What Marinus Means for Tasmania

Prof. Richard Eccleston, Director, Tasmanian Policy Exchange

Richard is recognised as one of Australia's leading policy scholars who has worked with a wide range of government, industry and community partners. He has published on a wide range of topics and led solutions-focused research tackling some of the most significant policy challenges facing Tasmania, including the future of work, housing affordability, tax reform, regional governance, and the transition to a zero-emissions future. Richard has been a Fulbright Senior Scholar based in Washington DC and was the Founding Director of the Institute for Social Change and the TPE at the University of Tasmania.

Richard is deeply engaged in public and community life. He is a member of the Premier's Health and Wellbeing Advisory Council, the Climate Change Minister's expert reference group and the Regional Jobs Hub community of policy and practice.

The Hon. Ruth Forrest MLC  

Ruth Forrest was born and educated in north-western Tasmania and worked as a registered nurse and midwife, childbirth and sex educator from 1982 to 2005. She is a member and former president of the Tasmanian branch of the Australian College of Midwives (ACM), and was awarded an ACM Fellowship in 2001.

She was elected to the Tasmanian Legislative Council as the independent member for Murchison in 2005 and subsequently re-elected in 2011, 2017 and 2023. In 2018, she was elected Deputy President and Chair of Committees, and has served as both a member and chair of several parliamentary committees, including the Joint Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Ruth is the current Tasmanian Branch President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and a former representative of Tasmanian Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians. She is a strong advocate for the arts and a tireless champion for women, diversity and equality. During her time in Parliament, she has established a number of scrutiny committees, including Government Administration Committees and the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Gender and Equality.

She holds a Master’s degree in Midwifery and has completed various executive and parliamentary leadership programs. In 2019, she was named in the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence. She has also served on non-profit boards across the health, arts and family violence sectors, and in 2025 became a member of the International Women’s Forum Australia. In 2025 Ruth was inducted into the Better Politics Foundation - Politicians’ Hall of Fame for Democratic Innovation. 

Philip Reid, Chief Executive Officer, Cradle Coast Authority

Philip was appointed Chief Executive Officer at Cradle Coast Authority in September 2025. Prior to joining CCA, Philip was the Acting General Manager of Norfolk Island Regional Council and has more than 20 years’ experience across environmental affairs, law, project management, and senior leadership roles in government, industry, and corporate sectors, particularly in New South Wales.

He holds qualifications in Environmental Law, Environmental Science and Management, Business and Public Sector Management, Training and Assessment, and Auditing. With extensive expertise in community engagement and stakeholder relations.

Philip was drawn to CCA for its unique role in working with councils and regional stakeholders to strengthen the Cradle Coast region as a place to invest, learn, live, work, and visit. He is committed to making a positive impact on the region and its communities.

Alyssia Kennedy, Director, Upturned Tasmania

When Alyssia Kennedy left school, she quickly realised she lacked many of the practical skills needed for everyday life, including managing a budget or understanding taxes. Like many young people, she had to learn these lessons the hard way.

Determined to change this, Alyssia founded Life After School, an educational program designed to bridge the gap between formal schooling and real-world knowledge. Through interactive workshops delivered in schools and youth settings, she equips young people with essential life skills—from financial literacy to basic car maintenance—supporting a more confident transition into adulthood.

In 2025, Alyssia was recognised as an ABC Trailblazer, highlighting her innovative work with young people in regional Australia and providing the opportunity to present her ideas to policymakers in Canberra.

Ray Mostogl, Secretary & CEO, TMEC (Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing & Energy Council)

Ray has 40 years’ experience in Minerals Processing Industries in Australia and New Zealand – steel and aluminium. Ray has been in a range of roles from maintenance, engineering, production and business improvement. The last 20 years has been in senior roles including General Manager of Bell Bay Aluminium for 7 years. Ray’s involvement with TMEC commenced in 2011 with his appointment as a Director. He was elected as President in 2014. Ray is a past director of TasTAFE, is the Executive Director of Keen Partners, a resource and training company. Ray commenced as TMEC CEO and Company Secretary in June 2019 and is also a board member of the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre based in Adelaide.

The evening will be facilitated by Prof. Sonya Stanford, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Tasmania (Cradle Coast).