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Publisher pulls children's book after illustrator's controversial essay
The University of Queensland Press (UQP) has withdrawn Bila, A River Cycle, an Indigenous children's book, following backlash over statements made by its illustrator, Matt Chun, regarding the Bondi beach shooting. The decision has triggered a wave of criticism from prominent Australian writers, who accuse the publisher of censorship.
Background of the controversy
The book, authored by Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money and illustrated by Chun, had already been printed in thousands of copies when UQP decided to halt its release. The publisher cited Chun's January essay on Substack, in which he critiqued public responses to the December 14 Bondi shooting, as the reason for the cancellation.
During the attack, two gunmen killed 15 people at a Jewish festival organized by the Chabad movement. Among the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, leader of the local Chabad mission.
Illustrator's remarks spark backlash
In his essay, Chun accused the "Australian left" of attempting to "perform respectability" to avoid allegations of antisemitism while also criticizing media coverage of the attack. He further condemned Chabad and Schlanger for their support of Israel's military actions and settlements in Palestinian territories.
UQP responded in a statement to the BBC, calling Chun's comments "abhorrent and hateful to the innocent victims of the attack." The university emphasized it could not "overlook or condone" the remarks, adding that continuing with the book would imply endorsement.
"We regret the impact this decision has had on Jazz Money, for whom we have enormous respect. We would welcome the opportunity to work with Jazz again in the future."
University of Queensland Press
The publisher confirmed that printed copies of Bila are currently in storage while they explore "recycling options."
Legal and public scrutiny
New South Wales Police told the BBC they are "working with the Engagement and Hate Crime Unit" in relation to Chun's post. Meanwhile, Chun has publicly questioned UQP's decision, stating on Instagram that the university failed to specify which parts of his essay violated its policies or publishing agreement.
Chun also revealed that he and Money had known about the cancellation "for some months now."
Fallout among Australian writers
Money, a celebrated Indigenous poet and recipient of the 2025 Kate Challis RAKA Award and the Australia Council for the Arts' First Nations Emerging Career Award, announced the end of her relationship with UQP on Instagram.
"The pulping of Bila sets a precedent that any book that is more political, more urgent, or more sensitive can be victim to censorship, cancellation, and more."
Jazz Money
The decision has prompted a boycott of UQP by several high-profile writers. Poet Evelyn Araluen called the handling of the book "extremely disappointing" and announced she would terminate her remaining contracts with the publisher.
Randa Abdel-Fattah, an Australian-Palestinian writer whose disinvitation from a major Adelaide literature festival earlier this year sparked controversy, stated that her upcoming book, Discipline, would be her "first and last" with UQP. Other authors, including Melissa Lucashenko and Natalia Figueroa Barroso, have also severed ties with the publisher.
About UQP
Founded in 1948 as an academic publishing house, UQP publishes a diverse range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The publisher has not yet commented on the broader implications of the boycott or its future plans regarding Bila, A River Cycle.
