Queensland Premier Campbell Newman slams Gonski deal as a "bucket of custard" Premier Campbell Newman and Minister for Science, IT, Innovation and the Arts Ian Walker at a press conference in Brisbane this morning. PIC: Mark Calleja Source: News Limited Mr Newman says there has been "no movement" towards an agreement with Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Gonski deadline just days away. Mr Newman said the state would reject the deal even if it were ever offered by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and slammed it as a "bucket of custard." "We'd tip it over him," he said. If Tony Abbott was offering this up right now, I'd be saying no. The Premier blamed Ms Gillard for the broken negotiations, saying: "What do you do with people like that?" He maintained that the state would not agree to the reforms unless funding to universities was restored, long-term funding for kindergartens pledged and "red tape" reduced. Mr Newman also did not indicate any plans to help reduce the cost of the Hendra vaccine. Many horse owners have raised concerns about the cost of the vaccine being a barrier to its adoption. When asked whether the State Government would consider any subsidies, he said it was "a matter for the horse owners." He urged all owners to consider the benefits of the vaccine. The Premier also announced a new policy that would see Government departments pay interest to private sector providers who are not paid within 30 days on contracts worth less than $1 million dollars. He said some departments were opposed to the policy as they were not confident they would be able to pay their bills on time, with interest payments to come out of their own existing budgets. Businesses employing 20 employees or less will be eligible from July 1. The interest rate paid will be the same as that charged by the government. Up to 30 per cent of bills - including those issued by small businesses - are currently not being paid on time. Mr Newman said there had been "a lot of resistance" from some departments, with some "against" the policy. "That's for them to work out," he said. While he would not single out individual departments, he said: "Health would obviously be a likely suspect." Mr Newman also paid tribute to the late Eddie Liu, who died last night aged 91 after a long life of community service. He honoured his "amazing, rich life" and described him as a "tireless worker for the community" whose vision helped create Brisbane's vibrant China Town district. Mr Newman said he was personally saddened by the news this morning. School Education Minister Peter Garrett attacked Mr Newman's "bucket of custard" comments as "outrageous." What sort of Premier would dismiss $3.8 billion of extra funding for schools with this sort of language? Mr Garrett asked. It's outrageous. Premier Newman is failing in his duty to do the right thing by Queensland schools and families. He has waged a political campaign from the start. Premier Newman needs to take a deep breath, admit he is wrong, and pick up the phone. Otherwise students in his state are at risk of falling even further behind their peers in states like NSW and SA.