MEDIA RELEASE

Laser Pointers on Agenda of National Ministerial Council

Friday 4th April 2008

The Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has asked the NSW Government to follow the led of the Victorian Government and ban laser pointers with emissions greater than 1 mW. Rev Nile raised the issue during question in State Parliament.

Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile: I ask the Attorney General,

Is it a fact that the irresponsible use of high-powered portable lasers in the eyes of pilots landing at Sydney airport has endangered the safety of passengers?

Has the Victorian government already prohibited the sale and use of high-powered portable lasers that emit a laser beam with an accessible emission no greater than 1 milliwatts, and only class 1 products are permitted?

Will the Government urgently introduce legislation based on the Victorian model to prevent an aircraft disaster and not delay any action while the Commonwealth debates the issue?

The Hon. John Hatzistergos: I advise the House that the Government is considering various legislative options to make certain types of lasers prohibited weapons that, in certain circumstances, would lead to substantial penalties and even imprisonment. The regulation of these items is a complex issue and needs substantial consideration. Laser pointers are widely accessible and are used for a range of legitimate purposes. Victoria has prohibited lasers with an energy output of more than one milliwatt so that such items require approval from the Commissioner of Police prior to being acquired. I understand that the Northern Territory has classed these lasers as controlled items. The Minister for Police will raise this issue with his interstate colleagues at the forthcoming meeting of the Ministerial Council on Police Emergency Management.