2026-01-12
Quotes attributable to acting leader of the Australian Greens and Arts spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:
"Premier Peter Malinauskas has created an enormous mess by putting political pressure on the Adelaide Festival Board. Now he needs to take responsibility and clean it up to save our festival and our state's reputation.
"Adelaide’s arts and festival brand is in tatters. With half the board, including the Chair, resigning it’s not just Adelaide Writers Week that’s at risk, but the entire Adelaide Festival.
"The Adelaide Festival is now on the brink of collapse and the Government needs to act urgently.
"Premier Peter Malinauskas must change course to stem the collapse of this beloved arts institution, and that must start with reinstating author Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah.
"Whether it is direct or indirect, there is no doubt political pressure has plunged the broader Adelaide Festival into crisis. And we need leadership now to save it.
"This will cost our state thousands of jobs, millions of dollars and unimaginable reputational damage.
"Without proper leadership from the SA Government, South Australia’s brand as the arts and festival state is at risk.
"What would Don Dunstan say? What would he say, to see South Australia’s arts community and reputation torn down by such political cowardice and shortsightedness?"
Quotes attributable to Greens Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:
“The collective public outrage and boycotting of the festival over the cancellation of Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah speaks volumes. This decision risks our reputation as a place of art, courage and challenge.
“This appalling decision by the Adelaide Festival Board, backed by the Premier, must be reversed. The Premier has questions to answer. What role did he play in undermining the independence of this significant event?”