Established under the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive, a place for every story, a story for every place, Writing Australia was created to support a vibrant, sustainable and connected literature sector. Over the past year, it has invested in new programs, fostered national partnerships and created opportunities that help Australian books reach readers at home and internationally.
The year ahead will see Writing Australia continue that momentum, with the appointment of Australia’s first National Poet Laureate and the announcement of the 2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards among its major initiatives.
During its first year, Writing Australia has invested over $7m in the sector including:
- invested $2.63 million through three flagship national programs: Australian Publishing and Promotion Fund, Literary Journals Capacity Building Fund and Writers' Festival Author Travel Fund, supporting 43 organisations across Australia
- delivered more than $1 million in direct support to writers and small organisations through additional investment in Creative Australia programs, including Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups, and Organisations, the Translation Fund for Literature and Fellowships
- launched a bookseller events program, administered by the Australian Booksellers Association, to support bold, community-driven author events
- launched the First Nations Editorial Development partnership with Hardie Grant Publishing, creating new editorial pathways for First Nations professionals
- strengthened national partnerships across the literature sector, including with Australia Reads, the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation, Australian Plays Transform, the Australian Publishers Association, Australian Society of Authors, Children’s Book Council of Australia, Open Book and Varuna, the National Writers’ House.
- opened nominations for Australia’s inaugural National Poet Laureate, a historic appointment that will champion poetry and public engagement over a three-year term
- received a record 673 nominations for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, reflecting the depth and diversity of Australian writing. Shortlisted works will be announced in August, with winners announced in September.
Director of Writing Australia Wenona Byrne said:
“The Australian publishing industry is facing multiple challenges in a difficult economic climate. Writing Australia is strategically investing in a diverse and sustainable industry to support Australian writing.
"Our first year has been about investing in the people and organisations that make Australian literature possible. We are helping literary journals to build long-term sustainability, festivals to connect writers with audiences, First Nations editorial professionals to develop their careers and independent publishers to grow. Together, they contribute to a stronger and more connected literature sector.
“The year ahead is equally exciting. We have just commenced a major research project examining the economic value of the book industry. The upcoming appointment of Australia’s inaugural National Poet Laureate marks a defining moment for our literary culture, while the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards continue to celebrate the extraordinary talent and achievement of Australian writers.”
As Writing Australia enters its second year, it remains focused on making strategic investments that support writers, publishers and literature organisations, encourage more Australians to discover local books, and help Australian literature reach audiences both nationally and internationally.
Image: Eric Obenauf, Esther Hendriks and Ariel Richardson at the VIPs Industry Forum 2026. Photo: Maja Baska.
Media contact:
Brianna Roberts
Senior Media Manager, Creative Australia
Mobile: 0498 123 541
