Govt a coal industry subsidiary: Greens

The Greens have accused the Abbott government of being a wholly-owned subsidiary of the coal industry.

It follows reports that Australia is on collision course with the US over funding for coal-fired power plants.

A leaked briefing paper, obtained by Fairfax Media, shows the government is using an international forum to frustrate efforts by the US, UK and France to wind back export subsidies for new but environmentally harmful coal stations in third-world countries.

There was only one reason for that, Greens leader Christine Milne said.

"They want to prop up Australian coal exports and protect the profits of their mates at the big end of town," she said.