After almost three years in opposition the Coalition has finally released something akin to "economic policy", more like economic madness, a tax deduction for the bosses long lunch. Costed by Treasury at $1.6 billion, and with the usual business tax rorting this figure could blow out to $10 billion. With many Aussie families struggling these days to put bread on the table, this lobster and champagne policy for their mates in business should go down like the preverbal lead balloon with the public. Certainly fails the pub test, what next, a tax deduction for the bosses family trip to Disneyland!

Hi Paul

The Parliamentary Budget Office puts the cost at $250 million. Looking at the differences in assumptions that underpin the two estimates, the PBO’s look more realistic to me:

https//www.afr.com/politics/federal/treasury-claims-liberals-long-lunch-tax-break-will-cost-billions-20250203-p5l916#:~:text=Treasury%20estimates%20a%20%241.6%20billion,the%20full%20%2420%2C000%20a%20year.

It’s still not a great policy, but it will hardly “smash the budget” as Jim Chalmers says.

Hi Rhian,

What the cost is, is immaterial, whether it's going to cost a lazy $250 million or an extravagant billion or ten, that's not the point. What it does, it shows how out of touch the Coalition is with the Australian public. These guys have political advisers, you would think even Blind Freddy could tell Dutton an co, that sort of thing is not going to go down well with the public at the best of times, and to release it as first cab off the rank would be a disaster, and that's what they did, score an own goal!

A bosses "long lunch" in Australia typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours; it's considered a leisurely extended lunch break where people enjoy a meal with drinks, and ideal chat. What's on the menu, seafood platters and steak dinners are popular, as is fine wine, black label sprits and imported beer as well. These taxpayer funder long lunches will mostly be taken in a social setting such as a restaurant or club, going well beyond the standard 30-60 minute lunch break most Australians take at work, sitting down to a self funded Vegemite sandwich. The last word from the Boss to his workers; “Tote that barge! Lift that bale! I'm off to lunch with my good friend Dud Dutton, don't call me a the Yacht Club, I'll be busy discussing economic stimulus (for4 me) with Dud, AND! remember your lunch is 30 minutes on the dot, don't be late back to work!" Gee there's a $500 tax deduction to start with, and think of the productive!

Paul completely misunderstands the policy and then writes copious posts to emphasis how badly he misunderstood it.

First it applies to small business only.

Second, the deduction is capped.

Third it doesn't apply to alcohol so Paul's childish rants like "as is fine wine, black label sprits and imported beer as well" is shown to be mere childish rants.

Four the deduction applies also to entertainment offered to staff - eg staff Christmas parties.

Five this is merely a return to the policy setting in place up to the 1980s.

Six it doesn't apply to the public service who can continue to spend up big time of the taxpayer teat.... http://newy.com.au/2025/02/04/jo-haylen-resigns-as-nsw-transport-minister-following-lake-mac-hunter-chauffeur-scandal/

Until most people realise that a Flat Tax & a NMNS are the only way forward, dysfunction will keep haunting this society ! Stop worrying about other societies, there's noting we can do nor is it any of our business !

Dear Paul,

The following link may be of interest:

http://independentaustralia.ey/politics/politics-display/peter-duttons-liberals-copy-trumps-playbook-of-falsehoods-and-fraud,19180

cont'd

Dear Paul,

Here's the link again:

http://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/peter-duttons-liberals-copy-trumps-playbook-of-falsehoods-and-fraud,19180

Our resident Pensioner Trumpster, will continue to"enjoy" his cold beans on dry toast for lunch! He's one of those who believes if he sucks up to the bosses enough maybe a few crumbs will fall from the rich mans table into his lap. Naturally, the poor Trumpster is on the outside look'n in.

I had to chuckle at this one from Pensioner Trumpster; "it doesn't apply to alcohol" that's the same honest boss who claims the new telly in the lounge room is really a "business expense". Rorts, rorts, rorts are the name of game when it comes to business paying tax, and the Noalition the master rorters are there to oblige! When Little Johnny Howard introduced the GST, the motto for many a business was "No GST for ME!" its all about cash!

Attaboy Paul.

I point out all the errors in your regurgitation of ALP talking points and you ignore it and go full 7 yr old.

Pretty much what we've come to expect.

Dear Paul,

Be careful what you write about Peter Dutton.
He's using the Trump playbook. And there's enough
MAGAts appearing in this country.

Id Dutton gets elected we just may see similar
executive orders being signed here. Ethnic cleansing,
concentration camps, an equivalent of Guantanamo Bay
-s all I'm saying.

Hi Foxy,

Thanks for the link.

