Story perspectives

Author Randa Abdel-Fattah Sparks Controversy at Writers' Festivals

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Randa Abdel-Fattah is a Palestinian Australian author who will participate in the Sydney Writers' Festival.
The Adelaide Writers' Week uninvited her due to pressure from the South Australian government.
The uninvitation led to the resignation of the Adelaide Festival's board and the event's cancellation.
The Sydney Writers' Festival emphasized its commitment to freedom of expression.
NSW Premier Chris Minns criticized the Newcastle Writers Festival for inviting Abdel-Fattah because it could be divisive.

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Story summary

Randa Abdel-Fattah is a Palestinian Australian author who will participate in the Sydney Writers' Festival.
The Adelaide Writers' Week uninvited her due to pressure from the South Australian government.
The uninvitation led to the resignation of the Adelaide Festival's board and the event's cancellation.
The Sydney Writers' Festival emphasized its commitment to freedom of expression.
NSW Premier Chris Minns criticized the Newcastle Writers Festival for inviting Abdel-Fattah because it could be divisive.