Ruth Forrest to be Treasurer in Labor Government

Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest will be Treasurer if Labor takes government in a no-confidence vote against the Liberals next Tuesday.

"Highly respected Independent Member for Murchison Ruth Forrest will become Treasurer in a Dean Winter Labor Government", Labor Leader Dean Winter said.

"Ms Forrest has championed the need for budget repair for many years now, and I am pleased she has accepted my invitation to take up the role should the House of Assembly crossbench decide to support a Labor Government on 19 August.

"Fixing the budget mess is the greatest challenge ahead for the next Parliament. It is clear that to make a difference, the next government needs to approach things differently.

"The task of fixing the budget transcends party politics. Tough decisions will be need to be made through consensus building and collaboration. We will do this by taking an holistic approach to avoid shocks to the people or businesses, large and small, in Tasmania seeking input from across all areas."

Ms Forrest said that she had accepted Mr Winter's offer on the proviso she remain an independent member of Parliament.

"Fixing Tasmania’s fiscal mess should be the first order of business for this Parliament. It has been a core area of my focus for a number of years now and I welcome the opportunity to play an active role in turning the ship around.

"Should the opportunity to become Treasurer become a reality, I will maintain my independence as a Member of Parliament and of course, maintain the important rules related to Cabinet solidarity, Cabinet confidence and Collective Decision-making.

"It is no secret that collaboration between all members of the 52nd Tasmanian Parliament is the secret to making sure it can last the distance, and I am ready to play my part."