Solar Flares, Senator Fielding and Uni Melbourne Ideas

I was somewhat surprised to hear of Senator Fielding's ideas regarding the solar flare theory of Global Warming. Sometime ago I came across a book with these ideas and bought it for my library. I also tried reading it!!
I find after reading a number of books, articles and websites on Global Warming that many of the ideas are supported or confounded by educated people with an understanding of the detail of the arguments. Listening to Professor David Karoly, University of Melbourne, with rebuttal on the Climate Change Skeptic TV program last year and also the Radio National Science Show yesterday showed how someone who knows his subject can easily rebut ideas which a more general reading and limited understanding of the popular media may seem reasonable. Having a scientist or 2 in the family has also generated much debate on the subject ( not always completely educated either).
So although we are not all scientists or blessed with an encyclopedic knowledge of the arguments, I think it behoves Senator Fielding to ask more questions, get more knowledge and generally think about the arguments before such comments as recently reported. I have known about the ideas and debates for years, and I'm just a "normal" person. It really just shows how he hasn't done his homework.
I was hoping to go to the University of Melbourne Ideas Festival later in June but alas all the sessions I could fit around my work schedule are booked out. As someone in the subutbs it is hard to get into central Melbourne to attend these events and I would love to hear Professor Garnaut, David Karoly and Peter Doherty in the flesh.

Solar Power Rebate ends before June 30

Whilst driving to work yesterday I heard that the $8000 solar power rebate from the Federal Government has closed 3 weeks early. I was somewhat alarmed as I have an application for pre-approval for the rebate in process. I am left wondering at what stage is my application ? Pre-approved, in the queue but still able to be pre-approved, or dead in the water. My provider will have to get back to me on this one.
I presume the ending has to do with moving from one rebate scheme to another (seemingly less generous) even though this new scheme is not yet passed through the parliament. My cynical side says the Government has decided enough money has been spent, as there has been a veritable rush of applications in the last few months.
As a mere suburban dweller I am amazed by the number of people I actually know who have applied for the rebate. So I expect to see solar panels on roofs all over Melbourne in the next 6-12 months. We currently try spotting the solar panels on new and existing homes when driving.
On reading the latest Habitat magazine (Australian Conservation Foundation) it is also interesting to hear that REC's (Renewable Energy Certificates) gained by having solar power is the subject of some debate in the process of Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
For myself I would hope most of the voluntary carbon reduction undertaken by concerned householders is not included with the big polluters but is "counted" separately. I would hate to see all my efforts and expenditure being claimed by someone who doesn't really give a damn,