Bombshell crime claims about Hillsong finances rock Parliament

Andrew Wilkie’s central claim is that the church under-reported its income by some tens of millions in an alleged tax fraud. Photo: AAP

The leader of one of Australia’s largest Pentecostal churches, and the former friend and confidant of ex-PM Scott Morrison, has been accused of money laundering and tax evasion on the floor of Parliament.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie used Parliamentary privilege Thursday to release more than 1000 leaked documents relating to the financials of Hillsong and its founding pastor, Brian C Houston, who recently quit the church.