There is a need to take a genuine look at the big picture for our future when it comes to state and federal budgets. Preparing the groundwork for what is likely to be an austere 2024-25 Tasmanian budget in four months’ time, Treasurer Michael Ferguson reportedly accused federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers of leaving Tasmania off […]
THE scourge of family violence and violence against women is at the forefront of news coverage. The horrific statistics and lived reality for many women and their families in our community is not news. The rates of violence against women and children is a national disgrace and requires a national response. Our national leaders have […]
Instead of appeasing its new partners, the government would be better served by a budget office, Let’s hope Premier Jeremy Rockliff has more success in achieving a workable parliament than all the king’s horses and men had trying to put Humpty Dumpty back together. The major problem with the Liberals’ 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s […]
Members of the community may wish to understand the nature of the agreement signed between the three newly elected members of the Jacquie Lambie Network (JLN) and the Premier. For those of you who are interested in reading the agreement it can be viewed here: Confidence and Stability Agreement I have some serious concerns regarding a number of […]
You can listen to my latest interview with Leon Compton here: Ruth Forrest · ABC Mornings […]
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. […]
