Writing Australia has 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 Awards recognise the exceptional contribution Australian writers, illustrators, poets and historians make to Australia’s cultural and intellectual life.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, whose work demonstrates the depth and diversity of Australian literature,” said Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP. “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.”
The winners were revealed at a ceremony at the National Library of Australia, Canberra, on Thursday 10 September 2026.
2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards – Winners:
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 & Djawundil Maymuru (Allen & Unwin)
Non-fiction:
The Red House by Kate Wild (Allen & Unwin)
Poetry
Two Hundred Million Musketeers by Ender Başkan (Giramondo Publishing)
Young adult literature:
Drift by Pip Harry (Hachette Australia)
“Australian writers have a remarkable breadth of talent. The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards highlights some of Australia’s best to the national stage,” said Minister for the Arts, The Hon Tony Burke MP.
“These remarkable books show Australian storytelling at its finest, illuminating our past, drawing us into lives beyond our own, and helping us imagine the world anew. Writing Australia is proud to celebrate the extraordinary craft and originality of this year’s winners,” said Director of Writing Australia, Wenona Byrne.
As Australia’s richest annual literary prize, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards offers a total tax-free prize pool of $600,000. Winners receive $80,000 per category, and up to four shortlisted entries in each category receive $5,000 tax-free.
For more information about the 2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, including winners and shortlisted authors, visit: www.creative.gov.au for details.
Image: The Southern Frontier | Rohan Howitt – courtesy of Melbourne University Publishing