Here is a snippet of the legislation introduced into N.S.W. Parliament yesterday.
It certainly appears that astronomers have been considered.
Subdivision 2 Laser pointers
11FA Custody or use of laser pointer in public place
(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse (proof of which
lies on the person):
(a) have in his or her custody a laser pointer in a public place,
or
(b) use a laser pointer in a public place.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years,
or both.
(2) Without limitation, it is a reasonable excuse for the purposes of
this section for a person:
(a) to have custody of, or use, a laser pointer if the custody or
use is reasonably necessary in all the circumstances for the
lawful pursuit of the person’s occupation, education,
training or hobby, or
(b) to have custody of a laser pointer if the person has custody
during travel to or from or incidental to that occupation,
education, training or hobby.
(3) The regulations may provide that this section does not apply to or
in relation to any specified class or description of laser pointer.