Parents hoping for a last-minute change of heart from the federal government on schools funding in the budget may be left disappointed.
The Turnbull government remains firmly opposed to the Gonski funding hikes originally slated for 2018 and 2019, committing to its plans to tie funding to inflation increases.
But with needs-based funding emerging as a key election battle ground, parents may get a sweetener of sorts.
Leaked talking points revealed in February suggest the government could raise the indexation rate to better reflect the increasing cost of schooling.
The federal education minister, who's long argued that more money won't lead to brighter students, insists schools will be better off whatever the outcome.
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.
Besides, there is still time to negotiate on a new plan.
"The Turnbull government remains committed to engaging prior to 2018 in discussions with the states, territories and non-government sector about post-2017 funding that is fair, transparent, needs-based, affordable and looks beyond just a two-year horizon," Simon Birmingham told AAP in a statement.
The minister also downplayed an idea floated by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for the commonwealth withdrawing from funding public schools.
That's despite the fact he reckons states could be freed up to do whatever they want if they had more power - including funding Gonski if they so wished.
"Nobody is suggesting that the commonwealth withdraw funding support for schools, unless the states get an increased revenue stream," he said.
