Writing Australia has named the recipients of the 2025 Prime Minister's Literary Awards, which celebrate "the exceptional talents of emerging and established Australian writers, illustrators, poets, and historians." Each shortlisted author receives A$5,000 (about US$3,290), with the category winners getting A$80,000 (US$52,600) each. This year's winners are:
Australian History: Critical Care: Nurses on the Frontline of Australia's AIDS Crisis by Geraldine Fela
Children's Literature: Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas
Fiction: Theory & Practice by Michelle de Kretser
Nonfiction: Mean Streak by Rick Morton
YA literature: The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
Poetry: The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems by David Brooks
Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said: "This year's Prime Minister's Literary Awards highlight the remarkable breadth of talent in Australian writing. From deeply researched histories to works of poetry and fiction that challenge and inspire."
Writing Australia director Wenona Byrne commented: "The 2025 winners reflect the richness and diversity of Australian storytelling. Each of these works brings a unique perspective, whether it is giving voice to critical moments in our history, sparking imagination in young readers, or offering new ways to think about the world around us. Writing Australia is proud to support these writers and to celebrate their outstanding achievements."
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The shortlist has been selected for the Center for Fiction 2025 First Novel Prize. The winner will be announced December 9 at the Center's annual awards benefit. The winner receives $15,000, and each shortlisted author receives $1,000.
The shortlist:
We Pretty Pieces of Flesh by Colwill Brown (Holt)
The Devil Three Times by Rickey Fayne (Little, Brown)
Ibis by Justin Haynes (The Overlook Press)
Loca by Alejandro Heredia (Simon & Schuster)
Natch by Darrell Kinsey (University of Iowa Press)
Liquid by Mariam Rahmani (Algonquin Books)
Optional Practical Training by Shubha Sunder (Graywolf Press)