Dutton and co are political and economic dills. These fools see the success of Trump in America, and are trying to emulate the same nonsense of fear politics here. It's clear while having spent 3 years in Opposition the 'Noalition Of Incompetence' has learned nothing. Look at their almost 10 years in Government, it was a complete disaster from go to whoa. The Noalition's record is one of negativity, trying to frighten the electorate into voting for them. At the moment I'm tipping Labor will be returned with an increased majority.

emulate the same nonsense of fear politics here.
Paul1405,
Lol, like $7200 worse off under Dutton ? They don't tell us why they're buying votes with cost of living subsidies which wouldn't be needed with a Coalition Government !

I hope the Coalition will emulate Trump's "No Tax on Overtime" which will create so many more jobs in the Service industry in particular.
We just have to prevent the Public service Unions to encourage work in overtime instead of during normal working hours ! All would be fine !

Indy,

The Noalition plans big spending cuts, Dutton claims a government he leads will cut $350 billion from the budget. Not saying where of course, but we know health and education will suffer the axe. Do you agree that there is plenty of fat in the $44 billion wasted annually on aged welfare, so big saving should be made there? Would you agree with a 50% cut to YOUR aged welfare?

"Id [If?] Dutton gets elected we just may see similar
executive orders being signed here. Ethnic cleansing,
concentration camps, an equivalent of Guantanamo Bay"

Oh dear. The derangement spreads.

" Dutton claims a government he leads will cut $350 billion from the budget"

Pure fantasy. Paul just makes stuff up.

BTW, has anyone noticed that Paul is the only one here who constantly talks about the pension. Its pure projection and we can assume Paul is utterly reliant on it.

Some rely on the pension while others rely on
cuts of basic services to the most vunerable
and to tax cuts and loop-holes for themselves

Trumpster,

Dutton and co have claimed there will be substantial cuts if they are elected, something the Noalition has claimed many times before, only to see, once elected, increases in public spending on their part. The Morrison mob left office with almost a trillion dollars of debt.

Pensioner Trumpster, You can assume what you like, feeling alone are we, insecure maybe, trying to call on others to back you up.

"Dutton and co have claimed there will be substantial cuts if they are elected,"

Yep. Every opposition says that from time immemorial.

But nowhere did he say $350 billion. You just made that up.

Come on. Pretend your a man for once and own up.

Would you agree with a 50% cut to YOUR aged welfare?
Paul1405,
Reduce cost of living & public service salaries etc by 50% & I'll agree !

Talking about "manning up?"

Peter Dutton will give us all the details he says -
AFTER the election!

How generous of him.

Foxy,
Labor even give us promises after the election & promises to deliver after the next election !

Whatever works.

Foxy,
This one is especially for you !

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1314306576276141

Trumpster,

Do you still have the same adulation for the gutter snipe folk hero of yours The Dangerous Doctor Donald as he goes about hurting hard working Australians with a 25% tax on Australian steel and aluminum exports to America. This shows that despite our kowtowing and sycophantic behaviour, the bully boy don't give a rats about Australia. Just paid an $800 million down payment for those pathetic junk nuk subs.

Those who are sycophantic Trump supporters should pack up and leave, as they are clearly Un-Australian traitors and don't deserve to live here. Dutton should be the first one kicked out!

Dear Paul,

I'm really looking forward to the federal election.

It will be interesting to see what Australians
really think.

I hope the majority don't have a Trump in them.

But you never know. The Murdoch media sadly has an impact.

Look what happened to The Voice Referendum.

And Dutton continues to go by the Trump playbook.

Still, one can only hope for an Australian "fair go" and
the Australian mateship. Of people going for unity not
division and hatred.

Paul,

So now you want to talk about the tariffs. Trying to change the subject.

'Tell ya what. When you get around to admitting that the $350 Billion claim was just made up, then I'll condescend to explaining the tariffs to you.

"But you never know. The Murdoch media sadly has an impact. Look what happened to The Voice Referendum. "

Foxy shows, YET AGAIN, that she has a very low opinion of her fellow Australians thinking that they can be swayed by a few newspapers. If only they were all as smart as you, eh Foxy?

Of course, political influence of the Australian media is massively reduced. Most Australians now get their media from X-twitter, Facebook, TikTok etc or the various streaming services. free-to-air TV.

Its a new world, Foxy. Try to catch up.

The change in orientation of how people get their news is why Musk's purchase of X-twitter will be seen as one of the most consequential events of this century.

mhaze,

YET AGAIN!

Barking and mooning!

It's all you've got!

Pretty funny.

Foxy doesn't deny that she shows "that she has a very low opinion of her fellow Australians", just denies that she's done it before. If I had a mind to, I'd go and find the receipts...but who can be bothered?

"It's all you've got!"

