An attempt to change the law in South Australia to allow public money to be spent on promoting a nuclear waste dump has been stopped with the Greens claiming a victory.

A law passed in 2000 to stop public funds from being used in any activity associated with a nuclear waste facility.

The State Government had tried to amend the law to allow consultation with the community on the results of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission.

Greens MLC Mark Parnell said the proposed change was too wide ranging and the Upper House had stepped in to protect taxpayers.

"The Greens do accept that we do need to have a public debate," he said.

"We're confident we know what the result will be but nevertheless the Government says they only want to consult, they don't want to spruik and they don't want to plan for a nuclear waste dump."

He said the Government had attempted to "overreach".

"The law now says that the Government can use public money to consult the community but they're not to use public money for promoting or designing or even buying land for a nuclear waste dump."