University of Queensland Press Cans Indigenous Children's Book Over Illustrator's Bondi Attack Comments
Thousands of copies of "Bila, A River Cycle," an Indigenous children's book penned by poet Jazz Money and illustrated by Matt Chun, had already been printed before The University of Queensland Press (UQP) announced its decision to scrap the publication.
The controversy stems from an essay Chun published on his public Substack newsletter in January. In this essay, Chun critiqued public and media responses to the 14 December 2023 Bondi shooting, which resulted in the deaths of fifteen people at a Jewish festival. He specifically criticised the local Chabad mission and its leader, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, for their support of Israel's military actions and illegal settlements in Palestinian territories.
UQP stated that Chun's comments were "abhorrent and hateful to the innocent victims of the attack" and that the university "cannot overlook or condone them." The publisher also expressed regret for the impact on Jazz Money, a Wiradjuri woman, whose accolades include the 2025 Kate Challis RAKA Award.
Chun has countered that UQP "has not identified the specific passages or statements in my political writing that contravene its policies and values," nor has it justified the termination under their publishing agreement. Money has declared her relationship with UQP "now over," warning that the "pulping of Bila sets a precedent that any book that is more political, more urgent or more sensitive can be victim to censorship, cancellation and more."
In response to UQP's action, several notable Australian writers have announced boycotts. Award-winning poet Evelyn Araluen is rescinding all remaining contracts, while Australian-Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah stated her upcoming book, "Discipline," would be her first and last with UQP. Melissa Lucashenko and Natalia Figueroa Barroso have also terminated their partnerships with the publisher.
New South Wales Police confirmed they are "working with the Engagement and Hate Crime Unit" in relation to Chun's post. UQP has confirmed the printed books are in storage as they consider "recycling options."
