Australian author Craig Silvey, known for novels such as Jasper Jones, has been charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material following a police investigation and search of his Fremantle home. He appeared in court and was granted bail under strict conditions, though he remained in custody after not meeting a financial requirement. In response to the charges, educational institutions, publishers, and retailers have announced actions concerning his works. Separately, Silvey's brother, former cricketer Bret Silvey, was previously jailed for a $71 million fraud scheme.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Craig Silvey, 43, was arrested on Monday after police executed a search warrant at his Fremantle residence, where electronic devices were seized. He was charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material. Police allege that during their arrival, Silvey was communicating online with other individuals involved in child exploitation.
Appearing in Fremantle Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, Silvey did not enter a plea. The police prosecutor opposed bail, stating that Silvey was not cooperating with investigators and was considered a "flight risk." The prosecutor further alleged that Silvey engaged in online conversations expressing sexual interest in children and provided images, using the alias 'Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy' on an adult website. Court documents also state Silvey, using the alias, claimed to be a 'Fremantle guy' with 'very similar interests' to other alleged individuals. Silvey declined to provide access to his electronic devices, prompting court orders to be sought for their retrieval. Silvey's defense lawyer stated that he did not possess a passport and could reside at an alternate address.
Magistrate Thomas Hall granted Silvey bail with conditions including a $100,000 surety and a $100,000 personal undertaking. Other conditions prohibit him from leaving Western Australia, engaging in any work involving children, and restrict internet access to legal advice, banking, and medical purposes. Silvey did not meet the surety bail condition and remained in custody following the court appearance. He is scheduled to next appear in court on February 10.
Industry and Educational Responses
Following the charges, various organizations and education departments announced changes regarding Craig Silvey's works and affiliations:
- Educational Curriculum:
- Western Australia's Education Department removed his books, including Jasper Jones and Rhubarb, from the state curriculum for the 2026 school year. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority confirmed Year 12 students would not be penalized for referring to these texts in the 2026 ATAR Literature course examination.
- The NSW Education Department stated it would cease using his texts and remove them from school collections.
- The Victorian Department of Education removed teaching resources for Runt from circulation, confirming Silvey's texts would not feature in the 2026 Premier’s Reading Challenge.
- The Queensland Department of Education, while not having his books on its prescribed text list for 2026, recommended state schools remove any copies while the matter is under investigation.
- Publishers and Retailers:
- Allen & Unwin, publisher of Runt, announced a new book, Annie and Runt, due for release in November, would be put on hold, and paused promotional activities for Silvey's work. The publisher noted the gravity of the charges while affirming Silvey's entitlement to procedural fairness and the presumption of innocence.
- Fremantle Press, publisher of Rhubarb, also ceased promotional activities for his book during the ongoing court process, noting the presumption of innocence.
- Several Australian book retailers, including Collins Booksellers, Dymocks, Gleebooks, QBD, and Readings, removed Silvey’s books from their online stores or listed them as temporarily out of stock.
- Awards and Adaptations:
- The City of Subiaco announced that Silvey would have no affiliation with its 2026 Young Writers Award. Silvey had served as a patron for the past three years.
- Sydney-based theatre company Belvoir indefinitely paused sales, development, and promotion of its stage adaptation of Silvey's children's book, Runt, which was scheduled to open in August. A spokesperson for Belvoir stated the matter was "deeply distressing" and affirmed the company's stance with survivors of child abuse.
Related Context: Brother's Fraud Conviction
In a separate matter, Craig Silvey's brother, Bret Silvey, 45, a former cricketer, was jailed in May for masterminding a $71 million fraud scheme. Bret Silvey was found to have defrauded investors Ivan and Randal Humich, cultivating trust over time and employing "skilful deceit," including impersonating solicitors and falsifying bank guarantees. The WA District Court heard he used domain names mimicking a Sydney law firm and CommSec. Judge Nicholas Egan described the scheme as "extremely sophisticated and persistent." Bret Silvey was sentenced to a maximum of 12 years in Casuarina Prison and will be eligible for parole in 2035. The Humich family recovered $63 million through a civil suit and frozen assets. Bret Silvey's lawyer stated the funds were used to cover loans rather than support a lavish lifestyle. Craig Silvey had previously received a $10,000 fine in 2020 for failing to file tax returns, which he attributed to relying on his brother Bret's tax advice.