The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today declared the Western Australian bushfires a disaster for the purposes of establishing Australian disaster relief funds, effective from 6 February 2011.
The Assistant Treasurer has also declared the February 2011 Victorian floods a disaster for the purposes of establishing Australian disaster relief funds, effective from 5 February 2011.
These declarations satisfy a legal requirement that ensures qualifying existing funds, established for the relief of people in communities affected by the floods in Victoria and the bushfires in WA, and new funds in both states, can receive tax deductible donations.
The January floods in Victoria, as well as the floods and cyclone in Queensland, have already been officially declared disasters for tax-deductible disaster relief fund status.
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.
Donations to Australian disaster relief funds, established to provide relief in the aftermath of the fires and floods, will be tax deductible for a period of two years from the date of the respective declarations.
"These events have caused devastation to communities in both States and have resulted in widespread damage to property and the natural environment,"
Mr Shorten said.
"The Australian Government will continue to assist affected communities as they undertake the long task of rebuilding and re-establishing their homes and livelihoods," he said.
Further information on establishing an Australian disaster relief fund is available at www.ato.gov.au.