THE State Government has introduced legislation to ban the unlawful possession of laser pointers.
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Police Minister Jim Cox today tabled amendments to the Police Offenders Act in the State's Lower House to make it an offence to possess or use a laser pointer in public places.
"This action is consistent with most other States and Territories who now have legislation to regulate the use of laser pointers."
Mr Cox said the tough stand followed a number of incidents interstate where high-powered laser pointers had been used to target aircraft and their pilots.
"Permanent eye damage can also result from a laser pointer being shone in someones face."
Mr Cox said the amendment to the Police Offenders Act would make it an offence to intentionally direct a laser beam at any person, animal, vehicle or aircraft.
Police would have the authority to detain and search suspected offenders and make arrests without warrant.
"This is an important issue of public safety and shows the reckless use of laser pointers will not be tolerated," Mr Cox said.
Mr Cox said the proposed offences related to all laser pointers but did not include their use by surveyors, astronomers, medical professionals and those in the construction and mining industries.