The ASA is deeply concerned about a Code of Conduct provided to authors presenting at the Bendigo Writers Festival, just days before the festival was due to commence. As reported in several media outlets, over 50 writers and moderators withdrew from their scheduled events due to concerns about the code and restrictions imposed on free speech. As a result, many festival sessions over the weekend were cancelled, including the opening and closing nights.

The obligations imposed upon festival speakers in the Bendigo Writers Festival Code of Conduct are wide-ranging and inappropriate, particularly given that the presenters are independent contractors not employees of the Greater Bendigo Council, La Trobe University, or the Festival. These include: mandates on avoiding topics that could be considered divisive; restrictions on presenters sharing social media content that could ‘harm the Festival’s reputation or cause public concern’; and a requirement for La Trobe presents panellists – who are participating in non-university activities – to comply with highly selective speech guidelines. Presenters were also required to adhere to the City of Greater Bendigo policies and procedures, which total 99 documents.

While it is reasonable to expect professional standards of behaviour from authors conducting events, this situation represents another instance of overreach in codes of conduct for public appearances. Of particular concern is when sponsors of festival sessions seek to impose guidelines around appropriate and inappropriate speech. In a climate in which authors and illustrators are increasingly facing repercussions for communicating their views in public or in their work, this has a chilling effect – stifling the freedom of expression of creators. Authors are engaged by festivals precisely because of their expression of ideas. Authors’ professionalism should be respected. It is also unreasonable and disproportionate to require authors to read and adhere to over 100 policies for what might amount to a one-hour appearance.

We reiterate our stance: freedom of expression is a fundamental right. 

We feel deeply for all the creators who have been impacted by this situation, and those who have chosen to stand down from their events in solidarity. This cannot have been an easy decision to make, especially because festival appearances can represent vital income for creators, who earn on average just $18,200 per annum. These opportunities are particularly significant for regional writers and readers.

The ASA will write to Bendigo Writers Festival, Greater Bendigo Council, and La Trobe University to raise our objections. We will continue to oppose any efforts to restrict authors’ freedom of expression, as well as to monitor ongoing issues around the use of codes of conduct. 

We invite authors and illustrators who wish to discuss their concerns or need advice to contact us at [email protected] or through our Member Advice Service.