The Australian actress has urged officials to reconsider a proposal to remove tax breaks for charitable giving, and warns it could mean a ""potential curbing of philanthropic giving"".

She tells BBC Radio 4, ""It's interesting what's happening in London at the moment, with the potential curbing of philanthropic giving. I think it's really important when it's increasingly hard to be seen to be justified giving money to the arts that a culture of philanthropy is really encouraged.

""I don't think it's just about the money. I think it's about creating an atmosphere of excitement around people who are connected to the work financially.""

The new plan will see tax relief on charitable donations capped at 25 per cent of the individual's income.