Media Release: Discriminatory Education Activities Policy

For the past five years, Jonathon Simonetis of Laser Tag Tasmania has advocated for Tasmanian public-school students to be able to participate in Laser Tag visits with permission from their parents. Laser tag is a non-contact activity which encourages teamwork, resilience, and communication skills while motivating physical activity. Even though laser tag is exempt from Tasmanian firearms legislation and provides major educational and social advantages, the Department of Education, Children, and Young People has maintained a policy that essentially prohibits laser tag while misleading the community into believing it is permitted.

In 2019, the Department of Education, with the support of the education minister at the time, now-premier Jeremy Rockliff, banned laser tag, claiming "community expectations" and "sensitivities around aggression and violence." However, the premier made media comments indicating that laser tag was acceptable on weekends, and he participated with his children. Following public criticism, the Department changed its stance to technically allow laser tag. However, by introducing major restrictions, Laser Tag became practically inaccessible. More recently, the Department revised the policy, expressly prohibiting traditional indoor and outdoor laser tag. This is in stark contrast to public schools, which have actively participated in higher-risk activities such as Archery Tag, where players shoot foam-tipped arrows and must wear personal protective equipment.

While owner Jonathon Simonetis has no objections to archery tag if it’s carried out in accordance with adequate risk management procedures, this disparity demonstrates blatant discrimination. Laser tag, a safer, non-contact activity, is unfairly banned while more dangerous activities are permitted. Evidence indicates that Tasmanian public schools, including primary schools, often participate in archery tag. This double standard demonstrates bias rather than evidence-based decision-making.

Impact on Small Business and Community

This discriminatory policy has decimated Tasmania's laser tag sector. There were seven fixed laser tag venues in Tasmania five years ago, but just three remain since the rules changed. One of those three is now run as a non-profit. Jonathon and Cindy Simonetis, the owners of Laser Tag Tasmania, are the industry's only remaining owners following this legislative change. Their business is highly rated, with constant five-star reviews, and had previously been supported by weekday bookings from public schools. Exclusion from public school bookings has resulted in significant hardship and financial strain. Owner Jonathon Simonetis has stated that the policy change has cost his business upwards of $500,000. Because of this irrational policy, we have been forced to make structural adjustments in 2025, after 21 years of operation in Tasmania.

It's hypocritical to see government officials, including former and current Premiers, playing laser tag with their families while supporting the Department of Education's decision to ban it in public schools.

Laser tag is more than just entertainment; it helps students develop collaboration, resilience, and communication skills in a fun and engaging outdoor setting. If we want our children to become resilient, we must stop covering them in cotton wool. Policymakers must adopt evidence-based policies, include industry stakeholders, and stop merely minimising risk by prohibiting activities.

A call for accountability

Despite numerous attempts to communicate with the Department of Education and elected members of parliament, industry concerns have been ignored. The policy lacks consultation and evidence-based rationale, and it reflects the executive team's personal biases rather than the best interests of students or the community.

The Off-Campus Activities Planning Procedures policy has always been available to the public. However, the policy has now been withdrawn from public view. So, when modifications are made to the policy that governs all Tasmanian public schools' outdoor education excursions and events, operators and the community are unaware. This year, owner Jonathon Simonetis had to file a right to information request to obtain a copy.

Tasmanian public schools are the only ones in Australia that prohibit laser tag. This restricted policy is about more than just laser tag; it reflects a greater failure to provide equitable opportunities for Tasmanian public kids. This guideline does not apply to private school pupils who frequently attend Laser Tag excursions.

Owner Jonathon Simonetis expressed displeasure with bureaucrats and politicians who make policies detrimental to the community and small businesses without being held accountable. Small businesses deserve a voice. Poor, discriminatory policies damage family-owned businesses such as mine. If the community supports our cause and wants their children and grandchildren to be able to engage in activities like ours, now is the time to speak up to your local member and raise the roof at your school association. Unfortunately, without public support, the availability of activities for future generations will decline considerably more. Enough is enough.

Braddon MHA Miriam Beswick, who said she previously owned a laser tag business with her husband, has offered her support in parliament to Mr Simonetis. A decision has been made, and there doesn't seem to have been much consideration about the effects," she said

I'm quite concerned about educational policies in the way they seem to blanket or just change their mind, not consult well, and just assume how parents feel about things.

"I'd like to see the Education Department take a more consultative approach, considering how when they make decisions how that affects other people, like business owners."

About Laser Tag Tasmania.

Laser Tag Tasmania, owned and maintained by Jonathan and Cindy Simonetis, has been a staple of Tasmania's laser tag scene since 2003. They provide laser tag entertainment to major statewide festivals and events operating from a fixed facility at the Lea Scout Camp in Kingston and providing mobile services around the state. As the longest-running owners in the Tasmanian laser tag industry, we take pleasure in our modest, family-owned business, to which every member of our family has contributed throughout the years.

We are committed to providing new experiences with the greatest available equipment while ensuring the safest play environment possible with our modern cover systems, thorough risk management procedures, full public liability insurance, and all necessary safety checks. Our dedication to safety and quality has made us the preferred choice for outstanding laser tag entertainment in Tasmania.