The Greens will oppose the Abbott government’s “debt levy” on high-income earners in the Senate after leader Christine Milne won an internal stoush over the policy.

Without the support of Labor or the Greens, Mr Abbott will struggle to get the measure through either the current or new Senate. After July the Senate will be dominated by Clive Palmer's senators, who are likely to oppose any tax increases.



Greens leader Christine Milne has won an internal battle to oppose a levy on high income earners. Credit:Penny Bradfield

Fairfax Media revealed on Sunday that Senator Milne had angered some of her colleagues, and Greens supporters, by rejecting the temporary tax increase on Australians earning over $150,000 a year.