Alternatively, the insurer might pay the claim minus salvage-value,  and let the owner keep the damaged car. 

Such a car would not be eligible in future for comprehensive insurance, but could be covered by TPO insurance for damage to other cars or property, and perhaps fire and theft as well. If it is a $15,000 car, the owner might get $12,000, plus their slightly dented car to drive for many years ahead.

At our recent meeting, our branch unanimously resolved to support club workers against the move by Clubs Australia Industrial to merge the Clubs Award with the Hospitality Award, with the intended effect that penalty rates for the club sector will reflect the lower penalty rates in the Hospitality Award.

As a branch of the Australian Labor Party, it is natural that we would support club workers in a case like this one. Penalty rates originated as compensation for those workers who were required to work during normal times of recreation – weekends/non-work times. 

For example, it is normal for people to be involved in their weekend sport or as spectators at their children’s sport. Penalty rates are compensation for not being able to do such as that. At a time of over-casualisation, under employment and unemployment – all being driven by conservative ideology – it is important for workers to seek to maintain those aspects of their employment that are still seen as fair. We believe penalty rates are fair. We are hopeful that all clubs in the South Coast region will support their employees in lobbying for the maintaining of the separate Clubs Award and fair penalty rates. This matter has been before the Fair Work Commission, with the last day of hearings being November 1. The Commission is now considering its decision which is expected early next year.

The review is a public process and submissions can still be made supporting the retention of the existing penalty rates in the Clubs Award. Any submissions should be sent to – The Associate, Vice-president Hatcher, Fair Work Commission, email: Chambers.Hatcher.VP@fwc.gov.au

Olwen Morris's letter highlights the unfortunate media hype regarding global warming and the end of the world as we know it. Climate has always changed over time. Just ask your grandparents. 

However the insistence that unless we (responsible humans) in Australia reduce our emissions of CO2 then humanity is doomed is completely dishonest. Like David Attenborough in his recent speech in Poland the climate argument is big on emotion, hyperbole and very thin on real facts. 

The facts are that global CO2 is only 0.1% of the earth's atmosphere and that Australia's contribution is only 1.3% of that small percentage! Australia's chief scientist, Dr Alan Finckel said that even if Australia ceased all land and air transport, stopped all coal burning power stations and killed all farting cattle and sheep it would make negligible difference to the world temperature. 

The lies that are promulgated to produce fear in our children that their world will become a barren desert with no future is astounding. If governments continue to listen to these political mantras then our children's world will be one of fewer jobs, expensive power and brown outs when the sun doesn't shine. To go from a country that had one of the cheapest sources of energy to one of the most expensive in only a couple of generations is testament to the lack of vision and will of governments to concentrate on energy facts.  Cam Stewart, Bega