Tony Abbott has also dismissed accusations that the budget was an act of “political cowardice”.
Speaking on ABC Radio this morning, Mr Abbott said he was willing to take a hit in the polls in order to address budget issues.
“This budget is an act of political courage,” he said.
“It is also an act of political necessity.”
Mr Abbott said the Coalition was “absolutely upfront” on plans for schools funding, later defending changes to universities by saying that current students won’t be affected.
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His comments follow his cancellation of plans to visit a Geelong research facility at Deakin University with Education Minister Christopher Pyne.
National Union of Students president Deanna Taylor says Mr Abbott must explain why he's worried about facing students and answering their questions.
“I think the prime minister and his ministers are being a bit cowardly and trying to portray students as though they're violent rabble-rousers who are out to cause trouble, which isn't the case at all,” she told AAP.
“They're trying to make us sound like spoiled little brats who don't know how good we've got it. They have a very clear agenda.”
- with AAP.
