[Jeff]

Some good news.

After a lengthy process (approx 6 weeks from when goods were detained) involving several letters, forms and telephone calls, I received final approval to retrospectively import a telescope mounted laser pointer (detained by Customs just after the new laws came into effect), and collected it today from Customs Detained Goods at Melbourne airport.

The item imported was a Jasper Always-On laser pointer (<5 mW) plus a dovetail gamble mount. http://www.jasperlaser.com/index.php?/shop/details/1
This allows me to easily illuminate the SCP with my Dob/Argo Navis, then quickly and accurately polar align my EQ mount through its polar scope for astrophotography.

After receiving notification from Customs that my laser pointer has been confiscated, the process steps which I followed for approval in Vic were as follows:

1. Download and complete B709B Weapons Customs Import Application from Victoria Police
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=3924

2. Send completed B709B form to Vic Police (Licensing Services Branch) with a covering letter providing:
- copy of Customs seizure notice, receipt of good docket, and completed B144/B710 forms
- image/specifications of purchased green laser pointer
- explanation of intended usage (eg. permanently mounted to telescope to assist with polar/object alignment)
- photocopies of my ASV membership and drivers licence
- images of my current astronomy equipment

3. Received B709B Importation of Weapons “Police Confirmation” (original plus a copy) from Vic police after about a week.

4. Send “Police Confirmation” original to the Minister for Justice & Customs (5 Constitution Avenue, Canberra, ACT, 2601) with a covering letter providing:
- copy of Customs seizure notice, receipt of good docket, and completed B144/B710 forms
- image/specifications of purchased green laser pointer
- explanation of intended usage (eg. permanently mounted to telescope to assist with polar/object alignment)
- photocopies of my ASV membership and drivers licence
- images of my current astronomy equipment

5. Received “Permission to Import” ministerial letter from the Minister for Justice & Customs after about 3 weeks.

6. Went into Customs at Melbourne Airport (Detained Goods desk at Customs House), provided paperwork (“Police Confirmation” copy and ministerial “Permission to Import”), then received the confiscated goods.

All of the officials which I dealt with at Customs in Melb and Vic Police were very courteous and professional, but exercised due diligence to ascertain that I was in fact a practising amateur astronomer. Although the process was long and tedious, I was heartened to see the efforts being exercised to keep laser pointers out of the hands of nutters and idiots.

I was also impressed to see common sense exercised by the Vic Police who chose not to inflict a $153 registration fees to posses as “controlled weapon” for a laser pointer which is being mounted on a telescope (rather than being carried around as a hand held device anywhere).

So the approval process is working (albeit slowly) for genuine amateur astronomers who can provide details of intended usage, astronomy equipment, and astronomical society membership. Maybe the effort and delays involved might have a positive effect … dissuading casual users and kids from acquiring them as toys.

Cheers,
Jeff