Coalition to bring back the long lunch if it wins government
The long lunch could be back if Peter Dutton leads the Coalition to victory in this year’s federal election.
The opposition leader has pledged to introduce tax deductible lunches for small businesses if it gains power.
The policy would apply to businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million and would cover spending on clients and staff.
Dutton announced the cost-of-living policy to LNP members in Brisbane on Sunday, which includes a tax deduction of up to $20,000 for dining and entertainment expenses.
The policy could help to boost Australia’s ailing hospitality sector.
“This is a win for the small business spending the money on their staff or clients and a win for the hospitality venues who will see an increased spend in their businesses,” he said to the Party faithful.
“It will help businesses recover from a horrible period under three years of Labor.
“Small business is in our DNA as Liberals and Nationals and we want to help those businesses survive Labor’s time in office and thrive when we get back into government.”
The policy would see businesses make an upfront payment to the venue and then claim the expense to reduce their tax bill. It would be exempt from the fringe benefits tax, but doesn’t include alcohol consumption.
the Coalition has also pledged to lift the instant asset write-off threshold from $20,000 to $30,000 for small businesses.
“We will be unashamedly pro small business, delivering reforms to help the small business sector grow and get back on track,” the Coalition states in an election document.
“This is why we have already committed to extending the value of assets eligible for instant write-off to $30,000, for firms with annual turnover up to $10 million.
“We will implement a pro small business agenda focused on saving time and money and delivering less government intervention and greater business freedom.”
Jonathan Jackson, 20th January 2024
