Leaders should lift the standard, not lower it

In June, Premier Rockliff told Tasmanians that “culture wars, frankly, do not pay the rent.”

He was right. Four months later, he has done a complete 180.

The Premier told Tasmanians Trevallyn Primary was removing all references to Christmas. It wasn’t.

The Education Department had already confirmed there would be carols, Christmas performances and a visit from Santa, just like every other year. He knew that. He just didn’t care.

Words have consequences, especially when they come from the Premier.

The acting principal was named and pictured. Staff have been abused online and over the phone because of the Premier’s actions. Students were met with security at the school gates on their first day back from holidays. School volunteers are now writing to the Premier demanding answers.

As a former teacher, I find that deeply distressing. No teacher, parent or volunteer should be dragged into a national controversy over an end-of-year celebration aimed at bringing people together.

The Premier needs to take responsibility for his actions. He’s the Premier, and leaders need to hold themselves to a higher standard.

Tasmanians are really struggling right now. Families are struggling to pay the rent and the power bill, and they’re waiting too long for health care. They need a Premier focused on them, not on picking fights with a primary school.

I’m happy to plant a flag in the ground. I don’t believe in this sort of divisive politics or culture wars. I won’t play them, and I won’t participate in a race to the bottom. The Premier shouldn’t either.