In a move that has sparked intense debate, global accounting giant KPMG has abruptly severed ties with the Sydney Writers' Festival, demanding its name be removed from the event’s website as a corporate partner. But here’s where it gets controversial: this decision comes just after Palestinian Australian academic and writer Randa Abdel-Fattah was confirmed as a speaker at this year’s festival. Is this a coincidence, or a direct response to her inclusion? Let’s dive in.
KPMG, which has provided auditing services to the festival at a discounted rate since 2023, clarified its stance through a spokesperson. They stated, ‘We are the auditor of the company, which we do not define as a ‘partner’. This is now reflected on their website.’ While the spokesperson stopped short of confirming whether Abdel-Fattah’s participation was the catalyst, they acknowledged that the company had received calls expressing concern over the issue. Interestingly, KPMG had previously been comfortable with being listed as a partner on the festival’s website in past years. So, what changed?
The Sydney Writers' Festival responded diplomatically, stating, ‘SWF has many wonderful partners and supporters, and we are grateful to all of them.’ Meanwhile, Abdel-Fattah’s involvement in literary events has become a lightning rod for controversy. Earlier this year, Adelaide Writers’ Week disinvited her from its program, citing ‘cultural sensitivity’ following a terror attack at Bondi Beach. This decision triggered a massive backlash, leading to the resignation of the board and the cancellation of the entire event. And this is the part most people miss: the objections to Abdel-Fattah’s inclusion often center around her social media posts, including a 2024 statement that ‘If you are a Zionist, you have no claim or right to cultural safety’ and another post declaring ‘May 2025 be the end of Israel.’ She also faced criticism for changing her profile picture to an image of a Palestinian paratrooper after the October 7 attacks, though she later clarified she was unaware of the death toll at the time.
The Sydney Writers' Festival board, however, has stood firm. Chief Executive Brooke Webb emphasized, ‘We are not in the business of cancelling or censoring writers.’ Yet, not everyone agrees. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, interpreted Abdel-Fattah’s inclusion as ‘a deliberate provocation and a middle finger to the Jewish community.’ Even NSW Premier Chris Minns described her participation as a ‘head-scratcher’ and ‘crazy.’
Amid the turmoil, NSW Arts Minister John Graham called for cooler heads, urging stakeholders to ‘lower the temperature’ of the debate. He argued that cancelling events often exacerbates divisions rather than fostering harmony. ‘Everyone can play a part in that, including our cultural institutions and events,’ he said. ‘We’ve been working closely with Jewish leaders and the cultural sector to ensure Jewish arts and culture lovers feel welcome.’
But here’s the bigger question: In an era where art and politics increasingly collide, where do we draw the line between free expression and cultural sensitivity? Should institutions like KPMG distance themselves from events that feature controversial figures, or does this set a dangerous precedent for censorship? And what does this mean for the future of literary festivals as spaces for open dialogue?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to be had.
