13 January 2026
The SA Greens have reiterated their calls for a review of the Writers’ Week fiasco following news that the festival will not be proceeding this year and called on the Government to provide financial support to those impacted.
“This is devastating news for all South Australians who value our state’s reputation as a leader in the arts and all those who work in the arts sector”, said Greens MLC Robert Simms.
“Writers’ Week is one of the jewels in the crown of Adelaide’s arts program. This will have a significant economic effect, particularly at a time where the state is already reeling from the economic impact of the algal bloom.”
“Last year, around 160,000 people attended Writers’ Week. The effects of axing this festival will be felt right across the arts sector and also by many city businesses. The Premier should consider a support package.”
“By inserting himself into programming decisions, the Premier opened the Pandora’s Box and unleashed catastrophe on Writers’ Week and the Adelaide Festival. This was a catastrophic error of judgement. This is his mess, and he needs to clean it up.”
“The Government must now urgently appoint an independent reviewer with expertise in the arts to examine what has occurred here and make recommendations for reform. This can never be allowed to happen again.”