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Rob Hortle

@rlhortle.bsky.social
325 followers 206 following 144 posts

Deputy Director, Tas Policy Exchange at UTAS. www.policyinmybackyard.org DPhil in International Development. Cricket tragic. Poetry and lyrics. Views my own. #politas #auspol

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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
@kevinbonham.bsky.social if the ongoing pressure on Howlett forces her to resign, who do you reckon wins the countback? Would any of the bottom 3 be able to catch Stephanie Cameron? Thanks! #PoliTas
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
New PIMBY is out! How do we solve some of Tasmania's seemingly intractable problems? Constructive, meaningful dialogue about these challenges needs to be part of the solution: www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/better-conversations-for-tasmania #politas #auspol #dialogue #publicpolicy #Tasmania
policyinmybackyard.org
Speaking of Dialogue: Better Conversations for Tasmania
Good dialogue doesn't happen by chance. Drawing on insights from a Tasmanian Leaders workshop, this article explores some of the principles, mechanisms, and leadership attributes that make good dialog...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
🔥 New PIMBY: Putting out the fire 🔥 Tasmania is feeling the fuel crisis more than most, so how we respond is crucial. We outline 6 policy ideas to: • ease cost pressures now • strengthen fuel security • reduce future risk Check it out #politas #auspol 👇 www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/22-pu...
policyinmybackyard.org
22 - Putting out the Fire
In the second instalment of our two-part PIMBY series, we discuss six policy ideas that can help get us through this difficult time and how we can reduce our future vulnerability to energy crises. | P...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
🔥Fuel on the fire: How the Iran War is affecting Tasmania 🔥 Topical new PIMBY! We break down the impact of rising fuel prices on Tasmanian households and key industries. #Tasmania #EnergyMarkets #EnergySecurity #FuelCrisis #costofliving #FuelPrices #Freight #politas tinyurl.com/v2axbuw3
policyinmybackyard.org
21 - Fuel on the Fire
The Iran War has sparked a global fuel crisis, so we've decided to take a look at what this might mean for our island state. In the first PIMBY of a two-part series, we provide an overview of the impa...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
How is Tasmania's draft 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy looking? Check out the latest PIMBY to get some perspectives from across UTAS: www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/20-prevention-is-the-best-medicine #politas #health #prevention
policyinmybackyard.org
20 - Prevention is the best medicine
Tasmania’s health system is facing rising costs, increasing demand, and persistent inequity. The draft preventive health strategy sets out an ambitious response, the challenge will be how to turn it i...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
#politas wonks and journos - anyone got insight into why DSG head Craig Limkin's potential payout, as reported in the Merc, is so high? I'm led to believe that under the *standard* contract for an agency head he'd only get 75% of 1 years' salary + 9 months super... @surlydave.bsky.social
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Scenarios are a great tool for helping organisations figure out how they can manage an increasingly hostile #climate. Big takeaway is that even with 1.5 degrees of warming, the future is really rough without proactive government leadership on resilience and adaptation #politas tinyurl.com/r9359tsx
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Have you always thought about getting in to politics but weren't sure how to get started? Applications for the Tasmanian Pathways to Politics for Women program are now open! You don't need prior political experience, and it's free: trawalla.smartygrants.com.au #Tasmania #politas #democracy
trawalla.smartygrants.com.au
Home Page - Pathways to Politics for Women
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Decarbonisation will reshape Tassie’s communities, economy, and environment over the coming decades. Whether the transition delivers lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits will depend on how it’s planned, and how meaningfully communities are involved #politas #justtransition #climate
policyinmybackyard.org
18 Planning Tasmania's Just Transition
Tasmania's transition away from fossil fuels will look very different to the rest of Australia. The changes ahead will reshape our communities, industries, and landscapes - but we have choices about h...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Looking for something to do tonight in #Hobart? Join us at Hobart Brewing Co. for a community sea shanty singalong! 7-8.30pm, first ten people to lead a #shanty get a free drink. www.facebook.com/share/g/1AU6Uv4ft1/
facebook.com
Redirecting...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Hey #politas, check out what the Tas Policy Exchange got up to this year! www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/17-le... #auspol #tasmania #policy #publicpolicy
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Here's how we could strengthen Tasmania's #climate act! For more: www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/16-is-our-climate-policy-ambitious-enough #politas #auspol
A list of six priorities for strengthening Tasmania's Climate Act
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
How can Tassie get back its status as a #climate leader? We have thoughts: www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/16-is-our-climate-policy-ambitious-enough #politas #auspol
policyinmybackyard.org
16 Is our climate policy ambitious enough?
Big shifts are happening in climate policy—both nationally and here in Tasmania. From Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment to the fourth review of Tasmania’s Climate Change Act, is Tassi...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
What some fuel for thought? Lots of potential for #cleanfuels in #Tasmania, but also some questions around sustainability... www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/14-fu... #politas #pimby
policyinmybackyard.org
14 Fuel for Thought
As the Tasmanian Government prepares its Clean Fuels Strategy, this article explores how clean fuels could help reduce emissions and create new opportunities for a more sustainable Tasmania. | PIMBY i...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
In other states, fixed parliamentary terms have increased the number of days between elections - but would they have the same effect in #politas' Hare Clark system? www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/13-fi...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
To fix or not to fix: that is the parliamentary terms question... 🚨New from PIMBY! 🚨 We lay out the arguments for and against, and give you the chance to vote #politas www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/13-fi...
