Debate over the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation will commence when Parliament resumes this week, but there are also other matters of interest to Tasmanians that need to be dealt with such as gambling tax rates and political donations. Ruth Forrest · ABC Hobart – Mornings with Leon Compton […]
Paying more than lip-service to gaming aims

The government’s Future Gaming Market policy, which should finally see the light of day this parliamentary session, includes, among others, two aims: to ensure returns from the gaming industry are shared appropriately among the industry, players and the government representing the community; and to continue to minimise harm caused by problem gambling The industry and […]
COVID-19 DISEASE EMERGENCY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) AMENDMENT (QUARANTINE DEBT RECOVERY) BILL 2020

Legislative Council Wednesday 26 August, 2020 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, I watched with great interest when the National Cabinet was putting this suggestion forward. Many in my electorate struggle financially at the best of times. Unemployment is high, it is getting higher under the impact of COVID-19. It frightens the pants off people […]
Motion – Impact of Family Violence

Legislative Council Tuesday 25 August, 2020 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, I move – That the Legislative Council notes – (1) Family violence is evidenced by any of the following types of conduct committed by a person, directly or indirectly against that person’s spouse or partner: (a) economic abuse;(b) emotional abuse;(c) intimidation; […]
Workplace Culture at Heritage Tasmania

Legislative Council Thursday 27 August, 2020 Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT With regard to public reports of a concerning workplace culture at Heritage Tasmania: 1. Is the Minister aware that a staff satisfaction survey was recently conducted by CPSU; […]
COVID-19 – Impact on Gyms

Legislative Council Wednesday 26 August, 2020 Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for SPORT AND RECREATION, Ms HOWLETT COVID-19 has had a significant impact on to a number of businesses in our state. One sector particularly impacted is the gyms, particularly the small privately owned gyms around the state, where the restrictions that have been imposed on […]
COVID-19 – Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeries

Legislative Council Wednesday 26 August, 2020 Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT With regard to the number of ear, nose and throat – ENT – surgeries in Tasmania prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and further reductions made to assist with COVID-19 health planning – (1) Were the number […]
Burnie Court Complex – Relocation – Community Consultation

Legislative Council Wednesday 26 August, 2020 Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT I note the Burnie Court Complex is not fit for purpose and for some time has been inadequate in providing appropriate access to justice and a safe workplace environment for people attending court and those who […]
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Talking Point: Tasmania’s Upper House heading for a pointless stalemate

Tasmanians don’t need a return to schoolyard brawling at such a time in our history. For the first time in Tasmania, the Legislative Council is likely to have a majority of party affiliated members after the elections in Rosevears and Huon divisions. Nothing to worry about according to the Premier, that’s democracy at work. Effective […]
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ABC Mornings with Leon Compton – Independents in the Upper House

Is the Legislative Council losing its ability to properly review legislation, with the growing number of party members in the Upper House? […]
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JobKeeper’s direct effect is the big winner – Spending on health, housing, childcare is the way to go, explains RUTH FORREST

If there’s one policy that’s kept the wolf from the door for millions of Australians, it’s the JobKeeper payment. While imperfect, it was timely and worked because it was a relatively direct payment to those in need. One of the federal government’s first responses to the pandemic in March was a tax deduction for spending […]
MOTION COVID-19 Pandemic – Economic Impact on Tasmania

Legislative Council Thursday 25 June, 2020 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, I move – With regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Tasmania, the Legislative Council acknowledges: – (1) The significant economic impact on the State;(2) The need for a non-partisan, inclusive approach to economic recovery in the State;(3) The opportunity to re-think […]
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