"We have always helped people in times of need".

What needy people? This is a building that we are talking about. The absurd idea of Australia chipping in was first raised by the equally absurd, failed Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull; not a great advocate for people. With all the 'needy people' in the world, it is quite disgusting to suggest that Australian taxpayer's money should be used for a foreign building. While individuals can do as they please with their own money, it would be pure grandstanding and in very poor taste when there are actually needy people they could help out. Look-at-me grandstanding at its worst.

One way to look at it is that Notre Dame is a historical symbol of western and Christian culture in a country that is perhaps being influenced by the large scale immigration of other cultures and Australia is a western nation of traditionally Christian culture.

It would be a sign of solidarity perhaps to offer some support.

But we can't help everyone.

Why make it about politics
OH yes that's right, this government headed for defeat makes everything about politics, highlighting truth is not a requirement
Yes donate, not billions maybe not millions but this world needs a little inclusiveness
This is a worthwhile start

In Sun Tzu's Art Of War it says "let a rabbit in the door and you'll never get him out". Beware of the "inclusiveness rabbit". Many do-gooders don't understand perhaps their level of subversiveness.

Imagine what all this money could do for Law & Order or Health or generally stimulating the economy ?
$750 million for a symbol of people control & superstition ? Notre Dame is a beautiful piece of architecture & it is extremely saddening that they could be so careless. Stabilise the left-overs but rebuilding ? Even if they could do it perfectly, everyone would know that it is no longer the 800 year old structure so, no historical value anymore.
Use the money for rebuilding society instead of a church !

Canem Malum,
I agree, and you can see how the split of opinion over this – some quite pronounced – more or less aligns with political views. Surreptitiously, this is a deeper issue than a mere ‘church.’ I, as a Westerner, would feel far more connection with the Australian government reaching out to help over this than probably 99% of the nonsense our tremendous amounts of aid money goes to