OBSERVER: Literary Awards winners
Writing Australia announced the winners of the 2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, celebrating six outstanding books that reflect the breadth, skill and vitality of Australian storytelling.
The winners were revealed at a ceremony at the National Library of Australia, Canberra, on Thursday (Sep. 10).
The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognise the exceptional contribution Australian writers, illustrators, poets and historians make to Australia’s cultural and intellectual life.
Australian History
The Southern Frontier by Rohan Howitt (Melbourne University Publishing)
Children’s Literature
Song of a Thousand Seas by Zana Fraillon (University of Queensland Press)
Fiction
A Piece of Red Cloth by Leonie Norrington, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Djawa Burarrwanga and Djawundil Maymuru (Allen and Unwin)
Non-fiction
The Red House by Kate Wild (Allen and Unwin)
Poetry
Two Hundred Million Musketeers by Ender Baskan (Giramondo Publishing)
Young adult literature
Drift by Pip Harry (Hachette Australia)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, whose work demonstrates the depth and diversity of Australian literature.
“Our stories connect us across generations, cultures and communities, and allow the world to see Australia through Australian eyes.
“My Government is proud to support the writers, illustrators, poets and historians whose creativity makes such an important contribution to Australia.”
Arts Minister Tony Burke said: “Australian writers have a remarkable breadth of talent. The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards highlights some of Australia’s best to the national stage.”
Director of Writing Australia, Wenona Byrne, said: “These remarkable books show Australian storytelling at its finest, illuminating our past, drawing us into lives beyond our own.”