The heads of Australia's biggest charities – including Father Chris Riley, Tim Costello and Dr Caroline Lambert — have written to Prime Minister Tony Abbott pleading with him to not shut down the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission.

The RSPCA, Wesley Mission Victoria, Lifeline and the Myer Family Company are among those who say they "completely oppose" the government's plan.

World Vision chief executive Tim Costello says that if the government got rid of the ACNC there would be more red tape, not less.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister – which 40 organisations have signed — they say charities will have to deal with more red tape if the commission is shut down, contrary to the government's intentions.