The University of Queensland Press (UQP) has canceled the release of an Aboriginal children's book titled Bila, A River Cycle after its illustrator made comments about a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in December, which the publisher deemed antisemitic. The decision has sparked backlash from prominent Australian writers who accuse UQP of political censorship.
The book, written by Indigenous poet Jazz Money and illustrated by Matt Chun, was already printed in thousands of copies. In January, Chun published an essay on his Substack criticizing public reactions to the Bondi shooting, where two gunmen killed 15 people including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a leader of the local Chabad mission. Chun accused the "Australian left" of attempting to "perform respectability and avoid accusations of 'anti-semitism'" and criticized media coverage, as well as Chabad and Schlanger for supporting Israeli military actions.
UQP stated that Chun's comments were "abhorrent and hateful to the innocent victims of the attack" and that they could not proceed with the book as it might imply endorsement. The publisher apologized for the impact on Money, expressing hope to work with her again, and noted that copies are in storage while recycling options are considered.
Chun responded on Instagram, claiming UQP did not specify which parts of his writing violated their policies or contract terms. He also revealed that he and Money had known about the cancellation for months. Money, a Wiradjuri woman and award-winning poet, announced her relationship with UQP is over, warning that the pulping of Bila sets a dangerous precedent for censorship.
The backlash has led several authors to sever ties with UQP, including poet Evelyn Araluen, who called the decision an "extreme disappointment," and writer Randa Abdel-Fattah, whose upcoming book will be her last with the publisher. Others, such as Melissa Lucashenko and Natalia Figueroa Barroso, have also ended their partnerships.