Greens push to name, shame tax-dodging corporations

The Greens have released a discussion paper of policies to crack down on tax avoidance by multinational corporations, which is costing our federal budget billions.

"We cannot tax what we cannot see. Both the public and the parliament have a right to know which companies are dodging their taxes," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"Joe Hockey is all talk about international cooperation some time in the future, but the Australian community can't afford to wait. Another Hockey budget is only three weeks away.

"The Abbott government needs to stop going after the sick, the elderly, students and the unemployed, and start taking on these hugely profitable companies that are organising themselves to rip off Australia.

"As a nation we've got to collect the money we need for health, for education and to look after our environment, but it doesn't need to come from those who can least afford to pay.

"The Coalition government simply can't be taken seriously on this issue.

"We need to close legal loopholes and actually collect the corporate tax that is owed to Australians," said Senator Milne.