4 days ago
Independent MLC Ruth Forrest would be treasurer in Tasmanian Labor government
Tasmanian Labor will appoint independent upper house MP Ruth Forrest as treasurer — if the party is able to form minority government when parliament resumes.
Labor has confirmed a no-confidence motion will be moved once parliament resumes on August 19.
Ruth Forrest is the independent member of the Legislative Council for the seat of Murchison.
As the most recent chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Public Accounts, she has led a committee tasked with investigating the bungled delivery of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
"Ms Forrest has a tremendous understanding of the enormity of the task at hand, and the ins-and-outs of the position Tasmania's budget finds itself in," Mr 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."
In June, the state's treasury department found Tasmania was headed for $13 billion of debt by 2028.
Both major parties are working to earn support from the crossbench, after failing to secure a majority at the July snap election.
