UPDATE: In a remarkable turn of events, Rick Morton and Michelle de Kretser have emerged as the winners of Australia’s prestigious Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, each receiving a staggering $80,000 for their acclaimed works. This announcement was made during the ceremony held at the National Library of Canberra on July 10, 2023, marking a significant moment in the Australian literary landscape.
Morton clinched the non-fiction prize for his eye-opening book, Mean Streak, which scrutinizes the controversial robo-debt scheme and its devastating impact on countless Australians. De Kretser, a celebrated author, won the fiction prize for the second time with her groundbreaking novel, Theory & Practice.
These awards, boasting a total prize pool of $600,000, are recognized as the richest literary accolades in Australia and offer tax-free winnings for recipients. The ceremony highlighted not only the winners but also the importance of literature in addressing pressing societal issues.
Morton, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to being on sabbatical in Paris, expressed a mix of humor and frustration over the political backdrop of his book. He remarked, “I’d have been on the first plane home to look [Scott Morrison] in the whites of his eyes,” referencing the former Prime Minister’s role in the controversial scheme he critiques. Morton’s examination of the robo-debt saga details how the government misled the public and caused immense harm to welfare recipients.
“A seventh-grader could have seen the problem,” Morton writes, highlighting the egregious flaws in the scheme.
The robo-debt scheme was implemented under Morrison’s watch, promising to save $1.5 billion but ultimately leading to a $1.8 billion payout to over 450,000 victims after it was deemed illegal. Morton meticulously laid out the sequence of events that resulted in this catastrophic failure, using innovative tools to connect the dots from the royal commission’s findings.
In her acceptance speech, De Kretser spoke candidly about the challenges of separating an artist’s work from their personal failings, particularly in relation to her examination of Virginia Woolf. Her novel, Theory & Practice, grapples with complex themes of identity and race, reflecting her own journey of understanding the contradictions within celebrated figures.
“It’s really important with artists of all kinds who turn out to be monsters in one way or another to acknowledge it,” De Kretser stated, emphasizing the need for critical engagement with literature.
As Australia celebrates these literary triumphs, both authors invite readers to reflect on the broader implications of their works. Morton’s sharp critique of governmental authority and De Kretser’s exploration of cultural identity resonate deeply in today’s sociopolitical climate.
The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards not only spotlight outstanding literary achievements but also serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling in promoting social justice and awareness. As the literary community looks forward to future conversations sparked by these works, the impact of Morton and De Kretser’s victories will undoubtedly inspire new discussions around literature’s role in society.
For those interested in the evolving landscape of Australian literature, keep an eye on upcoming releases and discussions surrounding these pivotal works that challenge the status quo.
