Joel Fitzgibbon will also use the opportunity to outline Labor’s plans for education funding and what it means for the New England electorate.

“We are committed to continuing the Gonski funding, which the Coalition is not prepared to do,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Gonski report recommended a federal government-funded needs-based program for six years, until the end of 2019, however the Coalition has only guaranteed to provide extra funding until 2017.

“Almost half of the additional funding will go to regional schools, not withstanding only about a third of children come from regional schools. All the research shows children in regional schools are falling behind students in capital cities,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The Gonski funding seeks to improve overall standards, but we have a big focus on bridging the gap between city and country schools.” 

The seat of New England has received $14.1 million in extra funding – the second-highest after Parkes – but would miss out on a great deal more, with most of the Gonski funding coming in the past two years.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the Gonski reforms were “critically important” for New England.

“That is why  Barnaby Joyce should be backing the final years of the funding – failing to do so disadvantages schools in his electorate,” he said.

“Barnaby Joyce has been taking his electorate for granted and I would have thought, given a real contest has emerged in this seat, he might rethink his position on schools funding.”

Mr Fitzgibbon was also gushing in his endorsement of Mr Ewings, calling him a “excellent candidate”.

“David has been working hard to sell Labor’s messages,” said.

“He’s been out doorknocking, doing the hard yards and I look forward to joining him on the campaign trail.” 

Mr Ewings said he was really pleased to have Mr Fitzgibbon join him on the campaign trail to talk about their party’s plan for additional funding for schools in the New England electorate.

“Investment in education is one of the most important priorities for Australia’s future, and Labor will ensure that the funding our schools need is delivered, while the Nationals cut $214 million out of the New England over the next 10years,” Mr Ewings said.

“At the next election, there will be a clear choice when it comes to education – invest in our children’s and nation’s future with Labor, or more of the same cuts to education under Barnaby Joyce.”