On enjoying a free lunch and defacing art
Responding to “Dutton’s staff lunch tax break too easy to rort”
Well done Michael. I will be immediately getting an ABN and taking up all your recommendations to maximise my deductions. I don’t play golf but hopefully will be able to also claim the cost of lessons. – Roger Freeman
This is the most ridiculous and factually incorrect article I have read. Firstly, an ABN does not cost you $99, you can get one for nothing. And you don’t need to renew an ABN. Setting up a company will cost anywhere from $668, if you are capable of doing it yourself. And then you have annual ASIC fees. None of this is mentioned by Michael O’Neil.
Secondly, having an ABN or not does mean you can suddenly claim expenses as tax deductions that don’t relate to your income. Based on that theory, you could claim many other things, not just a few lunches. Any tax deduction still needs to have a connection to the income you earn.
Dutton has also said it would not extend to playing golf, yet Michael states you could. It is the meal component that would become tax deductible. – Ben Seekamp
I couldn’t agree more with Michael O’Neil. As an ABN holder myself it boggled my mind to think I would be able to claim a $20,000 tax deduction every year for ‘client entertainment.’ I personally wouldn’t complain, but Michael is correct in saying reducing the rate of excise on alcohol sold by restaurants and bars would be a better policy to help reinvigorate the struggling hospitality sector. – Jack Jericho
You are looking at this in a totally negative way. It would be great to develop relationships with clients and staff. Flow on effects will save the hospo industry that badly needs assistance now. More jobs and more profit equals more tax to pay and viability. Great move for SMEs especially and if you also added the asset write-off and reduction in alcohol tax you would breathe new life into a great industry. – Tony Martin
Responding to “Artist slams for lease sign obstructing Frome Street mural”
Driller Jet Armstrong isn’t in a strong position to complain about his artwork being defaced. He deliberately mutilated the work of at least one other artist earlier in his career to make a statement of some sort. Perhaps this is what he’s referring to when he mentions ‘spite’? – Lyn Leader-Elliott
Is this the same Driller Jet Armstrong who produced ‘Prey’, ‘Boy on a Bench with a ball’, ‘Ode to a Hipster’ etc. Perhaps he added the For Lease sign himself – that’s his style! – Bob Lemar
