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Melbourne University Publishing Shuts 85-Year-Old Meanjin With Final Issue in December

The move has become a flashpoint for concern over shrinking university support for culture.

Overview

  • MUP said the closure was made on purely financial grounds, with its chair stating the journal was no longer viable to produce.
  • The University of Melbourne said the decision was made independently by MUP and that its council was informed after the fact.
  • Two staff were made redundant — editor Esther Anatolitis and deputy editor Eli McLean — as the journal prepares a final December edition.
  • Recent figures reported from MUP’s 2023–24 records show about $220,000 in university funding and roughly $112,790 in subscription revenue.
  • Writers and cultural figures, including Peter Carey, condemned the move, while supporters discuss protests and potential rescue options such as a new host or a crowdfunded relaunch.