The director of one of Australia’s most prominent literary events has resigned following a dispute over the removal of a Palestinian Australia author from the festival’s program.
Louise Adler, director of Adelaide Writers’ Week, confirmed her departure in an opinion piece published on Tuesday. Adler said the decision to cancel the appearance of writer and activist Randa Abdel-Fattah was made by the festival’s board despite her firm opposition.
Writing in The Guardian, Adler described the move as a serious setback for freedom of expression and warned it signaled a troubling direction for public debate in Australia.
Warnings of Growing Censorship
In her commentary, Adler argued that the decision reflected an increasingly hostile environment for dissenting views, particularly criticism of Israel. She likened the situation to political suppression during the Cold War, invoking the legacy of US senator Joe McCarthy.
She cautioned that pressure was mounting across public life, from universities and religious institutions to the arts sector and national broadcaster, creating what she described as a chilling effect on speech.
Board Cites Sensitivity After Bondi Beach Attack
The festival’s board announced last week that it had withdrawn Abdel-Fattah’s invitation, stating that her appearance would not be “culturally sensitive” in the aftermath of a deadly attack at Bondi Beach.
Fifteen people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration in the December 14 shooting. Authorities later confirmed the attackers were inspired by ISIL (ISIS).
Abdel-Fattah strongly rejected the board’s reasoning, calling the decision an act of anti-Palestinian discrimination and accusing organisers of unfairly linking her political views to the violence.
Boycott Grows as Writers Withdraw
Adler’s resignation has intensified turmoil surrounding the festival, which has seen a cascade of withdrawals and resignations. Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that she would no longer attend the event.
She joins a growing boycott involving around 180 writers and public figures, including former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis and acclaimed novelist Zadie Smith.
Political Support for the Decision
Despite the backlash, the move has received backing from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, several federal politicians, and a number of Jewish organisations.
Critics of Abdel-Fattah have cited her past statements on Israel, arguing that her rhetoric crossed acceptable boundaries. The author has previously described her political aim as decolonisation and has made remarks sharply critical of Zionism.
National Mourning Announced
Separately, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will observe a national day of mourning on January 22 to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.
The prime minister said the day would serve as a moment of collective remembrance, with flags lowered to half-mast at all Commonwealth buildings.