One of the issues which leaders at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Brisbane will discuss this weekend is how to clamp down on companies using tax havens to avoid payments.

Mr English, who is in Brisbane for the meeting, said there was momentum to do something.

"It's going on relatively quietly below the public radar because it's not really controversial but there are going to be quite big steps in my view towards making sure these multi-national corporations pay their fair share."

Mr English said other matters being considered by the G20 were much more difficult to resolve.

Our correspondent reports MPs have complained they are yet to receive copies of the various bills to be debated.

The opposition says it is important for the 52 MPs to get the bills in plenty of time, especially the appropriation bill so they know how government will pay for services in the coming year.