SM,

579 of Australia's "largest" corporations - and you're getting all pedantic over how "large" they are.

All righty then.

Of course, one wouldn't expect a right-winger like you to consider any of that "unethical" - why it's more something to wear as a badge of honour, I should imagine.

And "Parrot"...goodness me, you'll have to stop being so witty - we're all delirious with admiration at that one!

Poirot,

As the authority on business ethics perhaps you can justify why it is unethical for a company that is making a loss to pay no company tax? Remembering of course that these companies are still paying a wage tax, GST, paye, and plethora of other state taxes.

I wouldn't dream of it, SM...

579 of our "largest" corporations in business and making a loss seems perfectly legit.

"Accounting firms have been urging corporate clients to be proactive in explaining their tax position. Preparations include seminars, one-on-one coaching and suggested question-and-answer briefings for senior executives to handle media inquiries.

Of the 579 companies that paid no tax in the transparency report, 8 per cent used prior-year losses and 7 per cent used franking credits, R&D and other offsets to wipe out their tax bill."

Companies may struggle to explain how the ATO numbers differ from their own reported tax payments, and the quite different measures of accounting profit and taxable income."

http://www.afr.com/news/policy/tax-office-to-name-579-companies-that-paid-no-tax-20151216-glp3vc#ixzz49cCOw1zg

Poirot,

"Companies may struggle to explain how the ATO numbers differ from their own reported tax payments, and the quite different measures of accounting profit and taxable income."

Once again all you have is vague innuendo.

All incorporated companies are required to submit their tax returns with an audit report from an independent auditing firm who goes through their books with a fine tooth comb and sign off that the tax return complies with all the tax laws. These firms stake their reputation on these reports and face huge fines or suspension if the ATO finds any non compliance.

So the innuendo that there is widespread crookery is purest fantasy.