The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer today declared the recent Victorian bushfires a disaster for the purposes of establishing Australian disaster relief funds, effective from 29 January 2009.
This declaration is made under amendments to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 that received Royal Assent on 26 March 2009.
This declaration ensures that qualifying existing and new funds established for the relief of people in communities affected by the bushfires can receive tax deductible donations.
Funds still need to apply to the Tax Office for formal endorsement, and the Tax Office has established a fast‑track process for this purpose.
These donations can be used to provide money or direct assistance for relief, recovery and community reconstruction work to assist affected individuals and communities.
Donations to Australian disaster relief funds established to provide relief in the aftermath of the bushfires will be tax deductible for a period of two years from 29 January 2009.
The Australian Government will continue to assist bushfire‑affected communities as they undertake the long task of rebuilding. The Government thanks the Australian people for their generosity in responding to these fires.
Further information on establishing an Australian disaster relief fund is available at www.ato.gov.au.