Langbroek repeatedly defended his decision, vowing to do so again “if it’s deemed necessary” and dismissing the resignations of 12 of the 34 judges for the literary awards’ more than $200,000 in prize money across 11 categories because “we will find other judges”.
What they said
“It’s such an honour to be here accepting the Queensland Literary Award for a work of state significance,” McQuire said in footage of her speech posted to social media, and reshared by McQuire herself.
“But I also can’t accept it without mentioning the significance of the state in the lives of blackfellas, not just historically, but in the continuing present.”
“Thank you for this recognition. I’ll use this to continue fighting state racist and gendered violence in all its forms, for the future of all of our people.”
“From the river to the sea – always was, always will be,” McQuire added, using a common combined refrain by supporters of First Nations and Palestinian rights across Australia to express solidarity between the groups.
Another perspective
In a statement announcing the winners on Friday night, judges described McQuire’s book as a work of “outstanding scholarly rigour and moral clarity”.
“Grounded in meticulous evidence, it offers a powerful indictment of systemic injustice and underscores the need for truth-telling,” they said. “This is a vital contribution to Indigenous scholarship and the national reckoning we so urgently need.”
In comments also included in the media release, Langbroek – who was briefed on the winners after judging was finalised – congratulated McQuire and the rest of those who took home prizes.
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“Queensland’s literary sector is part of a vibrant statewide arts and cultural scene, which will play a pivotal role in sharing our unique stories with the world in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond,” he said.
What you need to know
The full first half of the combined phrase used by McQuire (“from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”) is claimed by some to be antisemitic in nature and a call for the destruction of Israel.
