NO.055

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL RESTORATION FUND

St Paul’s Cathedral is an important place of worship and a significant Melbourne

landmark with considerable heritage value. The 2004-05 Budget included a grant

of $2.5 million for the restoration of St Paul’s, which will greatly enhance

efforts to repair and preserve this heritage building. This is in addition to

restoration funding of $2.5 million provided to St Paul’s in 2001- 02.

In April 2002, I announced the Government’s decision to amend the income

tax law to allow tax deductions for gifts to the St Paul’s Cathedral Restoration

Fund for a period of two years. This was to assist St Paul’s to raise

funds to support the important restoration work proposed for the Cathedral.

Today I am announcing the Government’s decision to extend the gift deductibility

status for St Paul’s Cathedral Restoration Fund for a further two year period

until 22 April 2006, to provide added support to the project in recognition

of the restoration work that still remains to be undertaken.

The Fund has been established to raise money for the restoration, refurbishment

and improvement of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne and in particular

for important repair and restoration work to the Cathedral.

The extension of tax deductible status will assist in raising needed funds,

thereby ensuring the important restoration work can be completed.

Deductions for gifts to the Fund will now continue to apply until 22 April 2006.

Legislation to give effect to this announcement has been introduced.

Taxpayers should ensure they receive a receipt for their donation.

MELBOURNE

25 June 2004

Contact: David Alexander

02 6277 7340