Farewell Tas Laser Skirmish

Well after 22 years of running around in the bush we have sold Tas Laser Skirmish. We kicked off in 2003 and did not expect this ride to last two decades, but here we are.

We found our home at The Lea Scout Centre in Kingston. The Scouts have been incredibly supportive. I have worked with many board members and caretakers and have helped host major scouting events. There are too many legends to name but thank you to every one of you.

Impact of Government Policy

A key factor in our decision to sell was the governments insufficient support. Many of you know I have been outspoken about the absurd Education Dept policy that limits laser tag in public schools. When we decided to sell last year, the Education Department had yet again quietly banned laser tag. The irony was, they were allowing schools to play archery tag, where the objective is to shoot an arrow at participants.

Despite multiple right to information requests, not a single document has ever been presented to support their policy position. For 16 years we gained the support of principles and teachers across the state, as they could see the value and teamwork outcomes that were achieved with the way we facilitated our games. Even today we run small, specialised programmes for disengaged youth, and have the support of many private schools. However, despite our consistent efforts and outreach over the past 6 years, the government never gave us the time of day. Leaving the laser tag industry decimated in its path and countless small operators having to shut up shop.

We are the last owners of a fixed Laser Tag business in Tasmania that traded continuously from the 2019 policy change. Previous owners either closed or moved on. Stupidly I thought our elected politicians would support us to resolve this thought bubble policy, but nothing could be further from the truth.

We survived the Global Financial Crisis, the legalisation of paintball, and COVID. This ban, which the community largely did not support, was the breaking point. The same government that legalised paintball because it was legal in every other state became the only government to ban laser tag in public schools. Those same politicians still bring their children to play. That is hypocrisy.

Our customers (onto the positive now)

In those early days, while we were still learning and experimenting with how to run games, we would often jump in and play amongst the groups. Thanks to everyone who organised a group session with us, you’re the point person that got everyone organised and we appreciate you. I must mention one of my past groups, the boys from the Derwent Valley, and Phil, I still await your buck’s day.

To all the statewide youth workers who supported us, you do a mighty job putting together holiday programs and programs to support youth in your local communities. You do amazing work and thank you for your support.

To all the schools, teachers and principals who always backed us, Thank you. Special thanks to Kevin (Mr T) from St John’s Richmond, who even taught me in primary school. Kevin was instrumental in bringing students to us for over ten years until he retired. We have had the pleasure of continuing with St John’s Catholic School in Richmond since.

To the mums and dads who made the bookings, and the kids who said every year they wanted another Tas Laser Skirmish party: I hope we’ve left lifelong memories of your adventures playing on our bush fields.

Thank you to the people in the laser tag industry, without whom we would not exist. Peter and Nicole from BFS, and Ivy and Zlatko from DDTR, who helped me grow my business and keep the equipment running. Thanks also to the fellow field owners I regularly chat with. I’ll keep those conversations going in the years ahead.

To our past staff

Although nowadays we’re a small family run business, over the years we have had many casual employees. We have been lucky enough to have had some great staff over the years and many we have continued to follow in their journey, and some now the greatest of friends. I cannot name everyone, but a few standouts deserve a mention. Like James, our first employee, an electronics whiz who helped lift our hardware and software. David, who later built me a website. Jason, Michael and Andrew who all played with us as customers when they were young teens and later came to work with us. Along with Reyne we were a tight group, and they all stayed on for many years. I can’t mention them all, but a few honourable mentions I’ll throw in include Lachie, Nick, Ray, Brad, Joe, Sam, Justine, Sarah and Will.

To my family

Cindy, my wife and business partner, who has put up with me through every up and down. Chief washer of many a camo shirt, social media gun, top referee, a very sneaky sniper and the only one who can truly match me on the playing field.

My kids James, Charlie and Grace, who all worked in the business and did it so bloody well. Working with you has been the best part. Well, that is family business. You have always worked to the best of your ability, and that strong work ethic will hold you in good stead for your chosen paths. Also, thanks for carrying me when I was busy chatting to customers and you were left packing up. Something our other staff knew only too well.

Mum, also known as Brenda, our chief sewer and the one who gave me the confidence to start this thing. Dad, also known as Angelo, quiet advisor, builder of forts, keeper of the bush, regular at our mobile events, blower up of obstacles, and sneaky supplier of ice creams and chips at festivals.

My siblings: Nick, who customised taggers and fabricated containers. George, who built our custom trailers, winched and cut down unsafe trees. Patrina, who listened to my rants with patience and was always supportive.

What’s next (More laser Tag)

We will keep running pop up indoor and outdoor laser tag across Tasmania under our other brand Laser Tag Tasmania. We have always been the premium provider at major festivals and events around the state.

For the smaller groups and backyard birthdays, our new DIY hire service is Laser Tag Mania Hire. It is built on 22 years of lessons. We believe it’s the best quality hire service available.

Closing thoughts

I never knew when this day would come or how it would feel. There has not been a day when I did not live and breathe this business. It is a strange feeling to hand it on, but my laser tag story is not over. Cindy and I are both looking forward to the next chapter and to helping more people discover laser tag across Tasmania, and maybe even further afield.

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.