Greens urge government to scrap miners’ diesel rebates

The Greens are pressuring the federal government to scrap a diesel fuel rebate for mining companies.

“Certainly we’ve made it very clear to the government that we would like to see this diesel fuel rebate of $2 billion put back into the community,” Greens leader Christine Milne told ABC Radio.

Of the 1,008 people surveyed online, 91% thought the $2 billion would be better spent on health and education.

Polling commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation suggests 77% of Australians think the diesel fuel rebate for miners should be scrapped.

“If the government is looking for savings in the budget the first things that should go are senseless tax breaks that promote pollution,” foundation chief executive Don Henry said in a statement.