Use cane to discipline bad boys, says Latham.

LABOR backbencher Mark Latham has departed from party policy by advocating corporal punishment in schools and calling for troubled boys to be sent to farms.

In a mailout to his constituents, the outspoken Mr Latham, a one-time Labor education spokesman and now MP for the safe western Sydney seat of Werriwa, said he wanted tough but fair policies for boys.

He called for a policy that "restores discipline in our high schools - bringing back the cane as a deterrent" and alternative forms of education such as farm work and apprenticeships for troubled boys.

A spokeswoman for Mr Latham said the mailout was sent from his office yesterday.

His comments contrast starkly with his leader's Knowledge Nation package and are likely to embarrass the ALP.

Opposition Leader Kim Beazley announced a $176 million package for an extra 680 teachers, some of whom would be specially trained in behaviour management to deal with problem children.