2020-05-25
With the decision handed down in the Celeste Barber donations case today it’s clear immediate law reform is needed to make the record $52 million donations available to those who need it and for who it was intended.
Greens MP David Shoebridge said:
“With the decision handed down in the Celeste Barber matter showing that under the current law there are serious and unintended limits on how the funds can be spent, it’s time for Parliament to step in and fix the law.
“The law is clearly broken, Parliament needs to fix it.
“The judge went as far as was possible to expand the use of these funds but far too many will miss out.
“These communities are still suffering and desperately need access to this money.
“People donated to this fundraiser so help was given where it was most needed, to those fighting the fires, the communities affected by bushfires and the animal carers looking after injured wildlife.
“It’s extremely distressing to think that as we approach winter so many of the families affected by the bushfires are still without a home.
“The law clearly needs to be fixed to match the expectation of those donating and allow help to be provided where it is needed” Mr Shoebridge said.
Media Contact: 0408 113 952
Bill detail:
The Rural Fires Amendment (NSW RFS and Brigades Donations Fund) Bill 2020 will be seeking to amend the Rural Fires Act so that and donations received by or on behalf of the Fund in the period from 1 November 2019 to 1 February 2020 can be directed to any of the purposes of the Trust as well as any of the following purposes:
1. To provide support and assistance to the families of any RFS volunteer killed while on duty;
2. To provide support and assistance to any RFS volunteer injured while on duty,
3. To provide support and assistance to communities, including individuals, who have been significantly impacted by bush fires, and
4. To provide support and assistance to people and organizations providing care to animals injured or displaced by bush fires.