Just FYI - here;s Macarthur Astronomical Society's (MAS) official laser usage policy as posted on our website:
http://www.macastro.org.au/home/inde...=67&Itemid=115
Quote:
M.A.S. Laser Use Policy
There is absolutely no excuse or defence for the act of deliberately aiming a laser pointer, of any power, at any aircraft, vehicle or person and the Macarthur Astronomical Society condemns such actions without reservation.
We earnestly commit ourselves, as a Society and as individuals, to the practice that while conducting private astronomical observations and public displays we will never, ever, under any circumstances, aim our laser pointers at or anywhere near the vicinity of any passing aircraft.
The Society will maintain a voluntary register of members possessing laser pointers for astronomical use, which may assist in the event of a dispute with police. We also encourage members to keep their laser pointers securely locked up when not in use.
New laws now in place in NSW require us to comply with the following:
NSW Summary Offences Act
Laser pointers are classed as "dangerous implements" and a person must not, without reasonable excuse, use or have custody of a laser pointer in a public place.
Laser pointers are defined as a "hand-held battery-operated device, designed or adapted to emit a laser beam, that may be used for the purposes of aiming, targeting or pointing". There is no distinction in this Act regarding colour/frequency nor is there any minimum output power.
It is a “reasonable excuse” for a person to use or have custody of a laser pointer for the lawful pursuit of the person’s occupation, education, training or hobby.
NSW Weapons Prohibition Regulations
Individuals who wish to obtain or continue to possess battery operated hand-held laser pointers of 1 mw or above will be required to apply for a Prohibited Weapons Permit and will be “subject to criminal and probity checks”. The permit fee will be $75.00.
However, the Police will issue free permits to registered Astronomical Societies, including Macarthur Astronomical Society. A member of the Society will not be required to obtain a permit but may be asked to prove membership of the Society.
If you possess a laser pointer but your membership of an astronomical society then lapses, you may be in breach of the law and you are advised to obtain a permit or surrender the device.
Federal Regulation
The Federal Government has banned the importation of laser pointers into Australia. Anyone seeking to import a laser pointer stronger than 1mW must possess an appropriate exemption, which will work in the same way as for other restricted goods. The import ban allows legitimate users (including astronomers) to apply for an exemption from the ban.
Importers will need to obtain police authorisation and an import permit, so if you buy one locally or over the internet you will need the relevant authorisation from Australian Customs.
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