The Australia Council wishes to acknowledge the passing of Frank Moorhouse AM and recognise his significant contribution to Australian literature.

His impressive literary career spanned more than 60 years, over which time he gained widespread acclaim.

He had a longstanding connection to the Australia Council dating back to the 1970s, as the recipient of several grants and fellowships and is warmly remembered by Australia Council staff.

In 2013, he was awarded the Australia Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature. This award acknowledged his ‘highly influential, intelligent, and timely contributions’ to Australian literature.

In addition to his screenplays and essays, Frank Moorhouse published 18 books and was well known for his Edith Trilogy. He received the 2001 Miles Franklin Award for Dark Palace, one of the books in the trilogy.

He was also a passionate advocate for improved rights and conditions for Australian authors and was actively involved in campaigns. He worked with the Copyright Agency, the Australian Press Council, and the Australian Journalists’ Association.

In 1985, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to Australian Literature.

Australia Council Head of Literature Wenona Byrne said:

“Frank Moorhouse was a giant of Australian literature. He’ll be remembered for his incredible impact on the Australian literature scene, as a prolific writer, mentor and advocate. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues, as well as the many readers who loved him.”