Tasmanian teachers vote to ban politicians from public schools

Teachers and support staff in the Australian Education Union (AEU) have voted to ban politicians from visiting Tasmanian public schools for the remainder of the year. The decision follows a dispute involving Premier Jeremy Rockliff and a northern Tasmanian primary school regarding the renaming of its annual ‘Christmas on the Hill’ event to an ‘end-of-year extravaganza’.

The name change was reportedly initiated by students to ensure inclusivity for peers of different faiths who might not participate in Christmas traditions. AEU Tasmania Branch president David Genford stated that the Premier’s social media commentary regarding the change sparked a ‘wave of abuse’ against the school and its acting principal.

Premier Rockliff has declined to apologize, maintaining that while acknowledging other traditions is important, it is not a reason to abandon local heritage. The Department of Education, Children and Young People confirmed that the event will still include Christmas-themed performances and a visit from Santa.