Education focus for budget - Gillard

(Australia Twitter)-Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the budget will focus on education, as she announced $200 million for students with disabilities.

A week out from the federal budget, Ms Gillard visited a Canberra primary school to announce a $200 million plan for more speech and occupational therapy, technology, teacher aides, health professionals and specialised curriculums.

The Coalition continues to poll strongly against the Gillard government, with a primary vote last weekend of 44 per cent, compared to 45 per cent at the beginning of last month, while Labor's primary vote was 33 per cent, up one point.

The one-point shift either way on the primary vote and an unchanged Greens primary vote of 12 per cent meant two-party-preferred support, based on preference flows at last year's election, was 53 per cent for the Coalition, down two points, and 47 per cent for Labor, up two points.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Penny Wong - who has been working with Treasurer Wayne Swan to put the final touches to the budget - says changes to family and age pensions and health care are expected to save an average $7.5 billion a year over the coming four decades.

'This is $30 billion that can be allocated to helping those most in need, investing in education or improving access to health care,' Senator Wong said.

'The Gillard government is acting today to ensure higher living standards and better services for the next generation.