Today January 18, 2026, 08:17 PM
Today January 18, 2026, 08:17 PM
Craig Silvey, a prominent Australian novelist, has been formally charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material following a police raid on his Fremantle home. The arrest occurred on 12 January 2026, and his electronic devices were seized by investigators. Silvey appeared before the Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday and did not enter a plea.
Police allege detectives found Silvey “actively engaging” online with other child exploitation offenders when executing the search warrant. He was charged under Western Australian law with possession and distribution of prohibited material.
Silvey was granted bail by the court with strict conditions but has not been convicted of any offence. A next court appearance is scheduled for 10 February 2026 as legal proceedings continue.
Major Australian booksellers, including Dymocks, Readings and QBD, have removed his works from sale in response to the charges. Publishers Allen & Unwin and Fremantle Press have paused promotional activities for his books.
Education authorities in multiple Australian states have instructed schools to remove Silvey’s novels from curricula while the allegations are before the courts. Government departments in Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia confirmed these decisions ahead of the 2026 school year.
Sources
The Guardian
9News
ABC News
Sky News
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