Sydney: Carrying hand-held lasers will be outlawed in Australia's most populous state after a spate of attacks on aircraft coming in to land at Sydney airport, officials said today.

New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma said carrying any kind of laser in public without reasonable explanation would be a criminal offence under legislation to be introduced in the state parliament next month.

"We are introducing new laws to stop the potential for mass murder when it comes to these hand-held lasers," Iemma told reporters. "Make no mistake, they are lethal weapons."

High-powered lasers would be classed as prohibited weapons and anyone found in possession of one without a permit could face up to 14 years in jail.

Carrying any class of laser in public without a permit would carry a maximum two-year jail sentence and fine of US $ 4,600.

Iemma said there was "potential for catastrophic consequences if a plane is brought down by these fools, these idiots, these reckless individuals, who want to use these high-powered hand-held lasers and think of it as a joke."

Individuals and groups who could apply for permits for the lasers would include teachers, astronomers, university researchers and some people in the building industry.

The new legislation follows a federal government move earlier this month to restrict the importation of some kinds of laser pointers.

Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus made the announcement following a series of incidents, including one that forced six aircraft to alter their flight paths after their cockpits were targeted in coordinated assaults.
Source : PTI