I've never had a old carbon copy from a motel Nathan. Usually once someone knowledgeable/competent turns up at the office they can print the invoice off straight away.
I was thinking the ATO would be where I'd have to go on this. I couldn't find anything on their website. I'll have a look at consumer affairs.
Has anybody ever had something like this happen? The only times I've been refused a tax invoice is when the company DEMANDS cash only - in which case I walk away without paying (usually with a grumpy proprietor with unpaid food in hand).