Labor stands with teachers until the Premier says sorry

Labor will not attend Tasmanian public schools for the rest of the school year.

Teachers, principals, and school communities have asked politicians to stay away until the Premier apologises, and we will respect that.

I would much rather be in our schools, but right now the most important thing we can do is stand in solidarity with educators who have been badly let down by the Premier.

Let’s be clear. Christmas is great, and it should be celebrated in our schools. It was never cancelled.

Premier Rockliff knew that. He lied anyway, whipping up a media storm that left a school community copping abuse and students walking past security at the gate.

Schools have had enough, and I don’t blame them. The Premier painted a target on a school when he should have had its back.

And where is the Education Minister? Jo Palmer’s job is to stand up for teachers, principals, and students. Instead, she has stayed silent.

The fix is simple. The Premier should apologise, visit the school, and support its staff and students.

Until he does, Labor will stand with educators, and I encourage every member of Parliament to do the same.