Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton launch unofficial campaigns before election date

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are pushing ahead with their unofficial campaigns, with both leaders continuing to announce vote-winning commitments before the election date is even set.

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton.

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are pushing ahead with their unofficial campaigns, with both leaders continuing to announce vote-winning commitments before the election date is even set.

The Federal Opposition Leader will announce a $20,000 tax deduction for small businesses in Brisbane on Sunday, in a bid to stimulate the struggling sector.

While the Prime Minister will spend Sunday in Western Sydney, splashing major cash on a crucial road connecting Western Sydney to the region’s new airport.

The Coalition’s new tax measure will be unveiled at an inner-city rally as they look to take back the key seats of Brisbane, Ryan and Griffith – all lost to the Greens in 2022.

Under their proposed policy, small businesses with turnover up to $10m would be eligible to claim up to $20,000 per year for dining and entertainment provided to clients, vendors, and employees.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Dutton said the tax break would ease financial pressures while incentivising spending in struggling industries.

“We want other small businesses to spend more at their local cafes, clubs and pubs,” he said.

“And if they can take their employees to the venues and pay for a meal as part of a milestone sales event, or acknowledgement for their hard work then it is a win win for both businesses.

“It will help retention and provide a reward to employees.

“Skyrocketing electricity, gas and insurance prices, a local coffee shop creates important local jobs, but they are also spending money buying supplies from other local businesses.”

The plan targets industries hit hardest by Covid-19 and inflation, including hospitality, where more than 4000 businesses have collapsed since 2020, contributing to 26,000 total small business insolvencies nationwide.

Accomodation and food service businesses have borne the brunt of rising costs, with the sector shedding 165,000 jobs last year alone.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutto. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The number of small businesses in Queensland seeking debt help also rose 95.8 per cent last year compared to 2023, pushing financial counselling services to the brink.

All deductions would exclude alcohol and be exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) -a tax paid by employers on certain benefits to their staff and families including car parking, concert tickets and some salary sacrifice benefits.

Brisbane Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser in November called for FBT to be scrapped completely, arguing it would strengthen the hospitality economy by encouraging more companies to dine out.

“More people would be spending more money in the economy and they (the Australian Taxation Office) would be recovering the GST still,” he said.

The Coalition last week vowed to lift the Instant Asset Write Off threshold to $30,000, providing small businesses with wider immediate deduction allowance.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has continued his pre-election infrastructure cash splash in Sydney today aimed at reducing congestion and improving connectivity to the airport.

Mr Albanese last week visited Queensland to unveil a $7.2bn Bruce Highway commitment, later matched by Mr Dutton.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton launch unofficial campaigns before election date