Media Statement

For immediate release

10 February 2004

Copeland: Tax reward for volunteers

United Future spokesperson on the charitable and voluntary sector Gordon Copeland today urged the Government to give a tax rebate to volunteers.

“The contribution which volunteers make to NZ society cannot be overestimated and must not be taken for granted.

“It is time for Government to provide some practical encouragement. A tax rebate for those contributing their time and energy each week could make an enormous difference.

“It could also save the taxpayer millions of dollars. I hate to think how much worse off we would all be without the thousands of volunteers who assist our families and communities.

“If volunteers weren’t there and Government was forced to fill the gap it would cost mega-bucks for vastly inferior outcomes,” said Mr Copeland.

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