Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has extended the deadline for states to sign on for national education funding reforms, some states are using the time to voice concerns with the overhauled policies.

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Adam Giles says he’s keen to speak to mr Rudd before signing on, saying “the previous relationship with the Prime Minister [Julia Gillard] was not the best working relationship...Kevin and I have had a good conversation a couple of times. We'll open negotiations and as long as it is in the best interests of the Territory, we will always negotiate and try and get the best outcome that we can."

Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine was possibly most vocal in his opposition to the bill, he is meant to have met with the Prime Minister this week to continue negotiations. Dr Napthine had previously disagreed with the amount of control the Federal Government would have on where funding allocations are spent; he says that should be for state educational boards to decide.