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Oxfam calls for tax haven crack down

A new report from Oxfam shows half of the world's wealth in the hands of the richest one per cent of its population.

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Source: AAP


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Oxfam wants Prime Minister Tony Abbott to align himself with the 99 per cent and call for a crack down on tax havens at the World Economic Forum.

The organisation has released a discussion paper showing economic inequality increasing with almost half the world's wealth now in the hands of just one per cent of its population.

The poorest half of the world's population own the same amount as the richest 85 people.

Mr Abbott will address to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Thursday and is expected to outline where he plans to take Australia as a global economic player.

Oxfam is urging all gathered at the forum to support progressive taxation regimes and crack down on tax havens.

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"Tony Abbott is in a prime position to help reduce extreme inequality and poverty globally as Australia prepares to host the leaders of G20 nations this year," Oxfam Australia chief executive Helen Szoke said in a statement.

She called on the government to introduce rules requiring Australian mining and energy companies to disclose the payments they make to governments in other countries, a move to help stamp out corruption.

Oxfam says the rising concentration of wealth represents a global threat to stable and inclusive societies.

"In developed and developing countries alike, the lowest tax rates, the best health and education and the opportunity to influence are being given to the rich and their children," Dr Szoke said.

A network of tax havens allowed the richest individuals and companies to hide trillions of dollars from tax collectors.


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