The Albanese Labor Government has taken a major step forward in its support for our literary sector with the establishment of Writing Australia.
From 1 July 2025, Writing Australia will be a hub to build expertise and partnerships. It will support writers, publishers and will appoint a National Poet Laureate.
An integral component of Australia's National Cultural Policy Revive, Writing Australia is the final element under the expanded remit of Creative Australia and joins First Nations Arts, Music Australia and Creative Workplaces. The government has also merged Creative Partnerships into Creative Australia - one body to support the government funded sector, the philanthropic sector and the commercial sector.
Chaired by award-winning author, Professor Larissa Behrendt, Writing Australia and its Council will highlight and boost Australian literature among local and international audiences.
The government is providing over $26 million in funding over three years, with ongoing funding of around $8.6 million annually to support the sector.
The eight new Council members and its Chair offer broad representation from across the sector including authors, publishers, playwrights, poets and industry professionals.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the establishment of Writing Australia was a major milestone in the implementation of Revive.
"Our writers, illustrators and publishers have been historically overlooked, Writing Australia and our funding will help rectify this.
"In order to have effective change you need to lead with experience. Each new Council member brings that experience, along with a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge.
"I want to welcome each member and look forward to seeing their positive impact on the industry."
The Writing Australia Council Members are:
- Ms Rachel Bin Salleh OAM is a Nimunburr and Yawuru woman from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is Publisher at Magabala Books in Broome and has worked in publishing for more than 30 years. In 2024 she was appointed to the Public Lending Right Committee.
- Professor Sarah Holland-Batt is an award-winning poet, editor and academic. She is currently Professor of Creative Writing and Literary Studies at Queensland University of Technology and was also recently appointed as a member of the National Library of Australia Council.
- Ms Sally Rippin is Australia's highest-selling female author having written over 100 books for children and young adults, and is the 2024-25 Australian Children's Laureate.
- Dr Tim Jarvis is the owner of Hobart's Fullers Bookshop, an independent bookshop.
- Mr Tommy Murphy is an acclaimed playwright and screenwriter, he currently serves as a member on the Belvoir Street Theatre Board.
- Ms Julie Pinkham is a Director of The Wheeler Centre, joint Vice President of the Australian Publishers Association and has 27 years' experience in the book publishing industry.
- Ms Claire Pullen is the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Writers' Guild, and Australian Writers' Guild Authorship Collecting Society.
- Mr Christos Tsiolkas is an award-winning Australian author, playwright, essayist and screen writer.
