The Australian Greens will oppose a temporary so-called deficit levy but have left open the option for permanent increases in taxes on the wealthy if the Abbott government wants to get serious about progressive structural tax reform.

"Australia needs long-term structural economic reform for the future to address challenges like climate change and growing inequality," Greens Leader Christine Milne said.

"Both those challenges highlight the need for permanent revenue streams - not phoney temporary measures.

Responding to reports Tony Abbott is planning to make petrol more expensive, Acting Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, said Tony Abbott's refusal to end fuel subsidies for wealthy miners proved the Coalition was siding with big business against everyday Australians.

"Tony Abbott's plan is for people to keep forking out billions each year just so the likes of Gina Rinehart can buy cheap diesel," said Mr Bandt.

"By making people pay more for petrol and GP visits while giving wealthy miners subsidised fuel, Tony Abbott has revealed his new three word slogan: ‘Stuff you, mate'.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne called on the Labor party and cross benchers to reject any proposal from the Abbott Government for a new tax on Australians, while polluters and big business continue to be let off the hook.

"The Australian Greens will oppose any attempt to institute a new tax that will hurt Australians while the Abbott Government refuses to raise revenue from those who can afford it most.

"A tax like this on everyone except the richest and dirtiest must be rejected.

"We call on other Senators to do the same.

The Australian Greens have announced a plan to ease the pressure on small business by expanding tax breaks and strengthening the role of the national Small Business Commissioner.

These new initiatives follow yesterday's announcement that the Greens would lower the company tax rate from 30% to 28% for companies with turnovers of less than $2 million dollars.