News on Banning of laser Pionters

[anthony.tony]

To members of Astronomy Societies here is some good news on Laser pointers. reguard's Tony

[iceman (Mike)]

Good news for astro-societies too, because people may join up so they are then exempt!

[madtuna (Steve)]

would be good if they had a buy back like te rediculous firearms one.

A friend got $250.00 for a crappy .22 he bought of me for $70.00..and I ripped him off!

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

well done whoever is behind this..a sensible outcome

and lets all make sure no idiots get into your club!

[Paul Hatchman]

Originally Posted by anthony.tony

To members of Astronomy Societies here is some good news on Laser pointers. reguard's Tony

Hi Tony,

That is excellent news. Can I ask, does this apply to the so-called "high powered" laser pointers?

Cheers,

Paul

[ngcles]

Hi All,

I would call this a very sensible outcome assuming that the summary by John Sarkissian comes into being via law.

I'd also add a big pat-on-the-back to all the amateurs who took the time make their voice heard; to sign a petition, write a letter or lift the phone and make a call to their local member, or meet with the governing powers etc that has obviously had a substantial effect on the outcome.

Well done to all of you.

But ...

What we (the societies) have been given amounts to a degree of "self-regulation". That "freedom" comes with a responsibility that has to be taken seriously. Therefore, the societies should now make a concerted effort to ensure (so far as they can) that their use by members is proper, legitimate and sensible. If we don't and the "problem" persists, look out ...

It is therefore important for _all of us_ within the NSW societies, if you see another member being "a cowboy" -- rebuke them at the first instance, and if necessary report them to the governing body of your society so that disciplinary action can be taken against the member.

Whaddayareckon?

Best,

Les D
Contributing Editor
AS&T

[Ric]

A very sensible outcome indeed, and one that I'm happy with.

Cheers

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

Interesting that they use the term "current financial members of astronomical societies...". So does this imply that if you join a club later, you will still need to pay a permit? Hopefully not. I wish this was the legislation in Victoria as it would save me quite a bit of money . I think the outcome is better than I would have expected...so thank your luck stars (sorry couldn't resist the pun )

Let's hope no-one in a club does anything stupid (I doubt very much if they will).

[h0ughy (David)]

noted and thanks to CWAS for the extra effort. We had sent in letters and online petitions but this effort should be duely noted by CWAS.
The NAS will be looking into photo ID of members with a statement on the back outlining the use of laser pointers for astro exemption. Looking forward to the actual act to read?

[thunderchildobs]

What is the definition of an astronomical society.

Does the society need to be incorprated?

What about a social group of friends who active in astronomy, but not a formal club?

Is there / will there a list of "offical clubs" ?

Can a group of drunken idiots decide to form a astronomy club so that they can use lasers without doing any actual astronomy?

Brendan

[thunderchildobs]

Sholud clubs have laser usage rules?

Lasers should only point at stars.

Lasers should not be used to shine on buildings, trees, ground.

No more laser tag.

Only members who take part in eductional programs should use them?

Brendan

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by thunderchildobs

What is the definition of an astronomical society.

Does the society need to be incorprated?

What about a social group of friends who active in astronomy, but not a formal club?

Is there / will there a list of "offical clubs" ?

Can a group of drunken idiots decide to form a astronomy club so that they can use lasers without doing any actual astronomy?

Given that the NSW gov seems to have applied common sense in the spirit of the legislation, one would seriously doubt that a laser pointer used responsibly and demonstrably for the pursuit of astronomy would see a user up on charges.

On the other hand, being a member of an astronomical society shouldn't see idiots using them irresponsibly immune to charges or confiscation.

I only wish the Victorian gov was as sensible.

[h0ughy (David)]

LOL Brendan you're in Qld mate, so you can still play tag......

[anthony.tony]

The CWAS is an Incorporated Body.It has Public Liability Insurance. New members are Checked out by the Committee and there is a 2 or 3 week wait before join up.Any changes are either voted in or out by the members and Committee.I think if you keep things this way it stops trouble makers from joining.So the new Laser laws should work fine with Groups like this.If you let just anybody start groups that are not properly Chaired and run you will have a lot of trouble with the laser Laws and other Issues too. Tony

[leon]

OK, what about the dedicated people that do not belong to any club/society, but do all their work from their own observatory in their back yard, like me for instance.

Leon

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

Originally Posted by Starkler

...
I only wish the Victorian gov was as sensible.

Ditto.

[anthony.tony]

Her is some earlier Input into the War on Banning Lasers . From our supporters. Tony http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/pro.../LA20080513033

[anthony.tony]

[quote=leon;328417]OK, what about the dedicated people that do not belong to any club/society, but do all their work from their own observatory in their back yard, like me for instance. I know what you mean some people are in remote locations where joining a society is not practical. Others Don't like getting tangled up in committees and groups .So if the laws only cover Societies ,the bloke out on his own won't get any benefit from the Exemptions.Tony Maybe if you join a society and pay your fees it helps boost the membership.Even if you don't attend the meetings much.Remeber the societies are in the public eye having open days for people to see what they do.Like the CWAS they have Astrofests for the General Public to come too. This encourages others to start going to viewing nights etc. and become AM. Astronomers.It's Good public relations for the Hobby. Reguard's Tony

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Hi Guys

I am glad that common sense has prevailed. It would have been a bit of downer if Border Stargaze could not effectively run its sky tours on the public viewing night.

So we are pleased with the outcome.

Members are issued with membership cards - so other societies may need to start considering this option as a means of identification. I also agree that joining a society should not be the only access to using laser pointers - it just finding the common ground that is going to be the challenge.

Cheers Petra d.

[rjc_lakeside]

Good news that the Government has recognised the legitimate uses for laser pointers. However, I wonder if it will be of any practical benefit to astronomers. I believe the exemption/reasonable excuse will only apply to Class 1 and 2 laser pointers i.e. <1mw. It is my understanding that Class 3 and 4 laser pointers will be added to Schedule 1 of the Weapons Prohibition Act, therefore requiring a permit (and special security arrangements etc).
The government will quite reasonably refer to AS2211.1 for guidance on setting the bar. A quick reading of the classifications in this standard (and other background material on Classes of laser) will show there is little hope of the bar being raised in our favour. Perhaps an outside chance at <5mw (Class 3A), but I think we can forget anything like <10mw (Class 3B) or higher. The material considers these quite dangerous and requiring safety training.
I've only had a quick read of the above material and may be wrong. So please do correct me if anybody has heard/read different, or has a better understanding than I. I was just trying to work out if I can still use my <10mw laser pointer without a permit.