University of Queensland Press Cancels Picture Book, Citing Author's Statements

The University of Queensland Press (UQP) has cancelled the publication of a picture book after determining that statements by its illustrator were not aligned with the university's policies and values.

The decision not to publish Bila, a river cycle—a book by Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money, illustrated by Matt Chun—has drawn criticism from several prominent authors and led to a boycott of the publisher.

"The University has determined that the statements made by Matt Chun do not align with the University's policies and values including in light of its adopted definition of anti-Semitism."

The Book and the Decision

The picture book explores themes of protest and environmental care through the story of a river. It was scheduled for release in late June 2024. All 5,000 printed copies are now set to be destroyed.

UQP first placed publication "on hold pending the outcome of an internal review and external legal processes" in January 2024, after becoming aware of Chun's past comments.

Author and Industry Reaction

The decision has prompted strong reactions from the literary community.

• Jazz Money, the book's author, described the cancellation as "environmentally reckless" and "disrespectful of Aboriginal storytelling."
• Evelyn Araluen announced she would terminate all projects and contracts with UQP, calling the decision "shameful and abhorrent."
• Randa Abdel-Fattah described it as "shameful and cowardly" and said she would not publish her next book with the press.
• Other authors, including Sara Haddad, Natalia Figueroa Barroso, and Omar Sakr, have also announced they will cease publishing with UQP.

More than 30 UQP authors had previously written to the publisher urging them to publish Bila, a river cycle.

Background on Illustrator's Statements

In January 2024, illustrator Matt Chun published an essay titled "We Don't Mourn Fascists" in response to the Bondi massacre. Following complaints about the essay, the bookseller Dymocks removed books illustrated by Chun from its stores.

The University's Policy Context

Australia's public universities, including the University of Queensland, adopted a new definition of anti-Semitism in 2025. The university's policy states that "criticism of Israel can be anti-Semitic when it is grounded in harmful tropes, stereotypes or assumptions and when it calls for the elimination of the State of Israel or all Jews or when it holds Jewish individuals or communities responsible for Israel's actions."

UQP cited this adopted definition in its statement explaining the decision not to publish the book.