The union said the Liberal and National Government had walked away from a needs-based funding model and returned to favouring private schools at the expense of rural public school students.

“There is nothing fair about Scott Morrison’s funding model,” NSW Teachers Federation President Maurie Mulheron said.

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Mr Mulheron said Labor’s pledge to substantially increase funding for public schools is a clear point of difference to the Coalition’s funding model.

“Public school teachers would welcome Labor’s promised $14 billion in additional funding over ten years,” he said.

“Instead of robbing public schools of funding, Labor is promising to immediately inject an additional $3.3 billion into our schools once elected.

“That puts about $917 million into public schools in NSW up front, funding that will go a long way towards addressing the needs of our most disadvantaged students and moving schools closer to the schooling resource standard.”

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But, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the union’s claims do not bear scrutiny.

“The facts are state school funding over the length of our package will grow by 101 per cent which is more than non-government schools, there is more money for state schools now than ever before and particular schools in my electorate,” he said.

“We recognise that schools in regional areas need more funding and to say there has been a cut is not correct.

“It is also important to remember they are called state schools for a reason. The state funds over 80 per cent of funding, the federal government funds a bit over 17 per cent, we are increasing the funding to state schools, but it’s important to remember the state is the primary funding source for state schools and the federal government is the primary funding source for private schools along with contributions from parents.”

Labor’s Parkes candidate Jack Ayoub said Labor would back educators.

“When we fund education we back our kids,” he said. “We are seeking to ensure that no matter where your child may go to school, no matter what type of school it may be. That they receive the highest level of education.”