Probably not, which should be a bit embarrassing for her, especially since what he said is absolutely correct. It does have nothing to do with “climate change”, at least not in the sense that it is promoted by the uninformed.

Sure, it changes from day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year and century to century, but it is a bit like finger prints, no two are exactly the same. The weather forecasters cannot get tomorrow's prediction correct and at best that's all it will ever be, a prediction. The very idea of predicting weather trends 10, 20, 30, 50 years ahead and their impact is ridiculously fanciful.

There are three conditions that must be present for uncontrollable wild fire to be born. Critically extreme weather conditions, a source of ignition and adequate fuel available to feed it. In regard to fuel, eucalyptus forests and trees provide the most volatile fuel available. The first condition was met as soon as the sun rose on that day. The second condition may never be known for sure. The third condition already stood there long before the fire, waiting to be consumed by a beast that can never be satisfied until all available food has been consumed. 

This is exactly what happened to Tathra. Once the fire began feasting on the dense eucalypts surrounding and interspersed through the town, it was just very lucky no-one lost their lives, because the minute the second condition was met that day, Tathra's fate was sealed.

You cannot live among the gum trees without running a very high risk of dying among the gum trees. The old timers knew this, go have a look at all the 100+ year old timber farm houses up on the hinterland that are still standing. They all have one thing in common, not a gum tree within 200-300 metres. But now unfortunately, local municipalities, heavily influenced by "irrational Greenies", have the power to stop private property owners from removing these fuel laden trees to protect their assets from wild fires.

In the not too distant future, I can see the opportunity arising for massive class action claims. Property owners are advised to keep all records of dealings with councils on these issues, preferably stored off premises.

The Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) are in the news.  Apart from the irritant that they may be renewed to the detriment of our natural native forests and the economy, the abbreviation “RFA’s” when not used adjectivally adds to the pain.  The guilty include The Guardian, The Victorian Association of Forest Industries, Coffs Harbour Advocate, Narangba Timbers, Wikipedia, and The Wilderness Society, to name a few.  The RFA’s what? I ask. The RFAs don’t need renewing, nor do they always need an apostrophe.

What a powerful TV interview Steve Smith gave. That bloke is genuinely remorseful and what a time of the year to make it, one day before Easter? Forgiveness is what this period is about. Jesus laid down his life for the collective sins of humanity. 

I’m not a Christian, but there is many a lesson to be had in the Bible, including “Let he who is without sin throw the first stone”. I truly hope Steve can rise up from the ashes of everyday life and become a true role model our kids deserve and the community demands of all sporting heroes.

Kids, don’t throw his posters away yet; just put them aside, life is all about mistakes admission, forgiveness and restitution. Time for you to make it good Steve.