Western Australia has made permanent its decision to remove all books by author Craig Silvey from public school curricula. The move follows Silvey's guilty plea to child exploitation offenses, solidifying an earlier temporary ban. Education Minister Sabine Winton stated schools will receive support in revising lesson plans and finding substitute texts.
The permanent removal comes after Silvey, an acclaimed Australian author known for works like "Jasper Jones," pleaded guilty to two charges related to child exploitation material. His arrest earlier this year had already prompted a nationwide reaction, with many bookstores and educational bodies taking similar steps.
In January, Victoria and Queensland education departments had already moved to withdraw Silvey's books from their prescribed lists and lesson plans. At that time, Queensland recommended schools remove copies while investigations were underway. New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania also followed suit in removing his novels from lesson plans and reading lists.
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Silvey was arrested in January 2026 at his Fremantle home, facing charges of possessing and distributing child exploitation material. During his court appearance, prosecutors alleged he had refused to provide police access to his electronic devices. He was granted bail under strict conditions, including residing with his mother and reporting to police regularly. His publisher, Allen & Unwin, had also halted the promotion of his works.
Students currently engaged in studying Silvey's literature will not face academic penalties, according to the Education Minister. Adjustments to lesson plans and the sourcing of alternative texts are being facilitated for educational institutions.
