Calls for stiffer penalties for laser attacks

Representatives of 12 Government departments, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ASIO, Customs and the Australian Federal Police are meeting in Canberra, to discuss stiffer penalties for laser attacks on aircraft.

The meeting has been called by the Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus, after more than 300 attacks on aircraft landing at Sydney airport in one year.

The head of the Customs Service, Michael Carmody, says a solution is urgently needed, but the issue is a complex one:

"Unfortunately it seems that the know how to upgrade lower grade laser pointers to the more dangerous higher grade pointers is becoming more readily available," he said.

"Of course it also needs to be remembered that these devices can be used for legitimate purposes."