THE Greens have stepped up their demands that the government slash the $2 billion diesel tax rebate for mining companies, accusing the government of putting miners before health, education and disability insurance.

The mining industry is worried that next month's budget, in which Treasurer Wayne Swan needs to make deep spending cuts to achieve his promised surplus, will include cuts to the rebate it enjoys on diesel fuel tax.

With the government needing Greens backing to push through its desired business tax cuts and Mr Swan under pressure to find big savings, the diesel tax breaks are widely seen as being in the firing line.

Greens deputy leader Christine Milne upped the rhetoric yesterday, likening the government's position to that of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who said in January that adding dental care to the Medicare system was merely an ''aspiration'', not a commitment.

''What we're seeing is the government moving closer to the Abbott position of having aspirations for things like the Gonski review for $5 billion into education or Denticare because it's not prepared to move on fossil fuel subsidies,'' she said.