Latest news with #LaTrobe
AU Financial Review
18 hours ago
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Affinity issues RFP for non-bank lender ScotPac; beauty parade afoot
Hot on the heels of Brookfield bringing its non-bank lender La Trobe to the auction block, another private equity firm is seeing the exit light flashing. Street Talk understands pan-Asian Affinity Equity Partners has issued requests for proposal for its $100 million-plus pre-tax profit non-bank lender, Scottish Pacific. This is expected to place a juicy sell-side mandate in one bank's grasp.
Scoop
a day ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Lethal Nonsense: Antisemitism, Codes Of Conduct, And The Bendigo Writers Festival
Write, but do not offend. Speak and comment, but do not divide. Observe cruelties, barbarities and murder, yet refrain from having an opinion. This is the constipating, stifling regime being put in place via suggested codes of conduct for organisers of writer events in Australia. The object of this intellectual veiling: discussing the exterminating war in Gaza. Across the country, the straitjacket of forced social harmony is being applied. The Bendigo Writers Festival, being held in Victoria, Australia, is the latest case point, joining the Sydney Writers Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival, the Perth Writers' Weekend, the Sydney Opera House's All About Women and Adelaide Writers Week in the controversy league tables. Free speech and academic freedoms have come to be seen increasingly dangerous, necessitating the culling and silencing of ideas. While such events are rarely controversial and mostly tepid affairs, filled with the clubbable types who rarely bathe in the bracing waters of controversy, this year's event promised to be a bit different. Wars of liquidation and conquest are up for discussion, and the organising committee, the Greater Bendigo City Council, was worried. Add La Trobe University to the organisational mix, an institution that has a proven record in intellectual cowardice and managerial paranoia, then cracks are bound to appear in the edifice. On August 13, writers received an email from the organisers warning participants in La Trobe Presents panels that they adhere to the university's code of conduct. For those familiar with such vexing instruments, they are designed to preserve a fetid status quo approved by university politburos, concealing the mischief of a white-collar criminal class while punishing the curious and the questioning. The language used is almost always infantilising and demeaning, potty training for naughty types. Under the 'Inclusivity and Diversity' section of the code, those involved in the festival would have to comply 'with the principles espoused in La Trobe's Anti-Racism Plan, including the definitions of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the Plan.' The definition of antisemitism adopted by La Trobe is one approved by Universities Australia and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, high bastions of lexical, censoring lunacy: 'For most, but not all Jewish Australians, Zionism is a core part of their Jewish identity. Substituting the word 'Zionist' for 'Jew' does not eliminate the possibility of speech being antisemitic.' The code of conduct also notes the requirement to engage in the sedating atmosphere of 'respectful engagement': 'Avoid language or topics that could be considered inflammatory, divisive, or disrespectful.' Best not think too much, then. The potty training missive prompted a surge of indignant withdrawals, among them Randa Abdel-Fattah, Evelyn Araluen, Maddison Griffiths, Jacinta Le Plastrier, Jess Hill, Thomas Mayo, and Cher Tan. Abdel-Fattah's letter announcing her withdrawal from the event attacked the adopted definition as one that 'conflates anti-Zionism and antisemitism'. It also censored 'public debate on Israel's violations of international law' and 'directly infringes on my right to speak as a Palestinian as well as my freedom of speech and academic freedom'. The author also declared that she could not participate 'in any festival that asks me to endorse a framework that demands my self-censorship. At a time when journalists are being permanently silenced by Israel's genocidal forces, it is incomprehensible that a writers' festival should also seek to silence Palestinian voices.' Araluen also took issue with the infringing nature of the antisemitism definition. As a First Nations woman, she was obligated to speak out against oppression, 'which includes speaking out against Israel's ongoing UN defined genocide of the Palestinian people.' Hill, an investigative journalist, wondered why authors could be invited to speak if they were deemed unreliable agents of responsible debate. 'The message we're sending is if you try to restrict speech at a festival of ideas in the future, the very viability of our festival will be at risk.' A joint statement from Hill and authors Sonya Orchard and Kirstin Duncanson announcing their withdrawal from their scheduled event Not On, which would have discussed violence against women and children, argued that 'the Festival's newly issued Code of Conduct has made our participation impossible.' The Human Rights Law Centre was also approached by certain festival participants regarding the adopted antisemitism definition and their fears about its application. This prompted the body to seek 'urgent clarification' from the organisers as to how the provision within the code would be treated, notably on such topics as First Nations sovereignty, feminism and women' rights, statements accusing Israel of committing crimes against Palestinians and critiques of Zionism. On August 14, a spokesperson for the Bendigo Writers Festival provided a statement to Crikey professing its commitment 'to holding an event that engages in respectful debate, open minded discussion, and explores topical and complex issues.' Scrappy, cerebrally lethal terms such as 'safety and wellbeing' were to be emphasised as 'necessary'. Codes of conduct were useful points of reference 'to guide expectations for respectful discussion, particularly when exploring past and current challenging, distressing and traumatic world events.' Those withdrawing from the festival were breezily thanked 'for their initial willingness' to be involved, while the festival, albeit with an adjusted program, would continue. How fitting it would be if no one turned up.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Heartbreaking': Bendigo Writers Festival opens, barely, with dozens of events cancelled
