Full Breakdown
Western Australian Schools Permanently Ban Craig Silvey’s Books After Author Pleads Guilty to Child-Exploitation Charges
5/6/2026, 8:24:00 PM
Permanent Removal of Silvey’s Works from WA Public Schools
Western Australia’s education department announced that all titles by author Craig Silvey will no longer be used as texts in public schools. The decision follows Silvey’s guilty plea on 5 May 2026 to two charges of possessing and distributing child-exploitation material. Education Minister Sabine Winton confirmed the ban on 6 May 2026 and said schools will receive support to replace the texts. Premier Roger Cook endorsed the move as “appropriate”.
Background and Context
Silvey’s novels, including *Jasper Jones* and *Rhubarb*, had been listed as suggested texts for Year 11 and 12 students in WA. In January 2026, WA Police’s Child Abuse Squad raided his Fremantle home, leading to charges of possession, distribution and, initially, production of illegal material. Two production-related charges were later discontinued, leaving the possession and distribution counts, to which Silvey pleaded guilty. After the January charges, education departments in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania withdrew his books from their curricula.
Timeline of Key Events
- January 2026 – Police raid; Silvey charged; WA schools temporarily suspend his books.
- January 2026 – Publishers Allen & Unwin and Fremantle Press pause sales and promotion.
- 5 May 2026 – Silvey enters guilty plea in Fremantle District Court.
- 6 May 2026 – Minister Winton announces permanent ban; Premier Cook publicly supports the decision.
- July 3 2026 – Silvey scheduled to return to court for sentencing.
Data and Statistics
- *Jasper Jones* has sold nearly one million copies worldwide.
- Silvey’s catalogue includes *Rhubarb*, *Honeybee* (Australian Indie Book Award 2021) and the children’s novel *Runt*, each adapted for film or stage.
- Local government libraries in Perth and Vincent have removed his titles from their collections.
Impact on Education and Publishing
Schools must revise curricula and lesson plans, a process the education department will facilitate. Allen & Unwin announced a review of its relationship with Silvey and has ceased promotion of his works. Bookstores nationwide have taken the titles off shelves, and several local retailers have removed them from inventory.
Official Statements and Responses
Minister Winton emphasized that works by an author who admitted serious crimes have no place in schools. Premier Cook described the ban as a strong and appropriate response. Allen & Unwin indicated it will assess steps to end its association with Silvey. Nat Latter, co-owner of Rabble Books & Games, said her shop will no longer promote the author’s books and will instead offer resources for age-appropriate conversations about the issue.
Criticism and Opposition
Nat Latter argued that retailers have a responsibility not to profit from Silvey’s income and highlighted the need for community dialogue. Local councils acted independently to remove the books from public libraries, reflecting broader public concern.
On-the-Ground Reports
Rabble Books & Games removed Silvey’s titles and began providing guidance materials for parents and educators. Several Perth-area libraries followed suit, and national bookstores reported complete withdrawal of his works after the January charges.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
No source presented dissenting opinions on the ban; all statements align on the necessity of removal. Details on the exact number of titles withdrawn by each publisher were not disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is absolutely no place in our school system for works authored by someone who has admitted to such serious crimes,” — Sabine Winton, WA Education Minister
- “Predatory behaviour against children is abhorrent and has no place in our community, let alone in materials studied by students in our schools.” — Sabine Winton, WA Education Minister
- “I support the very strong decision from the minister of education yesterday to remove the books from the curriculum and the shelves of WA public schools," Mr Cook said.” — Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia
- “When you have a book in your shop, you're responsible for promoting and marketing it, and I don't want to be a part of contributing to his income,” — Nat Latter, co-owner, Rabble Books & Games
- “While legal proceedings were underway, Allen & Unwin paused the sale, distribution and promotion of Mr Silvey's work,” — Allen & Unwin (statement)
- “And we give them some advice, and provide them with some books and resources for people navigating age appropriate conversations with children about this.” — Nat Latter, co-owner, Rabble Books & Games
What’s Next
Silvey remains on bail and will appear in court on 3 July 2026 for sentencing. The permanent ban in WA may prompt other Australian states to adopt similar measures, potentially extending the removal of his works from school curricula nationwide.
