The Morning Edition The country writers festival that descended into chaos
Aug 19, 2025
In this discussion, Kerrie O’Brien, a Senior culture writer known for her incisive commentary, dives deep into the chaos that erupted at the Bendigo Writers Festival. A controversial code of conduct sparked a mass exodus of nearly 60% of writers, revealing tensions between free speech and perceived censorship. Kerrie explores how this debacle highlighted the struggle to engage in nuanced conversations about complex issues, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza. She reflects on the urgent need for open dialogue in a climate often stifled by fear and misinformation.
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Sudden Mass Withdrawals
- Kerrie O’Brien describes a sudden wave of withdrawals and texts as the festival's code of conduct landed days before the event.
- She likens the situation to a "train crash" with nearly 59% of participants pulling out by the gala night.
Vague Rules Can Silence Debate
- The code demanded "inclusive" conversation but also banned "inflammatory, divisive" topics, which risks silencing core issues.
- Kerrie O’Brien argues that such wording could erase discussions on colonialism, violence, and other critical topics.
Targeted Pressure On One Speaker
- Kerrie O’Brien traces the controversy to pressure over Randa Abdel-Fattah, who faced a leaked letter accusing her of anti-Semitism.
- She notes the letter from a group called 5A urged La Trobe and the festival to remove Abdel-Fattah weeks before the event.