Federal Labor has announced it will maintain funding to private schools until at least 2014, while the Coalition has announced a plan to increase workforce participation by people over 50.
The current funding arrangement is due to expire in 2012 and today Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the existing agreement, including the current indexation arrangements, will be extended.
Ms Gillard said the announcement ensured certainty for all Government, Catholic and Independent Schools until the end of 2013.
"A review panel of eminent Australians is examining the best way to ensure future school funding delivers excellent education and value for money for all Australian schools and students," she said.
"Following the recommendations of the independent funding review panel, a re-elected Gillard Labor government will put forward its proposals for future funding for consultation with schools, education systems and parents."
Ms Gillard also continued to woo young families, promising they could bring forward $500 of their baby bonus to help pay for unexpected expenses.
The initiative will cost $54 million over four years.
It includes allowing families to bring forward 7.5 per cent of their family benefits.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott continued to campaign in Queensland Opposition where he unveiled a Coalition plan to encourage employers to take on willing older people.
The Coalition will pay $250 a fortnight to a business which takes on a worker aged over 50.
The person has to be registered with Centrelink and the employer will be paid a lump sum of $3250 once the employee has been in the job for six months.
The scheme would start next year and be reviewed after three years.
"We've got to make better use of willing workers who are currently not being used," Mr Abbott told Fairfax Radio.
"If we can get unproductive people back into production we are doing everyone a favour."
