Queensland's premier says it's unclear who will control the state's schools under a new federal funding deal.
Campbell Newman says there are different messages coming from federal politicians on one hand, and federal bureaucrats on the other.
He says there's confusion about how much funding Queensland would get but the real deal breaker is whether the state or Canberra would control education in the state.
Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek attacked the federal government on live radio earlier on Thursday, labelling Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as a "charlatan" and federal Education Minister Bill Shorten as a "used car salesman".
Mr Langbroek says there's no point in holding any more talks on education funding.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
But Mr Newman took a more measured approach, calling for the prime minister to deal with Queensland's issues, reopening the door for further negotiations.
"The ball is in the prime minister's court to deal with the funding issue and the bureaucracy, red tape and control by Canberra of Queensland schools," the premier said.
Mr Shorten admitted there was "scratchiness" in negotiations after last week's productive talks, but said he respected Queensland's autonomy.
"We respect that Canberra doesn't run schools," he told reporters in Melbourne.
"The commonwealth does not want to take over school education in Australia."
He also offered to fly to Brisbane for more talks with the Queensland government.
"In the politest and gentlest possible way we say to them, when you've got another level of government offering to provide two extra dollars for every extra dollar that you invest in children's education in Queensland," Mr Shorten said.
"This is a good deal.
"We wish to partner with the Queensland government."