policyinmybackyard.org
PIMBY 13: Fixed Parliamentary Terms
Tasmania has just been through another election, and in the aftermath a familiar idea has been popping up: fixed parliamentary terms. We unpack the case for and against fixed terms, how other states d...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Not everyone that attended the rallies was racist. But the rallies were organised by racists. The aspiring #politas candidates who chose to speak at these events should be ashamed. theconversation.com/neo-nazis-an...
theconversation.com
Neo-Nazis and racist rallies: why it’s important the Australian media call them for what they are
When reporting on racist rallies, it’s important the media don’t fall for the shadowy language used by organisers.
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Tassie says no to hate. 11am, Parliament Lawns, 31 August. Bring drums and horns to drown out the racist nonsense. Peace and love over hate and violence #politas
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
🚨New PIMBY alert!🚨 Could deliberative democracy help us build a better #politas future? www.policyinmybackyard.org/pimbys/12-de...
policyinmybackyard.org
12 Deliberative Democracy
When we're divided on important issues – housing, health, budget, stadium, or salmon, for instance – it's easy to feel like there's no way forward. But what if there's a different way to tackle big, c...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
#politas before we lose our minds, key bits in Dr Woodruff's statement: - Use of 'at this stage' - Focus on no confidence 'in Dean Winter as Premier' - Also no confidence in Liberal Gov Signals they are: 1. Expecting a better offer from Winter 2. Considering amending the NoCo
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
A few #politas people have been asking how to subscribe to PIMBY... here you go! www.policyinmybackyard.org/#subscribe-to-PIMBY
policyinmybackyard.org
The Home of PIMBY
The best place to find new, insightful policy information on the things that matter to Tasmanians. | PIMBY is where we take a closer look at the policies that shape life in Tasmania – from healthcare ...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
DID YOU KNOW: new #politas MPs only get a brief parliamentary induction. Compare this to NZ, where new MPs get 3 weeks of comprehensive training! We should be prepping MPs to work effectively and ethically with other MPs, experts, and the public.
policyinmybackyard.org
11 Making a hung parliament work
The most recent election is over and it's time to change our political culture around minority government. Because let's face it: minority government probably isn't going anywhere. Tasmanians keep vot...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
New analysis! We take a look at some ideas for shifting Tasmania's parliamentary culture to support effective, stable, collaborative government #politas @utas.edu.au
policyinmybackyard.org
11 Making a hung parliament work
| PIMBY is where we take a closer look at the policies that shape life in Tasmania – from healthcare to housing, elections to education. Each edition unpacks complex issues with clarity, curiosity, an...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Hey #politas let's not have another election soon ok? It might break us all. My latest piece in the conversation 👇 #TasVotes
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Policy In My Backyard has a new home! For all your #politas analysis needs... #auspol
policyinmybackyard.org
The Home of PIMBY
The best place to find new, insightful policy information on the things that matter to Tasmanians. | PIMBY is where we take a closer look at the policies that shape life in Tasmania – from healthcare ...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
Latest analysis from the Tas Policy Exchange team, in the midst of this crazy week... we propose a couple of the structural reforms our state needs #politas
utas.edu.au
PIMBY #8: Beyond the 2025 State Budget
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
As we hit the dying throes of this government, the Tas Policy Exchange team will have some new analysis out tomorrow... here's a teaser! Maybe this has something to do with our policy problems? Sign up for PIMBY: www.utas.edu.au/community-and-partners/tpe/policy-in-my-backyard #politas #auspol
The diagram shows that some Tasmanian Government departments report to 6 or 7 ministers
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Happy doomsday fish day to all who celebrate. In news totally unrelated to apocalyptic portents, the Premier will address the media at 9.45... #politas #auspol
tinyurl.com
BEAST FROM THE DEEP - Rare 3-metre ‘doomsday fish’ found on remote beach
A massive deep-sea "doomsday" oarfish has washed up on a remote beach in Tasmania.
