Reported at www.abc.net.au: Labor has estimated that the Coalition’s proposed tax-free lunch policy for small businesses would cost the federal budget $1.6 billion annually, while the Coalition argues the cost is significantly lower, estimated at under $250 million by the Parliamentary Budget Office.

The Coalition’s proposal would allow small businesses to deduct up to $20,000 for meals with clients or staff.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor criticised the use of Treasury for this estimation, claiming it politicises the public service, and plans to seek clarification from the Treasury Secretary.