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August 3rd, 2013 
THE Victorian government has accused Education Minister Bill Shorten of acting like a schoolyard bully during negotiations on education reforms.
The federal government was confident of striking a deal with Victoria, who along with Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have held out on agreeing to the reforms.
Mr Shorten said Victorian Premier Denis Napthine had pulled out of a potential deal late on Friday night.
“The prime minister of Australia and myself work weekends, we are happy to meet with you (Dr Napthine),” he said in Melbourne on Saturday.
“I can only conclude that somehow Premier Napthine, by delaying the education deal, is trying to delay the election.”
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is tipped to visit the governor-general on Sunday seeking approval for a September 7 election.
Mr Shorten said the schools funding issue should be above politics.
“Let’s forget the politics Premier Napthine, let’s put the kids of Victoria first, as you have been doing in these negotiations, let’s just get it done,” he said.
A state government spokesman said Dr Napthine and education officials had been working tirelessly to get a deal done.
“Bill Shorten should stop playing the schoolyard bully and focus on getting the best outcome for Victorian schools and students,” he said.
“Despite this, we are continuing to negotiate with the federal government in good faith.”
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