Prominent Australian author Craig Silvey has been charged with serious child exploitation offences following a police operation at his Fremantle home.
Arrest and Charges
Western Australia Police Force executed a search warrant at a property on Monday, 12 January 2026. Detectives allege they discovered a 43-year-old man, later identified as Silvey, actively engaging online with other suspected child exploitation offenders upon their arrival.
The force confirmed the man was arrested and his electronic devices were seized. He was subsequently charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material.
Court Appearance and Bail
Silvey appeared at Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. According to reports from Australia's Channel 9, the hearing took place in the afternoon.
The author did not enter a plea and was granted bail. He is due to return to court next month as the legal process continues.
Literary Career and Publisher's Response
Craig Silvey is best known for his acclaimed novel Jasper Jones. The book has sold more than half a million copies, is frequently part of school curriculums, and was adapted into a 2017 film starring Toni Collette.
The novel won the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year and was shortlisted for both the International Dublin Literary Award and the Miles Franklin Literary Award.
More recently, his 2025 children's book, Runt And The Diabolical Dognapping, was listed by publisher Allen & Unwin as Australia's number one best-selling children's book. It is a sequel to his 2022 novel Runt, which was also made into a film.
In a statement provided to Sky News, Allen & Unwin said: "Allen & Unwin is aware of serious charges brought against author Craig Silvey in Fremantle this week. The nature of the allegations is deeply distressing. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all survivors of child exploitation and their families."
The publisher acknowledged the matter is active and that Silvey is entitled to procedural fairness and a presumption of innocence. Given the gravity of the charges, the firm stated it would pause all promotional activity for Silvey's work while the legal process is underway.
