UPDATE: Darumbal and South Sea Islander journalist Amy McQuire has just won $30,000 at the Queensland Premier’s Award for her groundbreaking book, Black Witness: The Power of Indigenous Media. During her acceptance speech at the Queensland Literary Awards ceremony held at the State Library in Brisbane on Friday night, McQuire fiercely criticized the silencing of voices speaking out against genocide, particularly highlighting the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
McQuire passionately stated, “Our relationship with the state of Queensland has always been one of violence, and a part of that violence is the silencing of black witnesses, especially in times of genocide.” She underscored the urgent need for change, declaring, “No child belongs in any watch house or child jail. They belong at home with their families and communities.”
This victory comes at a time of turmoil for the awards, which faced significant delays after John-Paul Langbroek, the state’s Arts Minister, intervened in a separate First Nations writing fellowship, resulting in the resignation of one-third of the judges. Langbroek had previously criticized author K.A. Ren Wyld, accusing her of “glorifying terrorism” due to a social media post related to a Hamas leader, intensifying national debate over antisemitism and free speech.
In her emotional acceptance speech, McQuire emphasized the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples, stating, “I can’t accept it without mentioning the significance of the state in the lives of blackfellas, not just historically, but in the continuing present.” She reiterated her commitment to fighting against systemic injustice and violence, stating, “I’ll use this to continue fighting state racist and gendered violence in all its forms.”
The judges commended McQuire’s work as one of “outstanding scholarly rigour and moral clarity,” noting its powerful indictment of systemic injustice and the urgent need for truth-telling within Indigenous scholarship.
In light of these events, Langbroek congratulated McQuire and the other award winners, highlighting the importance of Queensland’s literary sector in shaping cultural narratives, especially with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon.
This award ceremony highlights not only McQuire’s achievements but also the pressing matters of cultural representation and justice in Australia. The phrase used by McQuire, “from the river to the sea,” has ignited controversy, as some interpret it as antisemitic, while others see it as a call for freedom from occupation.
With the literary landscape in Queensland facing scrutiny and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, McQuire’s remarks resonate deeply, urging immediate attention to the voices that are often silenced.
As this story develops, it is crucial to monitor the reactions and implications within both the literary community and the broader social context.
