ABC TassieCast

Tasmania might be Australia's smallest state but we've got more government owned businesses than the others.

Every day when we flick a switch, jump in our car or hop on a bus we're dealing with one of them. 

They're meant to efficiently deliver us essential services at a reasonable cost at the same time as delivering a return to government coffers. 

But the recent botched roll-out of the new TT Line ferries has revealed they're not all doing it very well. 

After such a monumental failure they're all under the microscope with the government promising the biggest reforms in a generation ... is that code for wholesale privatisation? 

Featuring political reporter Adam Langenberg.

Many Tasmanians love the odd punt, whether it's on the footy or an occasional turn on the one armed bandits ... we were even the first Australian state to have a legal casino.

However for some the consequences can be devastating. 

Tasmanians lost almost 190 million dollars on the pokies alone in the past 12 months.

The state government promised nation leading reform to tackle the growing gambling problem and it was meant to roll out later next year, but some are worried that won't happen. 

Featuring state political reporter Lucy MacDonald. 

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Bad and getting worse, that's the report card on Tasmania's Environment. 

Our wild places are a drawcard for locals and visitors alike,  but at the same time the number of species under threat is increasing.

How do we stop the tide of species decline before they become critically endangered, or even worse, extinct?

It's not as well known as many other species but the plight of the endemic Forty-spotted pardalote is an alarming case study.

Featuring reporter Georgie Burgess.

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Have you taken up knitting, crochet or woodwork? 

It seems like a lot of you have. 

The number of entries in the craft categories at this year's Royal Hobart Show is the highest in more than a decade.

At a time of growing concerns about the impacts of social media is it also helping us to connect?

Or maybe learn a new skill which it turns out might just be good for you? 

Featuring our own crafty reporter, Loretta Lohberger.

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Tasmania has more women in state parliament than men and we're the first Australian state to do so.

A new program encouraging even more women to enter the fray has just wrapped up with 11 graduates across the age and political spectrum getting a taste of what to expect. 

Bagging politicians is practically a national sport, but do female pollies cop it more than men?

It was a pretty rough ride for some of the trailblazers and although things have changed in recent years ... by how much?

Featuring Fiona Blackwood. 

Many Tassie students are struggling, and not just to stay in school to finish year 12.

From primary school and upwards the state is well behind the national average on most metrics. 

The report card makes for bleak reading, so can a new deal signed with the Commonwealth help Tasmanian kids make the grade?

Featuring reporter Fiona Blackwood.

From tee-shirt to puffer weather in a matter of minutes ... Tassie's renowned for having four seasons in one day. 

But according to the experts these variations in climate are becoming more frequent and more extreme.

Recent storms left tens of thousands of Tasmanians without power, so how resilient is our electricity infrastructure to an increasingly volatile climate.

It's less than six months since the state election where voters gave the government a whack at the polls.

Now one minister has lost a portfolio and the Jacqui Lambie Network which was providing the government some stability has imploded. 

Will the Rockliff government manage to last the full four year term?

Featuring ABC Mornings presenter Leon Compton.Get in touch, email us: [email protected]Editor's note: Since this episode was recorded, the Liberal party announced Defence Contractor Mal Hingston as their candidate for Braddon.Correction: Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley was mentioned in this episode as a perennial Liberal candidate, when in fact Mr Blomeley had sought pre-selection to run as a Liberal Senate candidate for the next federal election but was unsuccessful.

The state budget is just around the corner but we already know Tasmania's financial situation is dire. 

A leading economist warns it'll soon be the worst in Australia. 

How did we get here and what can be done to turn it around? 

Featuring State political reporter Adam Langenberg. Get in touch, email us: [email protected]

The proposed AFL stadium for Hobart is a bit like pineapple on pizza. Some love it, some hate it and others can take it or leave it. 

Whatever your position, Tasmania's Planning Commission will soon begin assessing the proposal and the clock is ticking.

Will the Tasmania Devils run onto the field at Macquarie Point in 2029?

Featuring sports reporter Chris Rowbottom. 

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