The Australian Government has announced that it will provide tax deductible status to relief funds established to help those affected by bushfires in the Coonabarabran region of New South Wales. The declaration ensures that new funds and qualifying existing funds established for the relief of people in communities affected by these bushfires can receive tax deductible donations for a period of two years from 17 January 2013. The government noted that funds still need to apply for formal endorsement with the ATO.