Queensland has introduced new laws criminalizing specific phrases related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, punishable by up to two years in prison. On the same day, the state forfeited two key literary awards for emerging Indigenous writers following pressure from lobbyists. These actions have raised concerns about free speech and support for writers.
On Thursday, the Queensland government passed a bill that makes uttering the phrases 'globalise the intifada' or 'from the river to the sea' punishable by up to two years' imprisonment. According to columnist Tom Tanuki, these measures were influenced by Zionist lobbyists who claim the terms are antisemitic, though their meanings remain contested. The legislation follows the 2025 Bondi massacre and aims to enhance community safety, but critics argue it primarily targets anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian activism.
Simultaneously, Queensland forfeited its most prestigious literary awards, including the David Unaipon Award—established in 1989 for outstanding unpublished manuscripts by emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writers—and the black&write! fellowship. These are described as the only two career-launching prizes in Australia accessible to emerging Indigenous writers, having supported many celebrated authors.
The revocation stemmed from targeting of author K.A. Ren Wyld, who lost the $15,000 black&write! fellowship after lobbyists criticized a deleted tweet praising Yahya Sinwar. Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek intervened in the State Library of Queensland's decision, leading to the award's withdrawal. An independent review recommended that the State Library cease managing the black&write! fellowship and Queensland Literary Awards on behalf of the government, a recommendation the library has accepted.
Queensland Council for Civil Liberties Vice President Terry O’Gorman stated: 'Just as the Bjelke-Petersen street march ban in 1977 brought people onto the streets to protest against laws that banned protest, the new law will result in protestors coming onto the streets…'
These developments have prompted discussions on civil liberties, with Tanuki noting that such restrictions may inadvertently amplify the expressions they seek to suppress, drawing historical parallels to past censorship efforts.
