The Queensland Literary Awards were established on 4 April 2012 in response to Queensland Premier Campbell Newman’s decision to scrap the 2012 Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards. There was a public outcry and disbelief that literature was the first budget item to be scrapped by the new government. Bloggers ranted, journalists roared and volunteers rallied.

The QPLAs had been running since 1999 and had provided recognition for writers who often toil without reward. The awards had made an extraordinary difference to the careers of numerous Queensland and Australian writers.

Here's what some past winners have said:

“Winning this award quite literally changed my life. It was through this prize that I took my first steps as a professional writer. The prize money allowed me both time to work on the editing process for my first novel 'The Anatomy of Wings', as well as begin work on a new novel due out in 2013. My novel went on to sell internationally with major publishing houses.”  Karen Foxlee, winner of the 2006 Queensland Premier’s Literary Award Emerging Writers Award.

"There is, in my opinion, no award more vital to the development of literature in Queensland than the award for an Emerging Writer. It is the one award in the country that focuses on encouraging and developing a Queensland-based voice and, unlike many other awards offered nationally for unpublished work, it is an award that does not limit that voice to an age bracket or a genre. As writers we like to avoid cliche but, in this case, one stands true: it changed my life. It allowed me to call myself a writer." Nerida Newton, winner of the 2002 Queensland Premier’s Literary Award Emerging Writers Award

A small group from the literary and arts community quickly formed and decided to run the 2012 Queensland Literary Awards to ensure continued recognition of our writers and encouragement for readers. Harnessing technology and the power of social media, the group created a website almost overnight while the Facebook page attracted 1000 fans in less than a week. Calls for volunteers went out, and the project attracted people who knew what they were doing and got on with doing it.

More than 600 fabulous books and manuscripts have now been submitted, logged, distributed and are in the hands of the unpaid and highly appreciated judges. An awards event to honour writers in the 14 categories is scheduled for 4 September 2012.

The QLA Committee’s primary aim is to ensure the sustainability of a literary awards program beyond 2012. The Committee will be actively seeking public and private support to ensure the Awards have a future beyond 2012.

Media/Sponsorship

All enquiries regarding interviews and corporate sponsorship can be made to Claire Booth on 0409 597 007 or to [email protected]