Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has apologised for the effect of his Christmas comments on teachers and schools, after previously refusing to say sorry for his comments and after teachers passed a no-confidence motion against him.
He says he still stands by his expectation that schools should acknowledge and celebrate Christmas.
Asked on Friday whether he stood by his decision not to apologise, Rockliff said: “I’m sorry for the outcome that it has created and it was never my intention to have an outcome such as this.”
“So I’m sorry for the effect on individuals, teachers and schools,” he said.
“That was never my intention, but I stand by my expectations and my expectations are very clear.”
Rockliff said he had passed on a constituent’s concern to the education department secretary and made two “very measured” public statements.
He said neither statement mentioned the school or any individuals. He said he felt for the people involved, including the school and its teachers.
“There is no place in our community for vitriol, for personal attacks in any setting, including social media,” he said.
In October, a Launceston primary school dropped the word Christmas from the name of its end-of-year Christmas event.
Rockliff then asked the department to step in. He told the department public schools were expected to acknowledge and celebrate Christmas.
The Australian Education Union had earlier asked politicians to stay out of public schools until Rockliff apologised.
This week, union members at the school passed motions calling for apologies from Rockliff and Education Minister Jo Palmer.
