THE COMMENTARIAT Some of the most predatory companies thrive in times of disaster — Elizabeth Minter (The Age): “Insurance claims management services and payday loan companies (also known as providers of short amount credit) are circling. Anecdotal reports are coming in from financial counsellors about insurance claims management companies encouraging bushfire victims with insurance policies, to sign up to their services. For a fee, these companies undertake the administrative work on an insurance claim. It’s a seductive pitch to traumatised people. Who’s not doing enough on climate change ($) — David Haslingden (The Australian): “Insurance claims management services and payday loan companies (also known as providers of short amount credit) are circling. Anecdotal reports are coming in from financial counsellors about insurance claims management companies encouraging bushfire victims with insurance policies, to sign up to their services. For a fee, these companies undertake the administrative work on an insurance claim. It’s a seductive pitch to traumatised people.” Fires could melt PM’s anti-establishment vote back into the earth — Tom Akhurst (The Age): “There is likely to be a coalescing of views across the community about climate action. Australians reject anything that threatens their security, drives up their bills or risks their jobs. Now climate inaction presents that challenge – they are choking on smoke, homes and property have been destroyed, farmers are unable to grow crops or feed their stock, and fireys have had to risk their employment to protect their communities. Morrison has not yet fully articulated any means to reconcile climate action with the genuine concerns around its economic cost.” | 