No.098

Friday, 22nd December 2006

DEDUCTIBILITY OF GIFTS TO BUNBURY DIOCESE CATHEDRAL REBUILDING FUND (THE BUNBURY FUND)

The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Peter Dutton, has announced the Government's decision to amend the income tax law to allow deductions for gifts to the value of $2 or more to the Bunbury Fund for a 2-year period.  Deductible gift recipient status will apply from 19 December 2006 to 18 December 2008.

The Bunbury Fund was established to assist with the rebuilding of the Bunbury Cathedral, which was destroyed by a Tornado in May 2005.

The Cathedral represents communities in the south west region of Western Australia as a diocese; an area covering 184,000 square kilometres, or about three times the size of Tasmania.  The first church on the site was built in 1862, with the previous Cathedral being completed in 1921. 

Taxpayers should ensure that they receive a receipt for their donation.

Legislation to amend the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to give effect to this announcement will be introduced as soon as practicable.

Media Contact:
Brad Emery   (02) 6277 7360 – 0414 225 638