The Raw Prawn

In 2009, the government was warned of the dangers of white spot disease to the prawn industry which it chose to ignore. As I write there are 4 families and 115 people between Brisbane and the Gold Coast directly affected with combined damages of $25million. It is believed that raw green imported prawns are responsible. For example if used as fishing bait, these infected imported prawns end up contaminating the river waters which in turn has contaminated the farms. This industry is worth over $300m. It is also believed that one importer may face criminal charges with another 3 being investigated.

The question is, who takes responsibility as this event and similar events are beyond the control of the small business owner who ends up losing their livelihood and investment.