The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, has announced that the Government will amend the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to allow gifts of $2 or more to the following organisations to become tax deductible.
Legislation to give effect to this announcement will be introduced as soon as practicable. Taxpayers should ensure that they receive a receipt for their donation.
Yachad Accelerated Learning Project (YALP)
Gifts to the YALP are currently tax deductible and its status will be extended for a further period of two years, commencing on 1July2006 and ending 30June2008.
The YALP project is seeking to lift educational outcomes for Indigenous children and address inequalities in Indigenous and remote education through accelerated learning and community ownership.
The YALP project is modelled on Israeli-pioneered programmes, proven over more than 20 years, to combat patterns of educational disadvantage. The project focuses on teaching and learning through an understanding of the culture and learning styles of Indigenous students and involves students, parents and the community from rural and remote areas.
Don Chipp Foundation
Gifts to the Don Chipp Foundation will become tax deductible from today.
The Don Chipp Foundation, named after the Hon Don Chipp AO and launched on 17August2003, is an independent research body affiliated with the Australian Democrats.
The Don Chipp Foundation is committed to research and public debate on environmental, social, cultural, economic and political policies. The Foundation aims to promote public debate to challenge as well as to inform current mainstream views on issues important to the Australian community.
Point Nepean Community Trust
Gifts to the Point Nepean Community Trust (the Trust), will be tax deductible from today until 10June2009.
The Point Nepean Community Trust was established on 10 June 2004 with a Federal Government contribution of $5 million to manage the 90 hectares of Commonwealth land at Point Nepean in Victoria until its transfer to the State Governmentfor incorporation into the Point Nepean National Parkby June2009.
The objects of the Trust are to protect, conserve and manage the land for the benefit of all Australians consistent with the land becoming an integrated national park.
The Government has committed $48 million to Point Nepean, including the recent announcement of $27 million for heritage restoration, marine education anddevelopment of respite facilities.
Granting deductible gift recipient support to the Trust will assist it in its important work to adapt the existing Quarantine and Norris Barracks heritage buildings to establish a National Centre for Marine And Coastal Conservation. Thesite and buildings will also be used by heritage and community groups and for respite care for children with terminal conditions or other disadvantage.
The Trust has strong grass roots representation with appointed trustees from various organisations, including representatives from the Community Reference Group, the Australian Maritime College, the Australian Heritage Council, the Australian Government and the Victorian Boonerwrung Elders Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.