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NO FIRM POLICY HAS BEEN DECIDED AS YET -- but ...
Hi All,
Please read the following taking into account the following caveat -- NO FIRM POLICY HAS BEEN DECIDED AS YET. It is only relevant to NSW residents.
There was a meeting today (08042008) at the NSW Police Ministry (no, I wasn't there but I have a _very_ reliable source) where the case for laser pointers for amateur astronomers and astronomy educators was put forcefully to the NSW Police Minister.
NO FIRM POLICY HAS BEEN DECIDED AS YET, but the indication from the meeting was that some restrictions are likely to be imposed but no policy has yet been written up. Most likely the same restrictions as apply to knives will be introduced, ie. police will have discretion to determine if someone is in possession for a valid reason. No registration/payment/licensing will be required. But to repeat: NO FIRM POLICY HAS BEEN DECIDED AS YET.
This of course does not prevent the Federal Government (who control importation laws and the legislation that governs aircraft) from imposing something different -- but it is a positive initial outcome for those of us in NSW.
I would encourage you (unless you have already done so) to continue to write to the NSW Police Minister Mr David Campbell and also to Mr Debus (Minister for Home affairs) urging them to carefully consider consider our position on responsibile ownership and use.
Best,
Les D
Contributing Editor
AS&T
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