Rudd backs OLPC with $2.4m tax break

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced backing for OLPC through the provision of tax deductible status to One Laptop per Child Australia Ltd, the charity which has deployed 1500 laptops to remote outback communities. The listing is expected to attract AUD$2.4 million in donations to the charity. Said the PM in a statement:

The Australian Government is pleased to be able to extend deductible gift recipient status to One Laptop per Child. Through this listing, the organisation will be in a significantly better position to attract private and corporate donors to raise critical funds to meet its 20,000 laptop objective.
The decision will be effective from today and run until 30 June 2012. All donations of $2 or more will be fully tax deductible during that period and all taxpayers who make a donation should ensure they receive a receipt.
The listing of One Laptop per Child is expected to cost $2.4 million.
The work of One Laptop per Child closely complements the Government's six year $2.2 billion investment in the Digital Education Revolution (DER)."