I guess we were so busy watching what the State Government was doing we didn't think to look at the Fed's
.
I certainly didn't. And I don't think they even announced that they were looking at it - they just did it (Was that an election policy? Or is this an example of Rudd style consultation?) At least they specified a power. I guess in the end it is the same end result - either dispose of my 10mw laser or a get a permit (or two
).
Richard
Quote:
Originally Posted by xraydelta1
This just posted on The Herald Sun website:
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May 30, 2008 11:03am
THE Federal Government has banned the importation of high-intensity laser pointers, which have been used in attacks on passenger airliners landing at airports.
The new regulation will make it a criminal offence to import a laser pointer stronger than one milliwatt, Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus said.
Mr Debus said to make the ban truly effective he is calling on the states and territories to urgently establish uniform national laws to support the Commonwealth's controls.
"I have written to police ministers calling on them to put in place legislation which imposes fines and jail terms for possessing pointers above one megawatt without an appropriate exemption," Mr Debus said.
The ban follows a series of incidents where lasers with the potential to blind pilots have been pointed into the cockpits of passenger liners landing at Sydney airport. In one coordinated attack, four lasers were simultaneously pointed at an aircraft, making it difficult for the pilot to land.
Legitimate users of lasers such as surveyors, astronomers and those in the construction and mining industries can apply for an exemption to the ban, Mr Debus said.
To deal with the numerous high-intensity lasers in the community, he said the Government will work closely with relevant agencies to develop an education campaign.
The ban will become effective on July 1. State and territory police ministers will discuss the issue on June 13.
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I've highlighted the relevant bit... I just wish I knew what 'applying for an exemption' meant in this context. Getting a licence, or perhaps as in the NSW announcement, just providing proof of membership to an astro society?
Will Federal rules override state ones?
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