Coonabarabran
The Australian Government will provide tax deductible status to relief funds established to help Australians affected by bushfires in the Coonabarabran region of NSW.
Acting Assistant Treasurer, Senator Penny Wong, has today declared the January 2013 Coonabarabran bushfires a disaster for the purposes of establishing Australian disaster relief funds.
This declaration ensures that new funds and qualifying existing funds established for the relief of people in communities affected by these bushfires can receive tax deductible donations.
While funds still need to apply for formal endorsement, the Tax Office has established a fast track process to approved applications as quickly as possible.
These events have caused devastation to the community around Coonabarabran, and have resulted in widespread damage to property and the environment.
As communities in the Coonabarabran region begin to count the cost of these bushfires, Australians from around the country have already begun to offer their support.
Donations to Australian disaster relief funds which are established to provide relief in the aftermath of the bushfires will be tax deductible for a period of two years from the date of this declaration.
These donations can be used to provide money or direct assistance for relief, recovery and community reconstruction work to assist affected individuals and communities.
Further information on establishing an Australian disaster relief fund is available at www.ato.gov.au.