Overview
- Friday’s program release lists Abdel‑Fattah for a March 28 conversation on her novel Discipline and a separate panel on racism, inequality and censorship.
- Premier Chris Minns criticised the booking as divisive but said he would not step in, adding his understanding that organisers will not withdraw the invitation.
- The ABC reports the NSW government contacted the festival board about her inclusion, and Arts Minister John Graham stressed social cohesion, opposition to blanket cancellations and zero tolerance for hate speech.
- NSW Liberal MLC Aileen MacDonald questioned in parliament whether the festival should retain its $250,000 state grant if Abdel‑Fattah appears.
- Festival director Rosemarie Milsom said Abdel‑Fattah was invited in August and that there was no government pressure to rescind, following Adelaide Writers’ Week’s disinvitation, subsequent cancellation and later apology with a 2027 invitation, as a separate rebel event also plans to feature her with Louise Adler.