One Nation is reportedly ready to back the Turnbull government's school funding reforms, although some coalition MPs are concerned about a backlash from the Catholic school sector.
Brian Burston, One Nation's whip, has told The Australian that the party's four senators would support Gonski 2.0 in its current form, but leader Pauline Hanson has refused to confirm the party's position.
"It's a fair deal, it's based on need, and the fact a school can apply for extra funding based on special needs I think is a good thing,'' Senator Burston told The Australian on Sunday.
West Australian Liberal Chris Back, who will retire from the Senate this week, told the paper he could not support the Gonski 2.0 package in its current form.
Catholic schools communities, the teachers' union and Labor strongly oppose the plan and are likely to try to make their arguments heard.
Education department figures given to crossbenchers show Catholic schools will lose almost $4.6 billion over the next decade under the government's plan compared with the status quo "fall back option".
With Labor opposed, the government has to rely on the crossbench to pass the package, which will inject an extra $18.6 billion into the nation's schools.
Education Minister Simon Birmingham is trying to win or hold on to their votes as he pushes to have the government's school funding package pass parliament before the week is out.
Senator Birmingham said he had two possible pathways to passing the bill, but still held out hope Labor would "come to their senses".
He has offered a compromise to the Greens that includes getting money to schools over six years instead of the planned 10, more accountability over state government funding, and an independent watchdog.
The minor party will consider that offer at its party room meeting early in the week, but leader Richard Di Natale cautioned on Sunday it wouldn't be rushed into making a decision simply to meet the government's timetable.
Greens education spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young says the party wants to do what is best for public schools.
"Public education shouldn't be a safety net for families that can't afford private school fees - they should be the gold standard," she told AAP.
"We want genuine, needs-based funding for our schools so no matter where a child grows up they'll have access to a quality education."
The legislation is scheduled for debate on Wednesday.
