Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has given his Labor predecessor a surprise pat on the back for improving education in the state.
Mr Newman was asked on talkback radio on Thursday whether he should be claiming credit for the state's improved NAPLAN results.
The Liberal National Party (LNP) premier said credit should go to Labor Premier Anna Bligh, who he defeated in a a landslide victory in 2012.
Mr Newman said Ms Bligh had signed a national partnership agreement, which has seen kindergarten attendance in Queensland grow from about 45 per cent during her tenure to "mid-90 per cent attendance".
"If you put more effort into the early years, you get better results," Mr Newman told Fairfax Radio.
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"I knew you'd be surprised, but I do pay that sort of tribute to Premier Bligh for that initiative."
Mr Newman said he has also written a "pushy" letter to Prime Minister Tony Abbott who, despite sharing his political allegiances, hasn't guaranteed funding for the initiative beyond 2015.
"Frankly, what we're seeing in this issue is not good enough," he said.
Mr Newman said he would welcome Mr Abbott joining him on the campaign trail during next year's state election.
"If he's here and he wants to come around, fine," he said.
But he said he would "stand up for Queensland" against the federal government if needed.
Several political commentators, including former premier Jeff Kennett, have blamed the unpopular Abbott government for the Liberals losing the recent Victorian state election.
