A coalition of Australia’s most prominent welfare groups has implored Senate crossbenchers to reject the Turnbull government’s corporate tax cuts, saying the policy is “unconscionable” when millions live in poverty.

Over the weekend a letter was sent to all Senate crossbenchers, who are being lobbied hard by the government to pass the signature economic legislation before the May budget.

A homeless woman sleeps in Martin Place in Sydney. Credit:Daniel Munoz

The proposed change would lower the tax rate for companies with a turnover of more than $50 million from 30 per cent to 25 per cent over the next eight years.

The move is opposed in a letter signed by groups including Anglicare, Oxfam Australia, the Salvation Army and the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).