Overview
- The board removed Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah citing cultural sensitivity after the Bondi attack without identifying which past statements it relied on.
- Nearly 100 writers have withdrawn in protest and the festival has temporarily unpublished the Writers’ Week program while it works through changes.
- Three board members resigned after a crisis meeting, followed by chair Tracey Whiting, leaving only three members and raising concerns the board breaches gender-composition rules under the Adelaide Festival Corporation Act.
- Abdel-Fattah’s lawyers have demanded the board specify the statements behind its decision and preserve all related records, warning the material may be needed for litigation and setting a 14 January response deadline.
- South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas backs the board’s move and says he offered his opinion but did not direct it, as community groups and former festival leaders press for a reversal and question the board’s governance.