PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says it's time Queensland's government made some tough choices to put the state's school children first.
Ms Gillard has announced a $14.5 billion boost to school funding over the next six years.
The states will have to pay about a third of that amount.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman claims the state doesn't have enough money to fund the reforms.
But Ms Gillard says the federal government has made a good offer and now it's down to the Queensland government "and the budget choices it's prepared to make".
"You live in a world of tough choices. We've made some to put our kids first. I'm obviously asking Premier Newman to do the same," she told ABC radio.
"That is to make sure that every child goes to a school that is properly resourced and that we get the school funding system right for generations to come.
"Our competitors are improving their schools. If we just sit and let them get in front then that only ends one way ... with us having a weaker economy and less ability to have the high-skilled, high-paid jobs of the future."
Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said he was unsure whether the funding would have a positive impact on the state's schools.
"As a parent I'm confused, I'm sure teachers and students and principals are confused as well," he said.
"That's something we need to clarify, to make sure that our worse-off schools do not continue to be worse off under a standard that the federal government set originally."
Earlier, Premier Campbell Newman dismissed the Gonski scheme saying Queensland can't afford $1 billion more for education without cuts elsewhere.
Reacting to the Prime Minister's announcement of "two-for-one" funding for the Gonski reforms, Mr Newman called for the scheme to be put on hold until after the September federal election.
Julia Gillard promised to spend an extra $14.5 billion over six years to build a "world-leading education system", but said a third of the money would have to come from the states.
Under the plan, Queensland schools would receive an extra $3.8 billion in that period, of which about $1.3 billion would come from the state government.
Mr Newman said it was unreasonable for the Prime Minister to say "you have to spend money on this".
"I don't see where our money will come from without cuts to something else," the Premier said.
"I can't believe they're going to find the money, because they don't have it. The whole thing should be held in the balance until there's a federal election."
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He also took a shot at Ms Gillard for revealing more details of her education plan in newspapers without any consultation with his government.
"I've got nothing in writing from them. Here I am, Premier of the State, you're asking me questions about this great announcement and I don't have a letter from the Prime Minister," Mr Newman said.
The issue will be the main topic of discussion at Friday's Council of Australian Governments meeting in Canberra, which Mr Newman will attend.
Ms Gillard warned the states needed to agree to her plan by June 30 or have their current federal funding maintained, at levels that were decreasing each year due to indexation.
Last night on Twitter, Mr Newman appeared set for a fight at COAG.
"I am amazed by reporting on Gonski - somehow, magically the federal govt has a surplus and the money to pay. Let's see at budget time," he tweeted.
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the Premier "would not be bullied into signing up to a deal that left Queensland students worse off".
"From what we understand, the Gillard Government has adjusted back the rate of indexation for the schools that are currently below the schools resource standard," Mr Langbroek said.
"That will mean it will take longer for these schools to catch up to the standard that the Gillard Government is required for our children to succeed at school."
Queensland Catholic Education Commission executive director Mike Byrne said it appeared the funding arrangements being proposed by the Prime Minister would "widen the gap in resourcing between Catholic and government schools".
"Any reduction in funding comparative to government schools will place pressure on school fees and could force families out of Catholic schools," Mr Byrne said.
"This would ultimately cost government more money."
- additional reporting by AAP
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