KPMG Ditches Writers' Fest Over Speaker Row

KPMG, a global accounting firm, has requested its removal as a corporate partner from the Sydney Writers' Festival website. This action was prompted by the festival's decision to feature Palestinian Australian academic Randa Abdel-Fattah in two sessions. KPMG confirmed that while they audit the company, they do not consider themselves a "partner," a distinction now reflected on the festival's site.

While not directly confirming if Abdel-Fattah's inclusion was the sole reason, a KPMG spokesperson acknowledged receiving calls expressing concern regarding the matter. In prior years, KPMG had been content with its "partner" designation. Abdel-Fattah's participation has been a contentious issue, having led to the disinvitation from Adelaide Writers' Week earlier in 2026, citing "cultural sensitivity."

This controversy intensified due to Abdel-Fattah's 2024 social media comments, including a statement about Zionists having no claim to cultural safety and a post wishing for Israel's end in May 2025. She also faced scrutiny for changing her profile picture after the October 7 attacks.

The Sydney Writers' Festival board had invited Abdel-Fattah before these controversies, and the festival's chief executive affirmed their stance against cancelling or censoring writers. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism, with some interpreting it as a "deliberate provocation" and a "middle finger to the Jewish community."

NSW officials have also expressed reservations, with the Premier calling Abdel-Fattah's inclusion a "head-scratcher." The NSW Arts Minister emphasized the need to "lower the temperature" of debate, suggesting that cancellations often exacerbate divisions rather than foster social harmony.