Renowned author Craig Silvey, celebrated for his award-winning novels, is currently facing severe allegations that have led to the removal of his books from store shelves. These actions come in response to charges related to child exploitation that have been brought against him.

Silvey, aged 43, is best known for his acclaimed works like Jasper Jones, Runt, and Honeybee. His arrest occurred on Monday after authorities conducted a search at his residence in Fremantle.

The charges against Silvey include the possession and distribution of child exploitation material. Additionally, he has been accused of engaging in online discussions regarding his alleged interest in children.

During court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that Silvey has not granted detectives access to his electronic devices, refusing to disclose the necessary pin codes.

In light of these developments, Silvey’s publisher, Allen & Unwin, has announced a suspension of promotional activities related to his works, opting to await the outcome of the legal proceedings before proceeding further.

“We acknowledge this is an active police matter, and that Mr Silvey is entitled to procedural fairness and a presumption of innocence until the matter is dealt with by a court,” a spokesperson said.

“The nature of the allegations is deeply distressing. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all survivors of child exploitation and their families.”

Local publisher Fremantle Press confirmed it too would stop promoting Silvey’s book Rhubarb while the court process takes place.

“The alleged offences are shocking and abhorrent, and we acknowledge survivors of child exploitation and their families,” the publisher said.

“We acknowledge the presumption of innocence and the importance of procedural fairness, and will make no further comment until legal proceedings are complete.”

Dymocks and other major Australian book retailers have also pulled Silvey’s work from the shop floor.

Australian online bookseller Booktopia told 9News it was “working closely with the publisher regarding their plans and will continue to assess the situation”.

Silvey’s books Jasper Jones and Rhubarb will also be axed as suggested English and Literature texts for Year 11s and 12s in WA next year.

WA’s Education Minister Sabine Winton said the nature of the allegations against Silvey was “deeply concerning”.

“I have asked the Department of Education to ensure that schools cease using texts by Craig Silvey for the 2026 school year while the allegations are under investigation,” Winton said.

“Some students may have studied these texts in previous years. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority will not penalise Year 12 students who may refer to these texts in the 2026 ATAR Literature course examination.

Premier Roger Cook backed his frontbencher’s decision to suspend the texts from schools despite the fact allegations brought against Silvey are yet to be proven in court.

“Through an abundance of caution, the minister has done the right thing, which is to suspend those texts,” Cook said.

“In the context of the 2026 education year I support that decision. I think it’s an appropriate one.”

Teaching resources relating to Silvey’s book Runt have been withdrawn from circulation in Victoria, the department of education confirmed.

“Craig Silvey’s texts have been removed from the Victorian Lesson Plans, are not on any VCE English, VCE English as an Additional Language or VCE Literature lists, and his books will not feature in the 2026 Premier’s Reading Challenge,” a Victorian Department of Education spokesperson said.

Fans of Silvey’s writing have reacted strongly following news of the allegations, taking to social media with videos of them disposing of his books after he faced court yesterday.

Silvey was granted bail yesterday under strict conditions.

He has yet to plead to the charges.

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).