Education Minister Christopher Pyne says he has not been discouraged from the university reform bill's defeat in the Senate, and will introduce a new package this morning.

'I'm not a quitter': Pyne presses on with uni reforms

GOT a view on the Government’s proposed higher education changes? Well, here’s a chance to text it to Christopher Pyne.

Education Minister Pyne is a champion of the SMS debate, as shown by his tactic of “inundating” PUP senator Glenn Lazarus with texts.

MORE: Pyne keeps texting Glenn Lazarus

That tactic failed, and the Government’s Plan A for university funding changes was defeated in the Senate last might.

You can support or criticise Mr Pyne’s Plan B, which he introduced to the House of Representatives today, by texting 0477 333 555. The Labor Opposition will forward all messages — for and against — to Mr Pyne.

“He’s shown a complete incapacity to listen to the Parliament or the people, but we have it on good authority this is one form of communication he might pay attention to,” said shadow finance minister Tony Burke.

Today, Mr Pyne endorsed texting as communication tool, as he announced a fresh debate was on.

“If we introduce this bill today it will give us six, seven, eight weeks of consideration over summer,” the minister told reporters.

“I’ve never been against debate. I’ve never been against the battle.

“I think this is important reform. I’m committed to it. And we will continue with it.”

He will need the support of PUP Senate leader Glenn Lazarus, who complained in a statement yesterday: “I am being inundated with text messages from Christopher Pyne virtually begging me to support the Abbott Government’s higher education reforms.

“I have never given Christopher Pyne my mobile phone number.”

Today, Mr Pyne gave his side of text tsunami story.

“Senator Lazarus is the only cross bench member who has not met with me since he was elected. I’ve written to him of course,” he said..

“And modern technology means you can communicate with people by SMS, so I’ve chosen to do that.

“I have written him a Christmas card so I hope so I hope he won’t send that back but I sense it will be all right.”

Senator Lazarus said he didn’t hold a grudge.

“At the end of the day, I have nothing against Christopher Pyne. I think he’s a great guy doing a great job,” he told reporters.

“But at the end of the day, I just don’t want to see university fees increase.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten made it clear that Labor would maintain its rejection of the Government’s broad proposals for higher education funding.

“Forcing Senator Lazarus to change his telephone number doesn’t change the legislation,” Mr Shorten joked to Caucus members.

“Christopher Pyne cannot text his way out of this.”