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yesterday

Bendigo Writers Festival Founder Condemns ‘Authoritarian’ Conduct Directive

Stakeholders are questioning how the La Trobe–Greater Bendigo partnership approved the controversial code following the festival founder’s abuse-of-power allegations

(L-R): Michael D’Agostino and Khaled Sabsabi; promotional image for Bendigo Writers Festival; actors in the STC’s production of The Seagull (Image: Private Media)
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Overview

  • Organisers issued a last-minute code of conduct telling speakers to avoid “inflammatory, divisive or disrespectful” language, drawing on Universities Australia’s anti-racism statement.
  • More than 50 writers withdrew in protest, including Randa Abdel-Fattah and La Trobe academic Clare Wright, and independent bookseller Bookish pulled out, forcing the cancellation of opening night and multiple sessions.
  • Founder Rosemary Sorensen described the directive as an “authoritarian abuse of power” and warned it threatened open debate on Israel-Palestine and other critical topics.
  • La Trobe University defended the policy as part of its anti-racism framework and affirmed its commitment to academic freedom and safe idea exchange.
  • The fallout has sharpened scrutiny of the festival’s governance under the La Trobe–Greater Bendigo council partnership and spurred calls for clearer accountability.