Sentinal boxes in Melbourne for Varoa imports.

[Mardak]

$260000 coming bee keepers way near Ports of Melbourne. The idea is to alert us to the import of Varoa. A good idea if it alerts us all early enough and there is a management program for us to implement.

[Grieth]

Trouble is they probably won't take any serious steps if it comes in.  We were alerted to the arival of the asian honey bee, then the public servants decided it was too hard to do anything.  Instead the Feds and the States squabled about who should pay what, then decided they could avoid spending the money as there was guarantee of eradication.  I read the Hansard when the department was at the enquiry - they clearly see the Senate enquiry as a game where you just avoid aswering any questions - makes you ashamed to be an Australian.

I would like to see the plans of action if it is found, and find out if funding is in place to implement those plans as soon as the altert is sounded.  Bet no one is comming into that bit.