There comes a time when life changing decisions need to be made. Do I continue as I have, drawing attention as best as I am able, to the shortcomings of government policies from both sides of the political fence, or do I, if the chance arose, accept a role where I may have greater input […]
A multibillion-dollar risk to a small state under financial strain has greater benefits for the mainland than Tasmania, writes Ruth Forrest As Tasmanians headed to the polls at the weekend, with many casting early votes, we did so without a clear picture of the single biggest infrastructure decision of our generation. Buried beneath the noise […]
There’s a sliver of hope—just a glimmer—that when the dust settles on this election, the battered survivors might finally face up to the fiscal mess Tasmania is in. But it’s a long shot. Because right now, neither major party seems to grasp the depth of the hole we’re in, let alone how to climb out […]
Read More… from If you want to get to SurplusTown, would you start from here?
Tasmania’s Treasury has just delivered what might be the most passive-aggressive pre-election financial report in State history. The Pre-Election Financial Outlook (PEFO) released in June 2025 is not only a warning – it’s a damning indictment of budgetary smoke and mirrors, political spin, and the kind of financial sleight of hand that would make a […]
Assessing the Fiscal Health and Future Viability of TTline The TTLine annual financials were lodged with ASIC 5 weeks ago without fanfare. Often, and more usually, they are lodged late October after tabling of the full Annual Return in Parliament. I hope this is a practice that is continued and other State Owned Companies (SOCs) […]
Read More… from Critical Appraisal of TTLine 2024/25 Financials
You can listen to my latest interview with Leon Compton on ABC radio here: […]
This is a more detailed and expanded version of the opinion piece published on 17 October titled When Economic Spin Masquerades as Analysis. […]
Read More… from Voodoo economics: The Government’s new approach to project appraisal
This opinion seeks to explain the issues associated with the recent opinion piece published in the Mercury Newspaper by the Tasmanian Co-ordinator General. I will post a more detailed explanation here a little later. This opinion piece was rejected by The Mercury Newspaper. […]
Read More… from Opinion: When Economic Spin Masquerades as Analysis
You can listen to my interview with Leon Compton here: […]
Read More… from ABC Mornings – Co-ordinator General’s stadium comments
This latest update provides detail on the history of Hydro electricity in Tasmania and what this history tells about the future with the inclusion of Marinus. […]
My speech on the Motion to disallow the Independent Tasmanian Industrial Commission’s determination on MP salaries and allowances and my Adjournment speech on the matter can be found here: […]
Legislative Council, Tuesday 23 September 2025 Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT, Mr VINCENT What were the additional borrowings provided to TT Line specifically to fund? Further to that, are there any design features on the new vessel that need additional work, other than the final fit out, to make the vessels […]
Legislative Council, Wednesday 24 September 2025 Ms FORREST question to LEADER for the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVECOUNCIL, Ms RATTRAY Question: 1.1. Please provide a copy of the Treasury’s detailed internal budget timetable. 1.2. Will the Appropriation Bills (1 and 2) be accompanied by a full set of budget papers; 1.3. Will three Budget Paper volumes, […]
Legislative Council, Wednesday 24 September 2025 Ms FORREST question to LEADER for the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVECOUNCIL, Ms RATTRAY QUESTION:With regard to the new ambulance facilities on King island: […]
Legislative Council, Wednesday 24 September 2025 Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT, Mr VINCENT With regard to the government commitment to undertake a feasibility study of expansion or renewal of the Port of Grassy on King Island, can you please: (1) Provide an update on the progress of this study; and (2) […]
Legislative Council, Tuesday 23 September 2025 Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for ENERGY and RENEWABLES, Mr DUIGAN I know that the flat rate electricity tariff charged on King Island is 32.61 cents per kilowatt hour compared with Tasmanian mainland peak electricity tariff 18.75 cents per kilowatt hour and off-peak electricity tariff being 4.03 cents per […]
