Australian Greens leader Senator Bob Brown will move a motion at 3.30pm today that the Senate welcome news that US President Barrack Obama will meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

"US President Obama should be congratulated for his decision to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama," said Senator Brown.

"President Obama's decision sends a message that threats of diplomatic consequences from China will not prevent the leader of the United States from meeting with His Holiness.

"The US President's decision is contrary to that of Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who last year refused to meet with the Dalai Lama."

Coalition leader Tony Abbott met the Dalai Lama in Sydney last year and Senator Brown hosted the Dalai Lama to his public appearance at the Derwent Entertainment Centre in Hobart.