The shortlists for this year's Prime Minister's Literary Awards have today been announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield.
The Awards play an important role in supporting a national appreciation of Australian literature and provide acknowledgement and recognition for authors and illustrators.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Awards reinforce the contribution literary arts make to Australia.
"I am pleased to announce this year's shortlists. We have a wonderful group of talented authors and I welcome the opportunity to share their works with Australians," said Prime Minister Morrison.
Minister Fifield said reading has far reaching benefits, it expands our understanding and stimulates our imagination. These Awards reinforce the importance of literature and reading across all ages.
"This year we received more than 500 entries across the six prize categories, an exceptional response from our writers, poets, illustrators and historians," Minister Fifield said.
"I'd particularly like to acknowledge our panels comprising 15 judges who have read through and shortlisted 30 of this year's entries."
