The Prime Minister said the Awards celebrate Australia’s most talented authors, poets, illustrators and historians and acknowledge their influence on contemporary Australian literature and our understanding of Australian history.
"We’re committed to supporting the literary arts and its contribution to Australia’s cultural and intellectual life," the Prime Minister said.
"I encourage all Australian authors, publishers and producers to take part in this prestigious award which continues to grow each year."
Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield said the Awards had supported hundreds of Australian authors since they were first established and continued to showcase the best of Australian writing.
"Over the past 11 years there have been 242 shortlisted authors and 70 winning authors. Last year we received more than 500 entries from emerging and established writers and illustrators highlighting the diversity of our literary sector," Minister Fifield said.
Awards are presented across six categories: children’s and young adult literature, fiction, poetry, non-fiction and Australian history. The Australian history category is open to a range of media including journals, magazines, film, radio and online content.
Expert judging panels from across the industry assess all entries and make recommendations to the Prime Minister. Prize money is awarded in each category with up to $80,000 for winners and $5,000 for shortlisted books.
Submissions close on 15 March 2019.
To be eligible, entries must have been published or released between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. Entry forms and guidelines are available at: www.arts.gov.au/pmla
