Australian Christians are being called to ‘shine a light’ on the impact of tax evasion on the world’s poor before global leaders arrive in Sydney for the G20 later this year.

“Shine the Light” selfies are sent to politicians

More money is lost annually through corporate tax dodging in developing countries than is given in aid.

Global Christian advocacy group Micah Challenge have launched the ‘Shine the Light’ campaign to draw attention to the problem and call on the G20 to discuss a range of solutions.

John Beckett, Micah Challenge’s national coordinator says being the host country this year, Australia can set the world’s agenda at the G20.

“It’s a real opportunity for us in Australia to be a channel for a global voice for Christians who are concerned about this issue.

“Tax evasion is robbing the poor and developing nations of hundreds of billions of dollars in potential tax revenue which could be used for provision of health care, education, water and sanitation—vital things developing nations need to help lift their people out of poverty.”

The crux of the issue is transparency. Multi-nationals are very good at hiding where their profits are held and avoiding paying tax to the countries in which they operate.

“The global tax system is broken. We know that it’s broken but the practices of multi-national companies are covered in a veil of secrecy which means it’s very difficult to find information about the way they’re shifting their profits around the world,” says John.

Micah Challenge is offering four solutions to what is a very complex problem. These include automatic sharing of information between tax authorities around the world, establishing a public register listing the true owners and beneficiaries of companies and trusts, and standardising the way companies report on their operations by requesting information on a country-by-country basis.

As part of the campaign, Australian Christians are being invited to take a photo of themselves shining a light onto their face in the darkness and to send their “Shine the Light” selfie to their local MP or Treasurer Joe Hockey. Churches can also hold a candlelight service as part of the campaign. To get involved, visit the Shine the Light website.