The Australian Greens have welcomed a fresh discussion about high speed rail in light of the proposal from Consolidated Land and Rail Australia, but warn that it's crucial that the infrastructure is built in the nation's interests, not to suit the profits of private property developers.

"Federal and state governments need to lead this cross-generational project, not just respond to the private sector," said Greens spokesperson for transport, Senator Janet Rice.

Greens Leader Richard Di Natale was in Strathfield today to launch the Australian Greens plan to encourage the rollout of electric vehicles, saying Australia needs to get behind clean, innovative transport options.

"Electric vehicles are rapidly coming down in price. With solar panels on our roof, charging our batteries for our home and car, free daily transport is at our fingertips."

The Australian Greens want to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and encourage the growing electric vehicle industry by promoting free registration for electric vehicles.

The Australian Senate has passed a Greens' motion calling on the NSW government to reverse its decision to truncate the heavy rail line into Newcastle and the Federal government to commit to investing in public transport infrastructure in regional Australia.

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon said: "The Greens put this motion before the Senate to win federal support for the Newcastle community rallying against the NSW Liberal/National government's decision to truncate the rail line into the heart of Newcastle.

In a vote in the Senate Labor has failed to stand up for community opposition to the Westconnex and effectively backed the $13 billion discredited motorway.

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon said: "It is disappointing that Labor did not support community concerns and more funding for public transport in this Senate vote.

"Labor lined up with the Coalition to vote down a Greens motion calling for the government to abandon the WestConnex motorway and put the money saved into improving Sydney's public transport.

Greens Deputy Leader and Melbourne MP Adam Bandt, and Transport spokesperson, Victorian Senator Janet Rice, hailed the success of the campaign against the East-West project in forcing Labor to change its position.

"Labor has finally succumbed to pressure from the Greens and the community by moving to rip-up the East-West tollway contracts, but there are some worrying strings attached to this latest plan," Mr Bandt said.

"Victorian Labor is clearly feeling the heat in inner-Melbourne.