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Zooming out for a moment: important to remember that Rockliff has been besieged within his own cabinet for a while now. Struggling to get his agenda past the harder right members of the party #Politas #auspol
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Reminder from ABC: The Governor is currently overseas! If a decision has to be made while she's away, next-in-line is the Lieutenant-Governor, the Honourable Christopher Shanahan (Chief Justice), who is "currently administering" Tasmania. #Politas #auspol @polsjournotas01.bsky.social
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Reposted by Rob Hortle
ELLIOTT @polsjournotas01.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
A few MPs left the HoA chamber shortly after Jeremy Rockliff's contribution. They include independents Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland, JLN MP Andrew Jenner and govt members including Nic Street, Rob Fairs & Felix Ellis (they might have other places to be?). The Greens are up now. #politas
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff proposes amendment to the NC motion: insert in clause 1 "compounded by his plan to fund a new stadium in Hobart". Also says they would not support ANY new stadium in Hobart - will not support 2.0 #Politas #auspol
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Livestream attempt here: x.com/shannon_well... Herculean effort Shannon! #politas #auspol
x.com
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Why is the NC motion about fiscal responsibility and the allegedly disastrous budget if Labor will just guarantee supply under a new Premier? New Premier does not mean new budget #auspol #politas
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Key question for Tas Labor IF they are given the chance to try forming gov: what will they offer crossbenchers given pretty close alignment with the current gov on stadium, salmon, DAPs, etc? Crossbench will negotiate hard #politas #auspol
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Do you know someone who could be the next @utas.edu.au Tasmanian Rhodes Scholar? Applications are now open! #politas #tasmania #RhodesScholarship
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Political finance reform can be a great way of restoring trust in #democracy. #Australia is doing better than a lot of countries, but we can't be complacent #auspol #politas www.utas.edu.au/about/news-a...
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Here's an idea - instead of banning political donations from corporations (constitutional issues here), ALL corporate donations should be publicly disclosed. This would ensure voters can see who’s giving money and to whom, without limiting legitimate political participation #politas #auspol
utas.edu.au
PIMBY #7: Political finance reform
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
There are no limits on what candidates can spend campaigning for the Tasmanian lower house! But well-designed caps can: - reduce the time candidates / MPs spend chasing donations - make it easier for new & independent candidates to run - reduce the influence of powerful interests #politas #auspol
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
I'm fascinated by 'assumed intentional informal' voting - where people scribble/draw a picture on their ballot, or just leave it blank. This can be used as a proxy for disillusionment with politics (other explanations are available). AIIV has been steadily increasing in Tas #politas #auspol
This chart shows trends in ballots with a scribble/message, blank ballots and the total share of both for Tasmanian state elections from 1996 to 2024
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
My colleague Lachie and I love talking about political finance! By that, we mean stronger rules around how political parties and election campaigns are funded. These rules are central to transparency, accountability, and integrity. Check out our thoughts on reform in Tasmania 👇 #auspol #politas
utas.edu.au
PIMBY #7: Political finance reform
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
#politas friends in the seats of Pembroke, Montgomery, and Nelson, don't forget to go out and vote today! The Legislative Council plays a vital role in scrutinising legislation and holding the Tas Gov to account #auspol #democracy
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
I have a politics hat, a shanty hat, and a... #scholarships hat! I'm hosting an info session for Tas students on the Rhodes Scholarship on 21/05, 1.30-2.30 at @utas.edu.au - sign-up below. Please share with outstanding young Tasmanians! #politas #tasmania #RhodesScholarship @rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
forms.office.com
Microsoft Forms
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Friends, hunting an #auspol deep cut: there was a classic Clarke and Dawe sketch where someone (Howard or Costello?) had found $400 million 'down the back of the piano' or something like that. Anyone have a link? Ta! #ClarkeandDawe
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
In my non #politas life, I help organise regular sea shanty sessions - first Tuesday of every month, 7-8.30pm at Hobart Brewing Co. And now we're an official Festival of Voices event! #livemusic #shanties #tasmania #hobart
festivalofvoices.com
Sea Shanty Session - Festival of Voices
Join Hobart Sea Shanty Sessions for a free, rollicking good time that is open to all.
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Was #health policy a key driver of Labor's stunning result in Tassie? Labor promised the “[l]argest single investment in Medicare since it started”. See below and check out the latest PIMBY for more analysis! #auspol #politas #ausvotes2025
utas.edu.au
PIMBY #6: GP Access and Availability
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Tassie went even further than the mainland, wiping the Liberals off the map with huge swings to 3 @australianlabor.bsky.social women. Proper post-mortem will take months, but here are some initial thoughts 👇 #auspol #politas #ausvotes2025
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Following on from yesterday's post - let's look at @animaljusticeparty.bsky.social preferences in 2022. In every Tas electorate, they get knocked out in the 1st or 2nd count, which means there's lots of options for where their prefs could go #auspol #politas #ausvotes2025
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
One really interesting thing about 2022 Tas prefs was they took a LONG time to flow to either major party. People didn't give their first pref to a minor party in protest, then dutifully give a major party their second pref. They often deliberately put both majors low #auspol #politas #ausvotes25
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Rob Hortle @rlhortle.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Campaign wrap time for @aunz.theconversation.com! Particularly proud of sneaking two puns into my bit #auspol #politas #AusVotes25
theconversation.com
State of the states: the campaign is almost over, so how has it played out across Australia?
With polling day just around the corner, six experts analyse the political movements across the country, and what it might mean electorally.
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