Overview

• Over 50 writers and hosts withdrew from the festival’s La Trobe-Presents panels, prompting cancellation of the opening gala and more than 20 sessions with automatic refunds for ticket holders.
• Authors argue the code’s requirement to adopt the Universities Australia definition of antisemitism conflates anti-Zionism with antisemitism and infringes on free expression.
• La Trobe University defended the conduct code as a standard measure to ensure respectful exchange and reaffirmed its commitment to academic freedom.
• The Australian Society of Authors and the Human Rights Law Centre warned that enforcing such codes risks chilling debate and marginalising dissenting voices.
• Independent bookshop Bookish pulled out in solidarity with protesting writers, citing censorship concerns and absorbing a significant financial loss.