Shortlists announced for 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards
The shortlists for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards — the longest-running state funded Awards in the country — have just been announced, with 54 outstanding works by 60 authors and illustrators selected by 32 judges across 12 prize categories from 834 entries.
The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, established in 1979, were the first Premier’s Literary Awards to be offered in Australia. For 42 years these Awards have celebrated Australia’s best writers and played a pivotal role in fostering a rich and diverse literary culture across the state. Past winners have included such notable writers as Peter Carey, David Malouf AO, Elizabeth Jolley, Thomas Keneally AO, Helen Garner, Michelle de Kretser, Peter Polites, Michael Mohammed Ahmad and Ellen van Neerven.
NSW Minister for Arts John Graham said: “Through the power of words, writers ignite our imagination, inspire deep reflection, and transport us to both real and fantastical worlds. This Government has a long and proud history of supporting excellence in literature and history. The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards highlight the Government’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the outstanding achievements of Australian writers.”
According to State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon: “These prestigious Awards bring to the forefront the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and connect us all. We hope as many readers as possible take the opportunity to explore this impressive list of shortlisted works.”
The Awards are administered by the State Library of NSW in association with Create NSW and judged by an independent committee of writers, academics, critics and other sector professionals.
2024 Senior Judge Dr Bernadette Brennan commented: “Unsurprisingly a considerable number of this year’s shortlisted texts address the complexities of grief, trauma and the multitudinous effects of an ever-present past. The quality of writing, the range of voices, forms and stories, and often the sheer daring of these narratives, attest to the breadth and depth of Australia’s literary talent.”