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~ PRIME MINISTER 141/ 92
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, TIlE HON P J KEATING MP
CHRISTMAS APPEALS AND ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY
RELIEF I announced on 6 December 1992 that the Government will match dollar for dollar cash
donations by the Australian public to major voluntary agencies for their Christmas
appeals. I am pleased to announce today that the Government will also provide_ an additional
$ 2 million for the EmergencyRclicf Program. This money is in addition to the
$ 7.6 million provided for Emergency Relicf in Dccembcr.
Thc Emergency Relief Program makes it possible for some 700 community welfare
agencies with around 1,000 outlets across Australia to provide assistance to people in
need.
The additional funding will ensure that smaller agencies which currently provide
emergency relief to individuals and families are able to offer extra assistance in the
Christmas period.
Many of these smaller agencies focus on special needs groups, such as Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islandcr peoples, or are able to deliver assistance to rural and remote areas.
Only those organisations which do not receive matching Christmas appeal funds will be
eligible for the additional Emergency Relief Funding.
Eligibility critcria have also bccn dctcrmincd for the Christmas appeals matching funds.
Eligible organisations which benefit front the matching funds will be national
organisations or major players in a State/ Territory with an extcnsive coverage in the areas
of Christmas need. Organis-ations must have a sound record in material aid and Christmas
assistance so that the funds can be distributed as quickly as possible. Organisations must
be incorporated with Taxation Exemption Status ( Public Benevolent Institution) and must
also have had a Christmas appeal in operation at the time of the initial announcement on 6
December 1992.
L
My objective in establishing there matching arrangements was to encourage those of us
who are bcttcr off in thc community to reach out to our fellow Australians who are less
well off so that they can celebrate Christmas in the way that many of us take for granted.
I hope that the Australian community will follow the Government's lead and increase
donations to the voluntary agencies so that all Australians can cnjoy their Christmas this
year. Further information on the guidelines and application details for Christmas appeals
matching funds can be obtained from thc Dcpartrment of Health, Housing and Community
Services telcphone ( 06) 289 5100; fax ( 06) 289 1076 or the Department of the
Primc Minister and Cabinet tclcphonc ( 06) 271 5278; fax ( 06) 271 5107.
Canbcrra 11 December 1992