Writing Australia has revealed the winners of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the richest literary prize in the nation. The awards celebrate the exceptional talents of emerging and established Australian writers, illustrators, poets, and historians.
“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,” said Minister for the Arts, The Hon Tony Burke MP. “These works remind us of the power of literature to shape how we see ourselves as a nation.”
The winners were celebrated at a ceremony on Monday 29 September at the National Library of Australia, Canberra hosted by Australian comedian, writer, actor, and television presenter, Alex Lee.
2025 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards – Winners:
Australian History:
Critical Care: Nurses on the frontline of Australia’s AIDS crisis by Geraldine Fela (Published by New South Publishing)
Children’s Literature:
Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press)
Fiction:
Theory & Practice by Michelle de Kretser (Text Publishing)
Non-fiction:
Mean Streak by Rick Morton (HarperCollins Publishing)
Young adult literature:
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland (Penguin Random House Australia)
Poetry:
The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems by David Brooks (University of Queensland Press)
“The 2025 winners reflect the richness and diversity of Australian storytelling,” said Wenona Byrne, Director, Writing Australia. “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.”
Both the winners and the shortlisted authors will share in a tax-free prize pool of $600,000, making it the richest literary prize in Australia. Each shortlisted entry will receive $5,000 with the winner of each category receiving $80,000.
For more information about the 2025 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, including winners and shortlisted authors, visit: www.creative.gov.au for details.
Image: Critical Care and Geraldine Fela – courtesy of New South Publishing