'Primarily, our concern is about censorship and its immeasurable cost,' they said. 'We can't speak for the authors and their reasons, but nothing good ever results from silencing intelligent and engaged people who are speaking up against injustice. Complex conversations, such as those which occur at writers festivals, are crucial to addressing complex issues, locally and globally.' Since the release of the code, at least 34 writers have withdrawn from the festival. Twenty-one sessions have been cancelled, with ticket holders to be issued automatic refunds. High-profile departures include La Trobe history professor Clare Wright, who co-curated the La Trobe series within the festival, Overland editor and Stella Prize winner Evelyn Araluen, academic and author Randa Abdel-Fattah, and journalists and writers such as Jess Hill, Claire G. Coleman and Paul Daley. Wright said she had curated nine sessions for the La Trobe stream of the festival's program and was to have hosted the opening night gala and closing session, and appear on a panel discussing her own book, Ṉäku Dhäruk: The Yirrkala Bark Petitions, recently shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. Explaining her decision to withdraw, Wright said the fallout from the festival was a result of what happened when 'managerialism trumps morality'. 'I think this is what happens when arts and educational institutions are not prepared to stand on principle against the significant pressure from Zionist organisations and other conservative lobbyists and outlets,' she said. Wright, who is also a professor of history and professor of public engagement at La Trobe University, said there must be space for difficult conversations to be held at writers festivals and in places of higher education. 'The idea that you can risk-manage your way out of uncomfortable conversations when there is a genocide unfolding in real time, when violence against women is at epidemic proportions, when neo-Nazis are marching down our city streets, when we're in the grips of a climate catastrophe, when sovereignty was never ceded in settler colonies, these are all the difficult topics we can and must discuss, respectfully and lawfully, at writers festivals and in places of higher education.' Loading Graphic novelist and artist educator Ita Mehrotra proceeded with her Saturday session, which was not part of the La Trobe-sponsored stream. However, she has since withdrawn from a Sunday panel she was to have shared with three other authors. All four pulled out, prompting the festival to cancel the event. Mehrotra said she was deeply conflicted about participating but used her Saturday appearance to speak openly with attendees about the unfolding boycott. 'This kind of mass pullout isn't something I've seen [before],' she said. 'We need spaces that allow for dialogue, that allow for uncomfortable conversations … to not allow for that is heartbreaking. 'It sets the tone for how people are thinking and the culture of the space. You're going to crush dialogue. It's a bleak future if this is how things are.' Mehrotra added that authors and attendees shared a profound sense of disappointment about how events had unfolded. 'It's not on the authors, it's on a university having crushed this event,' she said. In the wake of Bookish's withdrawal, the store was flooded with customers on Saturday, many offering messages of support. 'Since publicising our decision, we have been overwhelmed with a wave of love and support from all over the country, with messages coming from authors, customers, human rights organisations, bookshops, industry organisations, and people we've never met,' the owners said. 'Obviously, it is a time of mixed emotions for Bookish as well as for the affected authors, but the overarching feeling in our shop today has been one of joy and solidarity. We are confident we made the right choice.' The owners said the festival was the bookshop's biggest weekend of the year and involved months of planning and extra work from their staff. 'It's a logistical nightmare, a huge amount of extra work, and a massive financial blow to a regional small business,' they said. 'To be frank, we'd rather cop the financial loss and fight the good fight.' La Trobe University defended its stance, stating that it was committed to fostering a culture that valued all forms of diversity. 'La Trobe University does not tolerate racism of any kind, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. La Trobe's commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech is consistent with our approach to creating safe environments for the free exchange of ideas,' a spokesperson said. 'Our Anti-Racism Action Plan, which includes a working definition of Islamophobia, was developed through extensive staff, student and community consultation, including of people with lived experience of racism.' On Saturday, Bendigo City Council confirmed that 26 sessions had gone ahead since the festival opened on Thursday, including several sold-out events.
