Full Breakdown
University of Queensland Press Cancels Indigenous Children’s Book Over Illustrator’s Controversial Comments
4/24/2026, 8:29:43 PM
The Cancellation of *Bila: A River Cycle*
The University of Queensland Press announced on 23 April 2026 it will not proceed with the publication of *Bila: A River Cycle*, a picture book by Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money and illustrated by Matt Chun. About 5,000 printed copies are in storage and may be recycled.
Context of the Bondi Beach Shooting and Chun’s Essay
The cancellation follows 14 December 2023 Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people. In January 2024, Matt Chun posted an essay titled “We don’t mourn fascists,” condemning Chabad and describing victims as “affluent beneficiaries of imperialism.” Chun wrote that “Whiteness, Jewishness and backdrop of Bondi Beach were enough to bestow every person killed with default innocence and virtue.”
Timeline of Key Developments
Key dates: 14 Dec 2023 – Bondi shooting; Jan 2024 – Chun’s essay; Jan 2024 – UQP placed the book on hold; Jan 2024 – Dymocks removed Chun’s titles; 23 Apr 2026 – UQP announced cancellation; same day – over 30 authors withdrew contracts.
Impact and Stakes for Indigenous Storytelling
The move has sparked a debate on publishing limits for political speech. More than 30 UQP contributors—including Evelyn Araluen, Randa Abdel-Fattah, Melissa Lucashenko and Sara Haddad—have severed ties, warning of a chilling precedent for Indigenous storytellers.
Official Statements from UQP and Related Bodies
UQP said Matt Chun’s remarks “do not align with the University’s policies and values” and that it could not proceed “in a way that suggests endorsement or association,” and it expressed respect for Jazz Money while printed copies remain in storage. Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies welcomed it, and NSW Police are reviewing Chun’s statements.
Criticism and Opposition from Authors
Authors called the cancellation cultural violence. Evelyn Araluen called it “shameful and abhorrent” and terminated all contracts. Randa Abdel-Fattah said *Discipline* will be her “first and last book with UQP.” Melissa Lucashenko called the move an “egregious decision,” and Sara Haddad said she cannot partner with an organization that betrays truth and justice.
Verbatim Quotes
"The pulping of Bila sets a precedent that any book that is more political, more urgent or more sensitive can be victim to censorship, cancellation and more." — Jazz Money, Instagram
"We do not condone his views and cannot proceed in a way that suggests endorsement or association." — University of Queensland Press statement
"Publishing a book, no matter the topic, whose illustrator [expresses views such as Chun’s] would be unacceptable." — Jason Steinberg, President, Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies
"Whiteness, Jewishness and the backdrop of Bondi Beach were enough to bestow every person killed with default innocence and virtue." — Matt Chun, Substack essay
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The university has not specified which passages in Chun’s essay breach its policy, nor identified antisemitic content in the book. Police investigations have not resulted in charges, and the definition of antisemitism applied remains contested.
What’s Next
UQP says the stored copies will be recycled unless a different outcome is reached. Jazz Money may seek legal recourse, while the author boycott continues to pressure the press and fuel debate over publishing standards and Indigenous voices.
