As the dust settles on the recent controversies surrounding the 2026 Adelaide Writers’ Week, a critical question emerges: How can Australia’s cultural custodians strike a balance between upholding free speech and maintaining a cohesive cultural discourse?
The cancellation of the festival and the ensuing debates have highlighted the delicate nature of this issue. On one hand, the right to free speech is a fundamental tenet of a democratic society. Yet, as we have seen, defending the right of people to speak, even when we vehemently disagree with them, is an immensely challenging task.
Many find it difficult to reconcile their personal values and the perceived betrayal of their community or cause. While it is unreasonable to expect everyone to embrace this challenge, the custodians of our culture must rise to the occasion.
Looking back at a writer’s festival in Myanmar in 2015, we witnessed a remarkable display of tolerance. Writers who had cooperated with the previous repressive regime stood alongside those who had been jailed and tortured by it. Despite the obvious tensions, the festival proceeded without incident, a shining moment in the country’s history.
The contrasting examples illustrate the nuances of free speech. As former Attorney General George Brandis stated, people have “the right to be bigots.” Yet, as the late Justice Lionel Murphy pointed out, this right does not automatically command respect or require others to refrain from disagreeing.
The role of cultural institutions, such as the ABC, art galleries, and writers’ festivals, is to exercise wise judgment in determining who deserves a privileged platform. This responsibility extends beyond the comfort of ordinary citizens, as the speech of the oppressed is often not polite or comfortable.
In the case of Randa Abdel-Fattah, her status as an “agitator” does not negate her credentials as a writer and academic. Likewise, the inclusion of columnists like Thomas Friedman, despite disagreements with their views, can be justified by their professional standing.
The custodians of our cultural life must rise to the challenge of upholding free speech, even when it is uncomfortable. Governments must appoint the best individuals to these roles, individuals with the intellectual rigour, moral strength, and courage required to navigate these complex issues.
The health of our national conversation, our democracy, and the very nature of our country depend on the ability of these cultural custodians to fulfill their extraordinary task. It is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly, for the future of Australia’s cultural landscape hangs in the balance.
