An attempt by the Australian Greens to make the federal government's debt levy on the rich permanent has failed to get parliamentary support.

The minor party on Monday tried to rally support in the Senate to make the government's proposed temporary tax hike on high income earners a permanent impost.

But the amendment failed to lift off, with just independent senator Nick Xenophon joining the nine Greens senators in backing the idea.

It was overwhelmingly defeated by the government and Labor, which supports the debt levy proposal.

Under the legislation, the top tax rate applying to income earned over $180,000 would be increased from 45 per cent to 47 per cent.

The tax hike would take effect from July and last three years.

Debate has adjourned on the Tax Laws Amendment (Temporary Budget Repair Levy) Bill 2014.