State Policies and Projects (Macquarie Point Precinct) Order 2025

Legislative Council, Wednesday 3 December 2025 The video recording of this speech can be viewed on the Parliamentary website at the link below (click on the Broadcast tab, and start at the 1:02 mark) If you are viewing this on a mobile device, you will need to click on the three dots on the right […]

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Parliament Misses Opportunity to Strengthen Budget Oversight as Fiscal Crisis Deepens

Media Release – 4 November 2025 Member for Murchison, Hon Ruth Forrest MLC expressed her disappointment by rejection of accountability reforms despite widespread concern over State’s finances A Bill to establish enhanced parliamentary oversight of Tasmania’s deteriorating budget position has failed to secure support, despite members publicly expressing deep concern about the State’s unprecedented debt […]

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Why I decided to accept the position of Treasurer if Tasmania has a Labor Minority government

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 […]

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If you want to get to SurplusTown, would you start from here?

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 […]

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ADJOURNMENT

Legislative Council, Thursday 25 June 2026 This evening I made a further contribution on the matter of the leaking of a confidential committee email to a media outlet. You can read my contribution on the Hansard of the day’s proceedings at the link below: https://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/legislative-council/chamber-proceedings/calendars/2026/june/legislative-council-25-june-2026 […]

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QWN – Firmus – Energy Generation – Contract Terms

Legislative Council, Thursday 26 June 2026 Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for ENERGY and RENEWABLES, Mr DUIGAN Minister, we know that Firmus has signed a three-year contract with Aurora Energy, their energy supply. You’ve clearly stated that there’s an expectation that new load brings new generation. I know it’s not a long-term contract, but once […]

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McKinnon Prize, State and Territory Political Leader – Judge’s Commendation

I am truly honoured to have been nominated and a finalist in the McKinnon State/Territory Policial Leadership award for 2026 and to receive a judges commendation. I acknowledge the category winner Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of NWS for his leadership following the horrific events in Bondi late last year. All finalists in this category […]

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An Update: The Protection and Integrity of Parliamentary Correspondence

I wrote to the Premier on 3 June 2026 seeking clear and direct answers regarding the leaking of an email sent on my behalf as Chair of Estimates Committee A, and to ask how his handling of the matter aligns with his stated commitment to leadership, accountability and a respectful workplace culture. In particular, I […]

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Extract from ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A – Hon. Kerry Vincent MLC

Infrastructure and Transport Services LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Thursday 4 June 2026 CHAIR – Minister, I could have perhaps asked this in 2.1, but I thought I’d save it for capital investment. You’ll know what’s coming: the Cam River Bridge. I’m talking about traffic congestion. The old Cooee crawl doesn’t get any better. We had some recent […]

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Tasmanian Budget is built on a ‘miraculous’ Hydro Tasmania profit surge

The Truth behind Tasmania’s Budget. For years Treasury has warned that Tasmania is heading toward a fiscal abyss and that only a balanced mix of restraint, revenue measures and structural reform could avert it. The Government ignored that advice, choosing instead a three‑year dash to peak debt built solely on spending cuts, uncosted operational efficiencies, […]

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (TARGETED REFORM) BILL 2026

Legislative Council, Wednesday 27 May 2026 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Thanks, Mr President. So people don’t get too stressed, I’ve got to speak for a little bit, then adjourn the debate, as requested by the Leader. I know members have lots on as well. I rise to speak on some much‑needed reform to the Local Government Act […]

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ADJOURNMENT

Legislative Council, Wednesday 27 May 2026 Ms FORREST (Murchison) – Mr. President, I rise on adjournment after having listened to the contribution of the member for Rumney which is quite disturbing and raises concerns about code of conduct matters. Sadly, mine goes to that point as well. I rise to ask a very simple question: […]

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