WA Schools Remove Craig Silvey Books After Guilty Plea

All books by author Craig Silvey are now banned from Western Australia public schools. This follows his guilty plea to child exploitation offences.
By Newsroom | Education, Crime |

WESTERN AUSTRALIA - The works of children's author Craig Silvey have been permanently expunged from the public school curriculum in Western Australia. This decisive action follows his guilty plea to child exploitation offences, a development that has cemented a temporary ban into a lasting removal. The state's Department of Education confirmed the permanent prohibition, signaling an end to Silvey's books appearing on school reading lists.

The decision to permanently withdraw Silvey's books from WA public schools hinges on his plea of guilty to possessing and distributing child exploitation material. This admission has compelled educational authorities to sever any ties with the author's literary output in the state's educational institutions.

Publishers Allen & Unwin and Fremantle Press, responsible for releasing Silvey's titles such as "Rhubarb" and the widely recognised "Jasper Jones," had previously ceased promotion and removed his books from sale following the initial charges. This wider retraction across the country underscores the gravity with which the allegations were perceived by the literary and retail sectors. Silvey, aged 43, is scheduled for sentencing on July 3 in the District Court.

Read More: Trump brings back Presidential Physical Fitness Award for students

Australia news live: Craig Silvey books permanently removed from WA public school curriculum; body found after car sinks in weir near Sydney - 1

Author's Plea and Law Enforcement Action

Silvey entered his guilty plea at Fremantle Magistrates Court. The charges stem from an investigation by the Western Australian Police's Child Abuse Squad, which raided his Fremantle residence earlier this year. Detectives reportedly found him communicating online with individuals involved in child exploitation and seized his electronic devices as evidence.

Broader Repercussions

The implications of Silvey's plea have rippled beyond Western Australia. Even before this latest development, many bookstores nationwide had removed his works from shelves. A major stage adaptation of one of his books was also halted after the charges were laid. Previously, Victoria had also withdrawn teaching resources for Silvey's "Runt" and indicated his books would not feature on VCE lists or the Premier's Reading Challenge for 2026. Queensland education officials stated that while his books were not on the prescribed text list for 2026, schools were advised to remove any copies during the investigation.

Read More: Londonderry Youth Arrested After Petrol Bomb Attack on Police

Silvey's legal proceedings continue, with his bail remaining in effect until his sentencing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Craig Silvey's books removed from Western Australia schools?
Craig Silvey's books are permanently removed from WA public schools because he pleaded guilty to child exploitation offences. The Department of Education made this decision to stop his books from being used in schools.
Q: What specific charges did Craig Silvey plead guilty to?
Craig Silvey pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child exploitation material. This led to the decision to remove his books from school reading lists.
Q: When will Craig Silvey be sentenced?
Craig Silvey is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3 in the District Court. His legal case is ongoing until this date.
Q: Have other states or schools reacted to the charges against Craig Silvey?
Yes, other states like Victoria and Queensland have also taken steps to remove Silvey's books from schools and reading challenges. Many bookstores nationwide also stopped selling his works before this permanent ban in WA.