SA premier ‘fundamentally opposed’ Randa Abdel-Fattah appearing at Adelaide writers’ week, letter to board shows

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Royce KurmelovsJanuary 18, 2026 at 08:24 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed his strong opposition to the inclusion of Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah in the 2026 Adelaide Writers' Week program. In a three-page letter dated January 2nd, addressed to the Adelaide Writers' Week board, Malinauskas conveyed his "deep concern" that the invitation to Abdel-Fattah had not been rescinded. While acknowledging he couldn't direct the board, the letter, made public by Adelaide's Sunday Mail, revealed the premier's fundamental disagreement with her participation. The letter highlights a conflict between the premier and the festival board regarding the author's presence at the event.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sunday Mail 40% South Australian 50% Adelaide ×260% Adelaide writers’ week ×270% Randa Abdel-Fattah ×280% Peter Malinauskas ×290%

Keywords

randa abdel-fattah 100% adelaide writers’ week 100% peter malinauskas 90% south australian premier 80% palestinian australian author 70% festival board 60% controversy 50% invitation rescinded 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

85%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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randa abdel-fattah adelaide writers’ week peter malinauskas south australian premier palestinian australian author festival board controversy invitation rescinded

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