NO.069

SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE FOUNDATION AND RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT TRUST

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.

MELBOURNE

13 August 2004

Contact: Amanda Kennedy

02 6277 7340