Today I am announcing the Government’s decision to extend the gift deductibility status for the Shrine of Remembrance Foundation to 1 July 2006, and for the Shrine of Remembrance Restoration and Development Trust to 1 July 2007. This will further assist the Shrine in raising much needed funds to support the second stage of development of the Shrine into a major education facility while enhancing its role as a memorial and ceremonial venue.
Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance is an asset of national significance commemorating the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women during the two Great Wars and the conflicts in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and the Gulf.
The Shrine is an important symbol of our struggle as a nation with enormous potential to contribute to the social cohesion and sense of purpose within our community. As the Shrine Galleries trace the history of Australia at war from the Boer War through to the post-World War II conflicts, they demonstrate how Australians have had to fight to maintain the freedom of their country.
In July 2002, the Government amended the tax law to allow gifts to the value of $2 or more to the Shrine of Remembrance Foundation to be deductible for income tax purposes. Previously, in November 1999, the Government also extended a similar concession to the Shrine of Remembrance Restoration and Development Trust. These concessions were provided to assist the Shrine to raise funds to establish, manage and maintain the Shrine’s Galleries of Remembrance and its educational, operational and management projects.
The extension of tax deductible status will build on the Government’s previous funding support to the Shrine of $5 million in 1998 for the development of the undercroft and fit out of the Galleries of Remembrance.
Legislation to give effect to this announcement will be introduced as soon as practicable.
Taxpayers should ensure they receive a receipt for their donation.