The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Helen Coonan, has announced that from today, gifts to the value of $2 or more made to The New South Wales Crime Stoppers Programme, will be deductible for income tax purposes.
Senator Coonan said The New South Wales Crime Stoppers Programme (Crime Stoppers, NSW) encouraged community involvement in the apprehension and conviction of criminals, and the reduction in crime by the provision of information to the proper authorities.
"Crime Stoppers are community-based organisations operating nationally to involve the public in reducing crime," Senator Coonan said.
"Crime Stoppers works effectively as a partnership between the police, the media and the community and is recognised as a world leader, amongst crime stoppers programs internationally, in the management and outcomes of its programs.
"Crime Stoppers are important organisations within the community and tax deductible gift status will help Crime Stoppers NSW attract public support for their activities.
"Legislation to give effect to this announcement will be introduced as soon as practicable."
Senator Coonan said taxpayers should ensure that they receive a receipt for their donation.
The Commonwealth Government is a strong supporter of Crime Stoppers because of its proven ability to help solve and prevent crime.
The Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, said the Government, under the National Crime Prevention Program, had fulfilled an election commitment to provide $1 million over four years to support Crime Stoppers programs across Australia.
"Crime Stoppers regularly forwards Commonwealth matters to the Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs Service and Australian Taxation Office as well as to State and Territory law agencies," Senator Ellison said.
"This funding will be used to support members' programs so that they can continue to provide this invaluable information about criminal activities to agencies.
"This funding will also help Crime Stoppers to coordinate its activities by setting a strategic direction as well as providing advice on best practice and assistance with fundraising opportunities at the national level to enable Crime Stoppers to continue its important work across Australia."