If anyone knows first-hand what the devastating effects of climate change are, it’s the Insurance industry. When the flood waters ebb away, or the embers of a fire are extinguished, it is Insurance assessors and claims officers who assist affected communities to rebuild their lives.

Knowing this, I was surprised to learn that there is no place for representatives of the Insurance industry on the climate change roundtables announced by the Federal Government this week.

The Government has established a business roundtable and a community roundtable, yet has not made room on either group for the Insurance industry.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has said the business roundtable will play a critical role in providing advice to the Government on the economic and business issues surrounding climate change.

Surely, some of the business and community issues affected by climate change are insurance premiums, coverage, appropriate and fair policies, the need for ongoing business and community education about the causes and effect of climate change, and thoughts on how to mitigate the worst effects.

The Insurance industry would provide valuable insight on these issues, and the Government should rethink the composition of the business climate change roundtable and invite the industry to participate.