Craig Silvey's books removed from WA and Victoria school curricula after child exploitation material charges

Craig Silvey has been charged with possession and distribution of child exploitation material, and his books have been withdrawn from school curricula in Western Australia and Victoria.

Australian author Craig Silvey was arrested and charged this week with possession and distribution of child exploitation material. In response, education authorities in Western Australia and Victoria have removed his works from recommended school reading lists and teaching resources. Known details: - Police charged Craig Silvey with possession and distribution of child exploitation material; he appeared in Fremantle magistrates court and no pleas were entered. - Western Australia asked schools to cease using Silvey's texts for the 2026 school year while the matter is investigated, and Victoria has removed his texts from lesson plans and VCE lists. - Sydney theatre company Belvoir has paused work, promotion and sales of its stage adaptation of Runt, and Silvey's publisher Allen & Unwin has paused promotional activity and deferred a forthcoming title release while the legal process continues. Summary: The charges have led to curriculum removals and pauses in theatrical and publishing activity connected to Silvey's work. The matter is before the courts and further legal steps are pending, undetermined at this time.