A bill being considered by the governing body in New South Wales could see
laser pointers classified as dangerous weapons.
The legislation follows a spate of incidents in which aircraft pilots have
been temporarily blinded by laser pointers used from the ground.
Using a laser pointer 'improperly' would carry a $5,000 fine or two years in
jail, or 14 years for improper use of a high-powered device.
New South Wales State Premier Morris Iemma claimed that the ban would "stop
the potential for mass murder".
"I cannot underestimate the catastrophic consequences if a plane is brought
down by one of these fools, these idiots, these reckless individuals who want to
use these high-powered hand-held lasers and think it's a joke," he said.
Earlier this year six planes had to divert from Sydney airport after a laser
pointer was aimed into the cockpits while on final approach. Last year a rescue
helicopter carrying a critically ill patient was also forced to divert due to "
laser disruption".
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