Well my post did contain other observations about the current situation as regards to how Australians get their news. Why am I not surprised it went over your head.

Tumpster,

Sorry I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken! It was not $350 billion, no it was $360 billion! What's $10 billion between friends?

Now, about your man Trump wanting to destroy Australian jobs, with big 25% tariffs, and how YOU and your local mini-me Trumpster Dud Dutton are in agreeance with such abysmal behavior, making you pair Un-Australian.

Fortunately for all decent Aussies (that excludes you and Dud) Comrade Albo is leading the fight against Bully Boy Trump, saving Australian jobs!

o/s Imagine if Trump puts a 25% tariff on Toilet Cleaners, you'll be out of a job!

"no it was $360 billion! "

More fantasy.

I don't care. Probably not going to vote for the Libs. But I have this strange notion that facts rather matter, and just making stuff up because the facts aren't what you want them to be, is inane.

But then, stuff up is Paul's standard position.

Hi Trumpster,

Much was mentioned in Parliament today by several well respected members concerning the Noalitions plan to cut $350 billion from government spending add in an extra $10 billion to pay for the bosses long lunches and that's $360 billion. Of course Dud Dutton refuses to say where the cuts will be made, only telling voters; "Trust me I'll let you known AFTER the election." We do know where those cuts will be starting with Medicare, Hospitals, Schools, Infrastructure, and there goes the Old Farts pensions!

Trumpster easy question; Do YOU agree with your folk hero Trump hitting Australia with a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium? Seems Mini-Me Dutton is in favour of killing Australian jobs, what about YOU!

Paul,

You said "Dutton claims a government he leads will cut $350 billion from the budget".

But Dutton has never said that, has he? You're just regurgitating ALP made up accusation which in turn have zero evidence behind them.

Just own up and we can move on.

Some businesses should be recognised as 7 day occupations instead of across the board 5 day working weeks. Spud is an Abbott in disguise as a potato with a rotting gizzard and not to be trusted.

Hi Paul,
"With many Aussie families struggling these days to put bread on the table, this lobster and champagne policy for their mates in business should go down like the preverbal lead balloon with the public."

Watch this: Looks like someones upset with Woolworths...
(Warning: contains some very colourful language)
http://x.com/kiwiwayne2/status/1889476094119874807

Hi AC,

Aldi home brand cola cans, tastes the same, around $8 for a 10 pack.
BTW Did a charity shop at Golden Circle factory outlet at Capalaba, with our additional 10% off, got some real bargains.

Hi Paul,
I haven't tried the Aldi cola, maybe I'll give it a go when I go there next.
Golden Circle Factory Outlet at Capalaba is pretty great value.
I go there not too often, but every now and again.

Looks like the local councils in Victoria have a new money maker.
- Stealing peoples stuff.
http://x.com/_davidlimbrick/status/1889851765769842868

This is their policy.
http://x.com/RickyDoggin/status/1889742666499272980

GREAT STUFF AC

Who said Tic Toc should be banned! What you can watch that stuff!

AC,

I had a can of Aldi No Sugar Cola yesterday to try, since we're been talking about such nonsense. Fair dinkum, I can't tell the difference between that and No Sugar Coke. I don't like Pepsi Max at all, made by Yankee Imperialists, at least Coke is produced by the Little Friars of the Poor, and the Aldi product is produced by the Even Littler Friars of the Poor in Germany, by drinking Cola I feel I am doing my bit to relieve both world poverty, I've nearly done that, give me another week or two, and save the endangered Tree Slugs of Mongolia at the same time. Remember every can you drink saves a slug!

p/s Not sure when they'll be producing cans out of green aluminum, my can was still that horrid dirty silver grey colour.

Paul1405,
Why hasn't the Green movement invented & produced all these enviro-friendly commodities after all these years of hypocritical bleating ?
Anyone can whinge & criticise as you perpetually do here but finding solutions is always someone else's responsibility in your circles !

Did anyone else watch Peter Dutton and family, on
" 6O Minutes" last night?

The Prime Minister has also agreed be be interviewed.

Even if this should not be a comparison or a competition -
it's human nature to compare.

Interesting times ahead.

Indy,

I would think YOU are one of the biggest whingers on this forum about anyone not like YOU! YOU constantly whinge about, young people, leftists, progressives, migrants, gays and others. Fella, you're only concerned about yourself, and keeping your snout in the taxpayer trough. You whinge about the Labor Government, but you have pocketed every handout Labor has given YOU!

Handouts aren't handouts when you manage the economy so poorly that you have to give money back but under the guise of helping !
If you run things properly there won't be a need to do that !
Don't keep granting pay rises & there won't be a need for any of this !