The Government has decided to amend the income tax law to allow deductions for gifts to the value of $2 or more to The Centenary of Federation Trust Fund (the Fund), the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Rod Kemp, announced today.
As a result, gifts made to the Fund from today up to and including 30 June 2001 will be tax deductible.
The Centenary of Federation in 2001 will commemorate a defining moment in Australia’s history – the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia and hence of the Nation.
The Council of Australian Governments has established the Centenary of Federation Council. The Council is to coordinate centenary-related planning across Australia in the years leading up to and including the centenary and administer a community grants program.
The Government believes that it is important that the centenary-related activities belong to the people, not to governments, and that communities are actively involved. The Council’s terms of reference expressly require it to ensure broad community participation in its work.
The Fund has been established by the Council to raise funds for the purposes of coordinating arrangements for the centenary of Federation.
Legislation to give effect to the Government’s decision will be introduced as soon as practicable.
Taxpayers should ensure that they receive a receipt for their donations.
The address for donations is:
Centenary of Federation Trust Fund
Old Parliament House
King Georges Terrace
PARKES ACT 2600
27 November 1998
CONTACT OFFICER:
Penny Farnsworth
Assistant Treasurer’s Office
(02) 6277 7360
Deborah Robinson
Australian Taxation Office
(02) 6216 1112