targets covering […]
Read More… from Delusional and deceptive update on State’s financial position
The news that a feasibility study has found the prospect of a second crossing over the Cam River to not be practical is disappointing to say the least, and appears to have missed the point.You can read more of my comments regarding the study in The Advocate at the link below: https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/8888543/leaders-hit-back-at-results-of-cam-river-bridge-crossing-study/?cs=87 […]
Read More… from Disappointing – Second Cam River Bridge crossing study
Few have taken any issue with the prognosis laid out by Saul Eslake in his landmark report into the State’s finances. Even fewer have modified their policy positions to reflect the harsh reality of our predicament. The major parties have tacitly agreed not to discuss the increasing amounts that will be spent servicing debts and […]
Legislative Council, Thursday 28 November 2024 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – While I have been listening to other members, I have cut my speech right back you are pleased to hear. This legislation has sparked significant debate across various sectors in Tasmania. There has been strong opposition voiced by community groups, individual local government, mayors and […]
Read More… from LAND USE PLANNING AND APPROVALS AMENDMENT (DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT PANELS) BILL 2024
Legislative Council, Thursday 28 November 2024 Ms FORREST question to the MINISTER for EDUCATION and MINISTER for WOMEN and the PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE, Ms PALMER (1) With regard to support for and services available to children and young people who are living in relationships where they experience intimate partner violence, and noting the Government’s […]
Read More… from QON – Intimate Partner Violence – Services for Young People
Legislative Council, Wednesday 27 November 2024 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, this bill is one of three planning bills that are being rushed through the parliament in the last part of the year to fix problems that have been identified through a variety of processes. This takes me back to the years when the […]
Read More… from LAND USE PLANNING AND APPROVALS (STONY RISE DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL) BILL 2024
Legislataive Council, Wednesday 27 November 2024 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, I have not written anything formal here to present, so I will be referring to my notes. I find this bill an interesting approach. I do not dismiss at all the need for the opportunity for large developments that are complex or trigger […]
Read More… from LAND USE PLANNING AND APPROVALS AMENDMENT (SUPPORTING DEVELOPMENT) BILL 2024
Stony Rise development saga is emblematic of broader problems, writes Ruth Forrest The saga surrounding the proposed Stony Rise shopping centre development at Devonport is emblematic of broader governance failures in Tasmania. This issue, while centred on a specific project, exposes a troubling pattern of political expediency, the erosion of public trust, and a disregard […]
Legislative Council, Tuesday 26 November 2024 Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCURE, Mr VINCENT As you know, the Bass Highway is a long section of highway and when you head up there to look at the poor condition of the section between Smithton and Marrawah, could you take particular note of the sections that […]
Legislative Council, Tuesday 26 November 2024 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, I thank the member for Elwick for bringing this bill to the House on behalf of the member for Franklin in the other place. I have for many years been an advocate for reform in this important area and fully support this amendment […]
Read More… from FAMILY VIOLENCE AMENDMENT (PROTECTING PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS) BILL 2024
