Ian Campbell (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment and Heritage) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you to Senator Milne for giving me the opportunity to address those issues. We have in fact spoken to the outgoing French ambassador and I have scheduled a meeting with the incoming ambassador, I think in the very near future. We have agreed to put in $30,000 and share an archaeological study with the French. I think that is a very positive aspect to the relationship with France in relation to Recherche Bay. I might also add that we will be discussing cooperation on antiwhaling activities. The French government and the French environment minister are very committed to that and I will be continuing that discussion.

People who make donations to the Tasmanian Land Conservancy in relation to the purchase of this property will receive tax deductibility. If you were to give $100,000 to this fund and you were in the top tax bracket, you would get $47,000 back. It obviously depends on your tax treatment and your tax position, but someone who earns $100,000 could potentially get up to 47c in the dollar back. That is a very generous tax treatment. (Time expired)