Vic govt backs Abbott's school fund pledge THE Victorian government has welcomed the federal opposition's change of heart to support schools funding reforms as the state and Commonwealth edge closer to a deal. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott on Friday said the coalition would push ahead with the federal government's proposed funding changes, backing away from previous criticisms of the plan. Mr Abbott, however, said the coalition would not tie the additional funding to legislation which it argues would centralise decision making to Canberra. Victoria, along with Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, have thus far held out on signing up to the reforms. Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said the Abbott plan made a deal more palatable to the state. "Allowing Canberra-based bureaucrats to run Victorian schools would be a massive step backwards for our education system," Dr Napthine said. We urge the Rudd Labor government to follow suit so that we can achieve positive reform for Victoria's education system. Federal Education Minister Bill Shorten said the Commonwealth and Victorian governments were close to reaching an agreement.