The state is facing a huge fiscal problem and it seems that neither of the major parties is prepared to address it, writes Ruth Forrest One of the classic strategies from Donald Trump’s playbook is to accuse your opponent of having the same vulnerabilities as you have. It helps neutralise the issue. Treasurer Michael Ferguson […]
Read More… from There is no magic money tree and Liberals and Labor refuse to come clean with voters
If you’re having trouble understanding the electricity policies of parties as they vie for your vote, you’re not alone. Being Chair of three inquiries looking at various aspect of the electricity industry, from the termination of the Basslink agreements to electricity pricing and broader energy related matters including the Marinus deal, all placed on the […]
On the day the House of Assembly was dissolved to precipitate the March 23rd election, over a year ahead of the next election date committed to by the Premier, the Government released a Revised Estimates Report (RER) updating the 2023/24 Budget. That the Premier has chosen to ask the people of Tasmania over a year […]
The assessment of state government debt makes for some uncomfortable reading, writes Ruth Forrest School is out and the ‘kids’ our House of Assembly representatives – have been sent home earlier than expected. The classroom was becoming too unruly. No work was getting done. The end of term report issued on the last day of […]
Read More… from Report card reveals pollies ‘must do better’
You can listen to the panel discussion with fellow MLC’s Hon Tanya Rattray and Dean Harriss on ABC Mornings here: Ruth Forrest · ABC Mornings 20022024 […]
Where there’s smoke there’s fire. All it will take is another wind shift and an early State election will be upon us. Retired warriors have been recruited to rejoin the battle so there’ll be plenty of politics, finger pointing and photoshopped views of opponents’ past achievements or lack thereof. But what of actual policies? […]
The start of a new school year is eagerly anticipated by many, but not all. Children learn in different ways therefore our educational systems must be adaptable and flexible. Access to, and engagement with education has the power to be life-changing and all students need to feel safe, supported and welcome in their learning environment. […]
My first Electorate Update for 2024 is available here […]
You can listen to my latest interview with Leon Compton on ABC Mornings here: Ruth Forrest · ABC Mornings […]
Read More… from ABC Mornings with Leon Compton – Recall of Parliament
Legislative Council, Tuesday 12 December 2023 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, I rise on adjournment because this opportunity presents itself, unusually perhaps, to raise a matter that has been a significant impact on a constituent. On 17 November 2023, I wrote to the Deputy Premier, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, about a small […]
Read More… from Adjournment Speech – Alchemia Distillery – Advice from Minister regarding Roadworks
Legislative Council, Thursday 9 November 2023 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, I thank the minister and the Leader. I appreciate the opportunity to go through this bill in detail. Whilst it seeks to achieve two main purposes, there are complexities within it. As with most amendment bills, you have to go back to the […]
Read More… from WATER MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS (DELEGATION AND INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY) BILL 2023
Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT With regard to the way retail pricing is set by the Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator (OTTER), and noting: • the current energy mix in Tasmania;• the model uses Victorian forward pricing as the reference and variable inputs from Hydro […]
