So far the election campaign has seen a few high vizzes making fewer mostly forgettable promises, but as yet no attempt to tackle the big issues. One of the crucial issues going forward is raising more of our own source revenue. Distributions from government businesses is an important component. Income from government businesses suffered a […]
Read More… from Election Update Number 5: Electricity in a changing world
There is a critical need for budget honesty and transparency, writes Ruth Forrest In any democracy, clear, honest budgeting is the foundation of public trust. The Tasmanian government’s 2025-26 Budget, however, risks undermining that trust not because of what’s in the budget, but because of how key decisions are being presented or, more accurately, concealed. […]
Read More… from Obscured spending decisions undermine public trust in the budget figures
As crazy as it may sound the proposed Marinus project has some unfortunate similarities with the stadium project. The AFL decided the AFL Devils needed a roofed stadium at Macquarie Point in order to field a successful team. The Premier agreed and signed on the dotted line without consulting anyone and before any plans were […]
Read More… from Election update Number 4: Marinus Final Investment Decision (FID)
So far the election campaign has offered a few placards, platitudes and hi-vis appearances but little apparent understanding of the issues facing us. Hopefully PEFO will contribute to the discussion. When reading government Budget papers (BPs) it is important to remember that they have not been audited by the Auditor General. Unlike BPs in Victoria […]
Read More… from Election Update Number 3 : The PEFO (Pre Election Financial Outlook) Report
In this update I will revisit some important aspects of the Charter of Budget Responsibility Act 2007 https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/2025-06-14/act-2007-035 . It’s a pretty simple Act. Whilst it contains some fairly broad motherhood statements (what is sound fiscal management for instance) its intent is quite clear: to provide a framework to explain the fiscal challenges and proposed […]
There is a critical need for the general public to have a good understanding of where the State is at financially and what is required by both major parties during an election – even a very early one such as this. I intend to write some short, focussed pieces around these topics and update regularly […]
Read More… from Election Updates -UPDATE Number 1 – Charter of Budget Responsibility Act 2007
Legislative Council, Tuesday 10 June 2025 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr President, today we are asked to consider the 2025 supply bills – measures that, while interim by design, carry significant implications for the fiscal management and transparency of the government. We are informed these bills do not include new initiatives, capital projects or equity […]
My interview on ABC Drive Hobart on 10 June 2025 is available here” Ruth Forrest · Ruth Forrest on ABC Drive Hobart 10 June 2025 […]
You can listen to my interview on ABC Northern Drive on 10 June 2025 here: Ruth Forrest · Ruth Forrest on ABC Drive Nothern Tas 10 June 2025 […]
What we’ve witnessed in the Tasmanian Parliament this week is deeply disappointing — not only in tone and conduct, but in its complete failure to address the very real, urgent challenges our state faces. The no-confidence motion brought forward in Parliament has highlighted a government out of touch with the community and content to drive […]
With recent events and the budget delivered by the Liberal Government unlikely to be fully scrutinised there is a need to be aware of the reality of our fiscal position as a State. Regardless of the forward path we take, with whatever Leader the State has we all need to be informed and seek answers […]
The 2025-26 Tasmanian State Budget, which may never proceed following a successful no-confidence motion in the Premier is a stark reminder of the fiscal crisis we are facing. Despite years of warnings and clear evidence of the need for remedial action, the government has failed to address the growing financial challenges. This budget is not […]
Read More… from Tasmania’s Budget Crisis: A Call for Urgent Action
