I called and talked to SSAA Vic today and they were not aware of anything changing. Doesn't mean its not happening I guess.
They did say there was some discussion regarding large calibers in WA but the fella I talked to said he thought that had all blown over and amounted to nothing.
The guys where I ordered my Barrett from said they had two come into the country last week and both had been registered without any complications.
I have been warned regarding lasers but have never encountered one whilst flying however other pilots claim they have been. The consensus is that it is mainly people wanting the airport banned. Apparently when you buy into a suburb that has an airport it should be moved if it is inconveniencing you.