NSW: POW payment needs to be tax free RSL

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2001
NSW: POW payment needs to be tax free RSL

New South Wales RSL president RUSTY PRIEST says any ex-gratia payment made to Australian
soldiers held as prisoners of war by Japan needs to be tax free and shouldn't interfere
with any benefits.

The Herald Sun reports, nearly 3,000 POWs will each receive $25,000 as part of a $67.5
million compensation package from the Federal Government, to be announced in the federal
budget next month.

Mr PRIEST has confirmed that the RSL had renewed lobbying for all Australia's former
POWs to be granted a $25,000 lump sum payment.

But speaking to 2BL he says they need to make sure that there are no taxes attached
to it and there are no hidden pitfalls.

He says he didn't know how the $25,000 figure was decided upon.

AAP RTV maur/jjs/klw

KEYWORD: POWS RSL (SYDNEY)

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