Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah has addressed the Newcastle Writers Festival, stating that arts and literature are legitimate spaces for political expression. Her appearance at the festival occurred despite public criticism from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns regarding her inclusion in the program.
Premier Minns had previously expressed his view that the festival should not provide a platform for views he characterized as supportive of Hamas, following the October 7 attacks. The festival, which ran from March 21 to March 23, 2026, proceeded with two scheduled sessions featuring Abdel-Fattah.
In her address, Abdel-Fattah, a novelist and human rights advocate, argued for the role of literature in confronting difficult political realities and fostering empathy. The festival director has stated the event's commitment to being a space for diverse voices and rigorous conversation.
