Political News

Government Offers Tax Deductions to Bolster Relief Effort

Edited by Joshua Smith - September 26th, 2001

Assistant Treasurer to the Australian Government, Senator Rod Kemp, today confirmed the Government's decision to allow tax deductibility status for donations over $2 made to assist people affected by the 11th September disasters in New York, Washington and Pittsburgh.

Legislation to set up The Australian Red Cross Society American Disaster Fund will be introduced by the Government as soon as practicable, according to Senator Kemp.

The fund will be retrospective to 10th September 2001, providing for all donations for the disasters already made to Australian Red Cross, as well as all future donations, to be entirely deductible for taxation purposes.

Welcoming the decision today, the Acting Secretary General of Australian Red Cross, Ms Beryl Raufer, said the fund will further enable the generous donations of caring Australians to assist people in need.

"The purpose of the Fund is to provide immediate relief to the victims of the disasters, their family and friends in both America and Australia.

"It has been heartening to witness the overwhelming generosity of Australians who have wanted to reach out and help in some way - and not just individually but through the corporate sector as well. We have been touched by the level of public support and sincerely thank the Government for their decision," said Ms Raufer.

To donate to The Australian Red Cross Society American Disaster Fund:
By telephone: Freecall 1800 811 700
By mail: GPO Box 9949 in your capital city
online at: www.ourcommunity.com.au or www.donations.com.au

Additional support lines, funds and information sources relaed to the disaster may be found here.