Unanimity key to model going ahead

Daniel Hurst, Josephine Tovey The future of Julia Gillard's signature school funding reforms could hinge on her ability to strike a deal with all states and territories, with the Coalition warning it would ''unpick'' anything...

Garrett talks up chance of Gonski deal

Daniel Hurst Federal School Education Minister Peter Garrett is talking up the chances of striking a deal to overhaul school funding, despite several unresolved sticking points and outbreaks of political jousting...

BCA demands 10-year costing on key reforms

Daniel Hurst A business leader has warned the government to be realistic about whether it can afford its landmark reforms.

Public schools serve growing numbers of disadvantaged

Daniel Hurst, Josephine Tovey Twice as many students at public schools come from low-income families as from high-income ones, a dramatic shift from 25 years ago when the make-up was more equal.

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'Crack team' plan to report on school performance

Daniel Hurst A ''crack team'' of education gurus will be formed into a new national body to collect school performance data, Federal School Education Minister Peter Garrett has said.

Gillard's school reforms in peril as states refuse

Daniel Hurst and Jewel Topsfield Prime Minister Julia Gillard's hopes of securing a landmark deal to overhaul school funding have suffered a setback, after Australia's biggest states baulked at a demand to sign up to school...

Conservative states refuse to back Gonski plan, accusing Garrett of playing politics

Daniel Hurst Julia Gillard's hopes of securing a landmark deal to overhaul school funding have suffered a setback, after the nation's biggest states refused to sign up to the reform principles.

Funding off agenda in Gonski phone hook-up

Daniel Hurst The Gillard government will insist states and territories endorse the principles of its national plan for school improvement on Monday afternoon – before funding amounts are locked in.

Coalition 'fact-free zone' on NBN: Conroy

Daniel Hurst The Gillard government has rejected claims the cost of the national broadband network will more than double to $90 billion, saying the Coalition was a ''fact-free zone''.

Gillard will 'demonise' states over Gonski

Daniel Hurst Julia Gillard will "demonise" conservative state leaders who refuse to sign up to her signature school funding reforms, Queensland’s education minister has predicted.

Critical talks on school funding

Daniel Hurst PM will 'demonise' state leaders who refuse to sign up to her funding reforms, minister predicts.

Super changes to hit rich retirees

Daniel Hurst and Jonathan Swan Australians with about $2 million in superannuation will lose tax concessions under changes to the system announced on Friday by Treasurer Wayne Swan.

Funds offer compromise on balances

Peter Martin, Daniel Hurst The peak body representing super funds has offered the Treasurer an olive branch.

Government, funds body 'not far' from agreement

Peter Martin, Daniel Hurst The peak body representing super funds has offered the Treasurer an olive branch, saying it would be prepared to consider reduced or zero tax concessions on super accounts with very high balances.

Labor pressed on super

Peter Martin, Daniel Hurst The Gillard government is under pressure to reveal its plans for superannuation within weeks, after three of the crossbenchers it needs to get the changes through Parliament said they would treat...

MPs want super changes revealed

Peter Martin, Daniel Hurst The Gillard government is under pressure to reveal its plans for superannuation within weeks after three of the crossbenchers it needs to get the changes through Parliament said they will treat them...

Super tax breaks for rich 'excessive': Swan

Daniel Hurst Superannuation tax concessions for the wealthiest Australians were ''excessively generous'', Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan declared as he sought to calm nerves over the extent of potential changes...

Tax increase a 'betrayal', says Abbott

Daniel Hurst Tony Abbott has intensified his campaign against potential superannuation tax hikes for upper-income earners, assuring voters their money would be 'safe with us', while refusing to reverse changes.

Tax rises a 'betrayal' that Abbott might not reverse

Daniel Hurst Tony Abbott has intensified his campaign against potential superannuation tax rises for high-income earners, assuring voters their money would be ''safe with us'', while refusing to reverse changes.

Labor's talk against 457 visa scheme 'disgraceful and racist': Murdoch

Daniel Hurst Media magnate Rupert Murdoch has denounced the Gillard government's rhetoric on the skilled foreign worker visa program as ''disgraceful and racist''.