Australian author Craig Silvey spotted in public for first time after being charged with child exploitation offences
Famous Australian author Craig Silvey dodged questions about his criminal case after making his first public appearance since being charged with child abuse offences.
Mr Silvey, author of the successful Australian young adult novels Runt, Jasper Jones and Honeybee, was charged with possession and distribution of child exploitation material after police searched his Fremantle home on January 12.
In a statement, WA Police said the man was found to be “actively interacting with other child abuse offenders online”.
“He was immediately arrested and his electronic devices were seized,” the statement said.
On Friday, 7News captured footage of the 43-year-old father of three making a police report as part of his bail conditions.
Mr Silvey refused to answer questions about whether he would defend the allegations as he hurriedly got into a black car and drove away.
He has not yet entered a plea and will appear at Fremantle Magistrates’ Court in February.
Mr. Silvey’s books have received critical acclaim, with Jasper Jones and Runt both being adapted into feature films and appearing in school curriculum sets.
The City of Subiaco council in Western Australia has previously offered an award to new writers called the Craig Silvey Award for Young Writers.
The city announced that the author will have no connection with the 2026 award.
“The City of Subiaco’s arrangements for the Young Writers Award are made on an annual basis. The City does not have an ongoing agreement with Craig Silvey,” said Mayor David McMullen.
Two of Mr Silvey’s publishers distanced themselves from the famous author following the accusations.
In a statement, Fremantle Press described the alleged crimes as shocking and disgusting and said they would stop promoting their books.
“In a close-knit community, this news impacts our writers, industry colleagues, booksellers, schools and readers. Fremantle Press stands ready to support through its usual creators’ contacts,” a spokesman said.
“Currently Fremantle Press has ceased promoting Craig Silvey’s Rhubarb and will do so whilst the court pursues legal process.
“We recognize the presumption of innocence and the importance of procedural fairness and will have no further comment until legal proceedings are completed.”
Allen & Unwin, the publisher of Mr Silvey’s latest book Runt, also confirmed it would halt promotion of the book.
A spokesman said: “The nature of the allegations is extremely distressing. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all the survivors of child abuse and their families.”
