Senator Trish Crossin has welcomed the Federal Government announcement that will change the tax law to help volunteer bushfire brigades attract more donations.
Date: 15 March 2010
Senator Trish Crossin has welcomed the Federal Government announcement that will change the tax law to help volunteer bushfire brigades attract more donations.
"The Rudd Government will act to ensure and extend tax deductible donation support to all volunteer bushfire brigades," Senator Crossin said.
"There are more than 6,000 volunteer brigades in Australia, of which 21 are in the Northern Territory - but less than a third can access tax deductible donations."
The volunteer fire brigades currently holding tax deductible status are considered public benevolent institutions (PBIs), that is, they are considered not‑for‑profit institutions organised for the direct relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability or helplessness.
Recent legal cases have led the Commissioner of Taxation to consider that volunteer brigades do not meet the strict PBI criteria.
"Because of their outstanding community contribution, the Rudd Government believe volunteer fire brigades should be able to access support by tax deductible donations."
Volunteer Brigades from Alice Springs to Batchelor, Katherine, Darwin River and Noonamah deserve this recognition and these changes acknowledge the crucial role that these brigades undertake.
"The Northern Territory's bushfire season is approaching, and this new legislation will help the 21 Territory volunteer bushfire brigades to raise funds and will ensure that community members can claim their donations at tax," Senator Crossin said.