A newly published letter reveals that South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas argued for the exclusion of Palestinian Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah from the 2026 Adelaide Writers’ Week. The letter, published in full by the Sunday Mail, outlines Malinauskas’ reasoning, which he claims aligns with public interest and community expectations.
The correspondence, dated January 2 and addressed to Adelaide Festival board chair Tracy Whiting, suggests that Abdel-Fattah’s participation could incite division and disunity, particularly following the Bondi terror attack. Malinauskas emphasized the importance of unity, healing, and inclusion, stating that freedom of speech must not extend to speech that is “insulting, racist, or promotes religious discrimination.”
Background and Context
Randa Abdel-Fattah, initially included in the lineup for the Adelaide Writers’ Week, has been a prominent voice in discussions surrounding Palestinian rights and has faced criticism for her outspoken views. Her inclusion in the festival became a contentious issue, culminating in a public and political debate over freedom of speech and cultural sensitivity.
Malinauskas’ letter argues that Abdel-Fattah’s past statements are “antisemitic and hateful,” accusations that Abdel-Fattah has vehemently denied. In response, she has issued a defamation concerns notice to Malinauskas, a procedural step required before initiating legal proceedings.
The Premier’s Justification
In his letter, Malinauskas contends that hosting Abdel-Fattah would contradict the festival’s broader responsibility to promote unity. He references a previous incident where the board decided against the appearance of journalist Thomas Friedman due to alleged racist statements, a decision he deemed reasonable and relevant to the current situation.
Malinauskas told the ABC’s 7:30 program that his letter followed several discussions with Whiting around Christmas time, indicating ongoing concerns about Abdel-Fattah’s participation. The board’s decision to rescind Abdel-Fattah’s invitation on January 8 was attributed to “cultural sensitivity” in the wake of the Bondi attack.
Reactions and Consequences
The decision to exclude Abdel-Fattah sparked significant backlash, leading to over 180 writers boycotting the festival. This protest resulted in the resignation of Whiting and nearly all board members, and ultimately, the cancellation of the 2026 Adelaide Writers’ Week.
In a turn of events, a newly formed board extended an invitation to Abdel-Fattah for the 2027 event, offering an apology for the harm caused by the Adelaide Festival Corporation. This move highlights the ongoing tension between cultural sensitivity and freedom of expression within the festival’s governance.
Looking Forward
As the controversy continues to unfold, the implications for cultural events and public discourse in Australia remain significant. The balance between supporting free speech and maintaining community cohesion is a delicate one, as evidenced by the fallout from this incident.
Malinauskas’ office has declined further comment on the matter, leaving many questions about the future direction of the Adelaide Festival and its approach to programming decisions.
For ongoing updates and analysis, stay tuned to SBS News.