The Age
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
‘Heartbreaking': Bendigo Writers Festival opens, barely, with dozens of events cancelled
'Primarily, our concern is about censorship and its immeasurable cost,' they said. 'We can't speak for the authors and their reasons, but nothing good ever results from silencing intelligent and engaged people who are speaking up against injustice. Complex conversations, such as those which occur at writers festivals, are crucial to addressing complex issues, locally and globally.' Since the release of the code, at least 34 writers have withdrawn from the festival. Twenty-one sessions have been cancelled, with ticket holders to be issued automatic refunds. High-profile departures include La Trobe history professor Clare Wright, who co-curated the La Trobe series within the festival, Overland editor and Stella Prize winner Evelyn Araluen, academic and author Randa Abdel-Fattah, and journalists and writers such as Jess Hill, Claire G. Coleman and Paul Daley. Wright said she had curated nine sessions for the La Trobe stream of the festival's program and was to have hosted the opening night gala and closing session, and appear on a panel discussing her own book, Ṉäku Dhäruk: The Yirrkala Bark Petitions, recently shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. Explaining her decision to withdraw, Wright said the fallout from the festival was a result of what happened when 'managerialism trumps morality'. 'I think this is what happens when arts and educational institutions are not prepared to stand on principle against the significant pressure from Zionist organisations and other conservative lobbyists and outlets,' she said. Wright, who is also a professor of history and professor of public engagement at La Trobe University, said there must be space for difficult conversations to be held at writers festivals and in places of higher education. 'The idea that you can risk-manage your way out of uncomfortable conversations when there is a genocide unfolding in real time, when violence against women is at epidemic proportions, when neo-Nazis are marching down our city streets, when we're in the grips of a climate catastrophe, when sovereignty was never ceded in settler colonies, these are all the difficult topics we can and must discuss, respectfully and lawfully, at writers festivals and in places of higher education.' Loading Graphic novelist and artist educator Ita Mehrotra proceeded with her Saturday session, which was not part of the La Trobe-sponsored stream. However, she has since withdrawn from a Sunday panel she was to have shared with three other authors. All four pulled out, prompting the festival to cancel the event. Mehrotra said she was deeply conflicted about participating but used her Saturday appearance to speak openly with attendees about the unfolding boycott. 'This kind of mass pullout isn't something I've seen [before],' she said. 'We need spaces that allow for dialogue, that allow for uncomfortable conversations … to not allow for that is heartbreaking. 'It sets the tone for how people are thinking and the culture of the space. You're going to crush dialogue. It's a bleak future if this is how things are.' Mehrotra added that authors and attendees shared a profound sense of disappointment about how events had unfolded. 'It's not on the authors, it's on a university having crushed this event,' she said. In the wake of Bookish's withdrawal, the store was flooded with customers on Saturday, many offering messages of support. 'Since publicising our decision, we have been overwhelmed with a wave of love and support from all over the country, with messages coming from authors, customers, human rights organisations, bookshops, industry organisations, and people we've never met,' the owners said. 'Obviously, it is a time of mixed emotions for Bookish as well as for the affected authors, but the overarching feeling in our shop today has been one of joy and solidarity. We are confident we made the right choice.' The owners said the festival was the bookshop's biggest weekend of the year and involved months of planning and extra work from their staff. 'It's a logistical nightmare, a huge amount of extra work, and a massive financial blow to a regional small business,' they said. 'To be frank, we'd rather cop the financial loss and fight the good fight.' La Trobe University defended its stance, stating that it was committed to fostering a culture that valued all forms of diversity. 'La Trobe University does not tolerate racism of any kind, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. La Trobe's commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech is consistent with our approach to creating safe environments for the free exchange of ideas,' a spokesperson said. 'Our Anti-Racism Action Plan, which includes a working definition of Islamophobia, was developed through extensive staff, student and community consultation, including of people with lived experience of racism.' On Saturday, Bendigo City Council confirmed that 26 sessions had gone ahead since the festival opened on Thursday, including several sold-out events.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Not a time for silence': More than 30 authors quit Bendigo Writers Festival
Bendigo Writers Festival has cancelled its opening night gala, hours out from the event, and a number of sessions have also been cancelled as the list of writers withdrawing from the event over free speech concerns continues to grow. On Wednesday, participants in the La Trobe University stream of the festival received a code of conduct, detailing what they can and can't say at the event. Since then, others in the line-up have been told the code would be in their festival pack when they arrived. Some 34 writers have now pulled out in protest, the latest group including Melanie Cheng, Jock Serong and Thomas Mayo. As reported on Thursday, La Trobe history professor Clare Wright, who co-curated the La Trobe series within the BMF, has also resigned, along with Overland editor and Stella Prize winner Evelyn Araluen and academic and author Randa Abdel-Fattah. Others include Jess Hill, Claire G. Coleman, Sonia Orchard, Daniel James, Fiona Stanley, Kirstin Ferguson, Michelle Scott Tucker, Kylie Mirmohamadi, Kate Larsen, Jaclyn Crupi, Cher Tan, Madison Griffiths, Kelly Gardiner, Sarah Firth, Rachel Ang, Bernard Caleo, Ita Mehrotra, Jonathan Butler, Jeanine Leane and journalist/author Paul Daley. Some have withdrawn in protest at being asked to sign the code of conduct; others in solidarity despite not being asked to sign themselves. The withdrawals are happening so rapidly the festival seemingly can't keep up. Events involving participants who have announced their withdrawal via social media still have those listed as active on the website. The code of conduct says participants are expected to engage in 'conversations that are inclusive, thoughtful, and welcoming to diverse perspectives. Avoid language or topics that could be considered inflammatory, divisive, or disrespectful'. 'Writers' festivals are meant to be the places where you can discuss sensitive issues – the other places are universities,' says one author who preferred not to be named. Kate Mildenhall, author of The Mother Fault, who has withdrawn, said the code of conduct impeded free and frank discussion. One of the questions she was going to raise at her session was 'How do you see censorship in literature playing out in the world at the moment?'.
