Corrective Services

Prisons Legal Defence Fund Tax Break

Union's fund to protect Prison Officers

By David Carey
Federal Secretary (SPSF Group) - CPSU Joint National Secretary

PRISON OFFICERS GET TAX EXEMPTION FOR POVB LEGAL FUND

The Australian Taxation Office yesterday told the PSA's application or tax exempt status for membership fees paid to the Prison Officers Legal Fund was successful.

The exemption is back-dated to 1 July 2002.

The POVB Legal Fund was set up two years ago to assist non-commissioned
prison officers facing criminal charges. The corrections industry can be
difficult and dangerous and uniformed staff are often placed in
positions of direct conflict with inmates and members of the public.
Uniformed staff are often unfairly accused by inmates of criminal
behaviour.

Because the PSA does not provide financial assistance to any member who
has been charged with a criminal offence, the PSA Executive decided to
establish the Fund.

Only financial members of the union are entitled to contribute to the
Fund. Subscription is $3.30 per fortnight which is now confirmed as tax
deductible.

Further information on the POVB Legal Fund can be obtained from John
Campbell, Chairperson of the Prison Officers Vocational Branch on 9220
0942.

A copy of the ATO Ruling can be obtained from John, or from Agnes
Issac, the clerk to our POVB section, on aissac@psa.asn.au or 9220
0942.

31/7/03

© 2001 Community & Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation (CPSU-SPSF) - National Office

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/latest_news/corr_services/20030805_Tax.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005