Arabic version: روكليف يواجه انتقادات بشأن خلاف عيد الميلاد في مدرسة

According to ABC News, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has drawn criticism after raising concerns on social media about an apparent effort by a school to “remove all references to Christmas in end-of-year school celebrations”. He said he had asked the education department to intervene.

The school at the centre of the dispute had planned to rename one event from “Christmas on the Hill” to “End of Year Extravaganza” and replace carols with some pop songs. Its calendar still included multiple Christmas references, while Santa, carols and other Christmas elements remained part of end-of-year celebrations.

ABC News reported that the dispute developed into a broader online argument over “cancelling Christmas”. Media outlets named the school and, in some cases, the acting principal, who is now on stress leave. The Australian Education Union said staff were upset and being harassed, while there were reports that security was required at the school because of the online climate.

The AEU, Unions Tas and other MPs have called on Mr Rockliff to apologise, and the union launched a petition. Nearly a week after the issue emerged, Mr Rockliff restated his position, saying concerned parents had contacted him and that the school had confirmed changes were being made over concerns about exclusion.

Labor Leader Josh Willie said the Education Department had confirmed there would be carols, Christmas performances and a visit from Santa. Federal Assistant Minister Rebecca White said politicians should lower the temperature and lead by example. The episode has prompted questions about Mr Rockliff’s approach, after he previously said that “culture wars, frankly, do not pay the rent”.